Downtown Rebuild Timeline Extends; Council Advances $100M Bonds and Rental Rules
McKinney, TX – March 28, 2026 – Downtown construction stretches to 2028 as council advances $100M in bonds and tightens short-term rental rules.
McKinney’s growth agenda moved forward this month with major infrastructure funding, new housing regulations, and an extended timeline for downtown reconstruction.
Downtown Rebuild Now Expected Through 2028
City leaders shared updated projections this week showing downtown street and utility reconstruction will likely continue into late 2028.
The first phase of road, sidewalk, drainage, and underground utility work is now expected to stretch into late 2027, followed by a second phase carrying the project another year. Officials say aging infrastructure cannot support long-term growth, particularly as redevelopment accelerates around the historic square.
Demolition of select city-owned buildings is scheduled to begin in April, and early planning is underway for a future parking garage to offset expected disruptions.
$100 Million in Bonds Approved
At its March 17 meeting, McKinney City Council approved plans to issue $75 million in general obligation bonds and $25 million in water and sewer bonds.
The funding will support street improvements, public safety facilities, parks, and expanding utility infrastructure. The move reflects continued population growth and rising service demands across the city.
Infrastructure tied to water and sewer capacity remains a priority as new residential and commercial development moves forward citywide.
Short-Term Rental Registration Takes Effect
Earlier this month, council members also approved a new registration requirement for short-term rentals such as Airbnb-style properties.
The ordinance is designed to improve tracking of hotel occupancy taxes and identify operators within city limits. Supporters say it creates clearer oversight as housing demand and neighborhood concerns evolve.
Workforce and Education Snapshot
New regional health and demographic data shows roughly 78% of adults in the McKinney area have some form of post-secondary education — well above state and national averages. Leaders frequently point to workforce strength as a driver of continued economic development and business recruitment.
Together, the latest decisions signal a city investing heavily in infrastructure while tightening policy around housing and long-term growth management.
Sources
https://www.reddit.com/r/McKinney/comments/1s31l2p/mckinney_downtown_construction_timeline_now/
https://www.reddit.com/r/McKinney/comments/1rwvlma/mckinney_approves_100_million_in_bonds_for/
https://www.reddit.com/r/McKinney/comments/1rmja23/mckinney_city_council_approves_requirement_for/
https://salud.bswhealth.com/-/media/project/bsw/sites/bswhealth/documents/about/community-health-needs-assessments/chna-2025/2025-mckinney-chna-report.pdf
