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McKinney Community Development Corporation · July 23, 2026
MCDC Backs Grants, Park Funding, And 2027 Budget
McKinney Community Development Corporation members moved through a packed July 23 meeting, approving a long list of promotional grants, backing the city parks department’s funding request, and advancing MCDC’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget. The meeting also brought updates on major park work, airport expansion, downtown projects, and two grant requests that could return for final votes later.
Promotional Grants Spread Across City Events
MCDC approved 15 promotional and community event grants after hearing recommendations from its review subcommittee. The grants support 2026 and 2027 marketing for festivals, performances, holiday events, arts programming, and community gatherings. For residents, that means city-backed help for events that could continue drawing crowds to downtown, Towne Lake, Chestnut Square, TUPPS, Myers Park, and other local venues.
Heritage Guild Gets Reduced Award
The board approved $11,500 for the Heritage Guild of Collin County, below the $15,000 request, to advertise and promote 2026 events at Chestnut Square. The funding could help keep one of McKinney’s best-known historic sites visible to both locals and out-of-town visitors.
Library Reopening Grant Fully Funded
The McKinney Public Library Foundation received the full $5,500 it requested for advertising and promotion tied to the grand reopening of the Roy and Helen Hall Library and Planetarium. That could help boost attendance when the facility reopens and remind residents about the library’s expanded role as both an education and gathering space.
Asian Festival Wins Partial Support
MCDC approved $11,500 for Texas Women Society’s 2026 McKinney Asian Festival, short of the $15,000 request. The event could continue adding another large cultural draw to the city’s calendar while giving residents more chances to experience food, performances, and traditions from across Asia close to home.
Arts Documentary Award Trimmed
The Art Club of McKinney received $6,000 of its $13,739 request for a McKinney arts documentary film and related promotion for 2026 and 2027 events. The scaled-back grant still gives support to a project aimed at showcasing local artists and the city’s broader arts scene.
MillHouse Exhibits Get Marketing Help
MillHouse Foundation was awarded $7,500 of its $12,000 request for promotion of 2026-2027 Atrium Gallery exhibits at The Cotton Mill. The grant could help keep the Cotton Mill in front of visitors and residents as a steady arts destination.
Concert Association Receives $6,500
The McKinney Community Concert Association won $6,500 of a $10,000 request for promotion of its 2026-2027 season, which includes six productions. That support may help keep more live music and stage programming on the calendar for local audiences.
Día De Los Muertos Grant Approved
The McKinney Chamber of Commerce received $10,000, less than the $15,000 requested, for promotion of the 2026 Día de los Muertos celebration. The funding could help grow one of the city’s cultural events and bring more foot traffic to businesses during the celebration.
Parade Of Lights Gets $9,220
MCDC approved $9,220 for the McKinney Rotary Foundation’s 2026 Parade of Lights, below the $15,000 request. Board Chair George Fuller recused himself from that vote because he is a Rotary member. The event remains one of downtown’s biggest holiday draws and could again bring heavy visitor traffic to local shops and restaurants.
Run For Hope Award Lands At $5,000
Sanchez Charities, doing business as Run for Hope, received $5,000 of its $10,500 request for promotion of the 2026 Run for Hope: Walk in Unity at Towne Lake Park. The event could add another community-focused gathering at one of the city’s busiest public spaces.
McKinney Repertory Theatre Gets $10,000
The board approved $10,000 for McKinney Repertory Theatre, short of its $13,190 request, to market 2026-2027 performances. That backing comes as the group continues programming during the Courtyard Theater renovation, which may help keep audiences engaged until the downtown venue reopens.
Oktoberfest Receives Full Request
McKinney Main Street received the full $15,000 requested for promotion of 2026 McKinney Oktoberfest. Full funding signals continued support for one of the city’s biggest annual downtown events, which typically boosts business traffic and hotel stays.
Rooted In Rhythm Gets Partial Funding
Millennial Maven Creative Foundation was awarded $7,000 of its $15,000 request for the 2026 Rooted in Rhythm event. While reduced, the grant still gives support to a newer event that could help broaden the city’s festival lineup. |
