The McKinney City Council held a regular meeting on August 5, 2025, focusing on the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, a critical five-year strategy required for federal funding through the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The meeting began with Sharlita Best, the Community Services Administrator, introducing the plan's presentation by Davila Bueno, an economist from Root Policy Research.

Bueno outlined the purpose of the Consolidated Plan, which aims to assess housing and community development needs, particularly for low- and moderate-income populations. The plan is due for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by August 16, 2025. The anticipated funding for the upcoming fiscal year is approximately $1.2 million, primarily from CDBG, with a smaller portion from HOME.

Key findings from the needs assessment revealed a significant rental gap in McKinney, with an estimated 4,200 units needed for households earning less than $35,000 annually. The data indicated that 86% of rental units exceed $1,250 per month, making them unaffordable for many residents. The discussion highlighted the urgent need for affordable housing solutions, including tenant-based rental assistance and increased housing vouchers.

Community engagement efforts included stakeholder focus groups and an open house, which garnered substantial attendance. A resident survey is currently open until August 10, 2025, to gather further input on housing needs.

During the public comment segment, several community members emphasized the necessity for affordable housing, particularly for those at or below 30% of the area median income (AMI). Ellen Magnus, CEO of Family Gateway, and Lee Stark from the Wellness Center for Older Adults shared personal stories illustrating the challenges faced by low-income families and seniors in securing affordable housing.

Council members engaged in discussions about the need for targeted strategies to address the housing crisis, particularly for the most vulnerable populations. A motion to approve the resolution for the Consolidated Plan was made and unanimously adopted by the council.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing the pressing housing needs in McKinney, with plans to present further outcomes to the council in October. The council's proactive approach aims to ensure that resources are effectively allocated to support affordable housing initiatives and related services in the community.