McKinney embraces affordable housing as a strategic priority to promote workforce stability, community health, and sustainable growth

In partnership with community and business leaders, an inaugural McKinney Affordable Housing Summit will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the MISD Community Event Center (4201 S. Hardin Blvd., McKinney, TX 75070).

The summit will bring together employers, developers, policymakers, and housing advocates to explore innovative solutions to workforce housing challenges and build strategic partnerships that support McKinney’s continued growth.

Hosted by McKinney Front Porch (McKinney’s Affordable Housing Task Force) alongside the City of McKinney, McKinney Chamber of Commerce, McKinney Community Development Corporation, and the McKinney Housing Authority, the summit will highlight how collaborative housing strategies can strengthen the local economy, support workforce stability, and enhance quality of life for residents.

Registration for the summit is now open. The registration fee is $50, and nonprofit organizations may request a discount code.

Register here.

Building partnerships to support McKinney’s workforce

As McKinney continues to experience rapid economic and population growth, ensuring access to attainable housing for the local workforce is increasingly critical. The summit will focus on building partnerships between the public sector, private employers, and housing developers to create sustainable housing opportunities for employees who contribute to the city’s economic vitality.

Affordable housing solutions can significantly improve workforce retention and recruitment by reducing commute times, increasing housing stability, and helping employees live closer to where they work. Through collaborative initiatives, businesses and developers may also gain access to incentives and support from the City of McKinney to help bring workforce housing projects to life.

Participating employers may also have opportunities to offer priority access to housing developed through these partnerships, helping companies support their workforce while strengthening the local community.

Summit Program highlights

The summit will feature keynote presentations, expert panels, and interactive discussions focused on innovative housing solutions, policy insights, and practical strategies for employers and developers.

Affordable Housing Forum

McKinney Mayor Bill Cox, will open the event with remarks on the importance of addressing workforce housing needs as part of McKinney’s economic development strategy.

Affordable Housing Update & Needs Assessment
Margaret Li, Director of Housing and Community Development for the City of McKinney, will present the city’s Affordable Housing Needs Assessment and Recommendations, including a live audience survey to gather community input.

Legislative outlook

Felicity Maxwell, Executive Director of Texans for Housing, will provide an overview of the current legislative landscape and its potential impact on housing affordability across Texas.

Keynote address

The summit keynote will be delivered by Cullum Clark, Director of the Bush Institute–SMU Economic Growth Initiative, who will discuss the economic importance of workforce housing and strategies employers can adopt to support housing solutions for their employees.

Innovation and Employer Panels

Affordable Housing Innovation Panel
Moderator: Amanda Rock, Founder & Executive Director, Tiny Pocket Communities
Panelists: Lance Thrailkill (Print3D Technologies), Lana Cook (PreFabLogic Engineering), Janet Collinsworth (Jericho Village / Agape Resource & Assistance Center)

Employer & Developer Panel

Moderator: Michael Kowski, President and CEP, McKinney Economic Development Corporation
Panelists: James Craig (Craig International), Robert Monts (Encore Wire), Kim Parker (Palladium USA), Joann Coronado (Texas Workforce Commission)

Making projects a reality panel

Moderator: Kathryn McGill
Panelists: Nick Walsh (NRP Group), Will Henderson (Carleton Companies), Swede Hanson (Communities Foundation of Texas), Larshá Thomas (SouthState Bank)

Summit closing remarks

Ashlea Quinonez, Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will deliver closing remarks emphasizing the importance of cross-sector collaboration in expanding housing opportunities.

New housing assessment resources

City of McKinney Root Policy Affordable Housing: Needs Assessment and Recommendations Update was presented the during a Feb. 17 2026 McKinney City Council work session.

McKinney ISD Demographic Housing Report

About the City of McKinney, Texas

McKinney, the county seat of Collin County, is a rapidly growing city in North Texas located approximately 30 miles north of Dallas. With a population exceeding 200,000, it is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and is recognized for its strong economy and historic downtown.

The city continues to prioritize the availability of affordable and workforce housing to support its growing population and economic stability.

Contact City of Mckinney’s Housing and Community Development Director - Margaret Li mli@mckinneytexas.org for more information on working with the city.