Summer has been anything but slow in McKinney. From groundbreaking ceremonies and infrastructure milestones to national conferences and innovation spotlights, there’s a lot happening across our community. In this issue, we’re sharing updates on the Venu project, new leadership at MEDC, big wins from Innovation Unwind, and exciting movement at the airport. You’ll also find the latest development data, event recaps, and what’s ahead as we continue to position McKinney as a hub for business, innovation, and opportunity.
Big Changes Are Taking Off at McKinney National Airport
McKinney is entering a new chapter in its aviation journey. McKinney National Airport (TKI), which has long served corporate and general aviation, is officially preparing to welcome commercial air travel. With construction on a new passenger terminal set to begin in June 2026, the city is preparing for a future filled with nonstop flights, increased connectivity, and strong economic growth.
The new terminal will be 46,000 square feet and located on the east side of the airport. It is designed to include four commercial gates when it opens, with the ability to expand to six as demand grows. Inside the terminal, travelers will find spacious waiting areas, food and beverage options, rental car services, and a ramp that can accommodate aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. The design, created by the firm Corgan, emphasizes flexibility and long-term potential.
This project represents more than just physical expansion. It is a strategic investment in McKinney’s future. After voters rejected a $200 million bond in 2023, city leaders pursued a creative and sustainable funding plan. The terminal will now be funded through a combination of sales-tax revenue bonds, tax increment reinvestment funds, federal and state grants, low-interest infrastructure loans, and airport-generated revenue from parking, concessions, and facility use.
Several airlines have already shown strong interest in bringing nonstop service to McKinney. While specific carriers have not been named, airport leaders anticipate three to five daily flights once service begins. The terminal is expected to serve approximately 200,000 passengers per year at launch and has the capacity to grow to more than one million annual travelers over time.
The economic impact is expected to be significant. The airport currently generates nearly $300 million in annual economic activity. With the addition of commercial service, that number could rise to over $700 million each year, creating new opportunities for local businesses, hospitality, and job growth.
To support this growth, McKinney has secured nearly $22 million in funding from the Texas Department of Transportation. These grants will allow the airport to improve taxiways and expand airfield infrastructure on the east side, ensuring that both commercial and general aviation operations can thrive.
Leadership for this expansion is being provided by Airport Director Kenneth Carley and Deputy Director Jeff Patterson. The city has also brought on Swinerton Builders as the pre-construction contractor to lead the development process. Construction will begin next summer, with terminal completion expected by late 2026.
Once the first commercial flights take off, they will represent more than just travel options. They will symbolize McKinney’s continued growth and its emergence as a key destination in the region.
VENU - McKinney’s Sunset Amphitheater Takes Center Stage
On a radiant June 13, 2025, McKinney celebrated a major milestone as dignitaries, developers, sponsors, and music fans joined for a vibrant groundbreaking ceremony at the future site of the Sunset Amphitheater . Merging artistry and ambition, the event marked the launch of a transformative $300 million project designed to redefine live entertainment in North Texas.
Developed by VENU in partnership with the City of McKinney, McKinney Economic Development Corporation, and McKinney Community Development Corporation, the amphitheater is being built on 46 acres at the northeast corner of US 75 and SH 121 . VENU’s Founder and CEO J.W. Roth voiced a shared excitement: “We’re going to build the most luxurious, fully seated, multi-configuration, multi-seasonal venue in history, right here in McKinney” .
The night sparkled with live musical performances as legendary Texas artists Robert Earl Keen and Evan Felker entertained guests during the ceremony . Attendees included outgoing Mayor George Fuller, Mayor-elect Bill Cox, members of MEDC and MCDC, and other community leaders who all praised the project’s potential to elevate McKinney on the cultural map .
When completed in 2026, the amphitheater will seat 20,000 for main concerts and offer a cozier 5,000-seat configuration for winter events complete with heated floors . The venue will feature 295 private fire-pit suites, of which over 250 are already sold, and the upscale Aikman Club—an exclusive members-only lounge crafted in partnership with NFL Hall of Famer Troy Aikman .
A striking canopied roof with climate-control systems will ensure year-round comfort, while the facility’s infrastructure includes over 5,000 parking spaces spread across multi-level garages . Designed to host approximately 70 events annually, the amphitheater aims to be McKinney’s cultural flagship .
Economically, the venue is projected to generate more than $3 billion in impact over its first decade, creating 1,300+ jobs and fueling local tourism, small businesses, and public services .
When doors open in 2026, the Sunset Amphitheater will stand not only as an entertainment destination but as a testament to the city’s forward momentum.
Love Where You Live: Collin County Named Best Place To Live In Texas
Collin County has earned the top spot as the best place to live in Texas, according to a new ranking by Niche. The list evaluates factors such as public schools, housing, job opportunities, diversity, and overall quality of life. With excellent school districts, a strong local economy, low crime rates, and a growing mix of amenities, Collin County continues to set the standard for livability in the state.
This recognition reinforces what many already know—Collin County, including communities like McKinney, offers a high quality of life for families, professionals, and businesses alike. As the region grows, its reputation as a vibrant, welcoming, and opportunity-rich place continues to shine on both the state and national level.
Our Team has Grown!
The McKinney Economic Development Corporation is proud to welcome three outstanding professionals to our growing team:
Troy Billett has joined the MEDC team our new Project Manager for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Troy brings an exceptional background in venture capital, startup incubation, and operational leadership that directly supports MEDC’s growing innovation ecosystem and aligns with our strategic pillars around startup support, target industry growth, and economic impact.
Paula Date brings with her more than 10 years of economic development experience from her time with the City of Plano, where she led initiatives in incentive compliance, project management, economic agreements, and data-driven analysis. Prior to that, she spent 12 years in the financial industry with JPMorgan Chase, sharpening her skills in client engagement, financial operations, and strategic planning.
Erick Rodriguez brings a solid foundation in business intelligence, data analytics, and systems integration to the team. In his previous role as a Business Intelligence Analyst, he led client consultations and delivered customized analytics solutions and interactive dashboards that enabled strategic decision-making across departments including finance, logistics, IT, and operations. His experience also spans data governance, database performance tuning, and automating data workflows to improve efficiency.
J.W. Marriot Moves Forward at Craig Ranch
McKinney’s development momentum continues with the announcement of a new JW Marriott luxury hotel. The $150 million project will feature 283 rooms, a 23,000-square-foot conference center, a rooftop bar, and a full-service spa, bringing high-end hospitality to the heart of the city.
Developed by Gatehouse Capital and managed by Marriott International, the hotel will be built next to the upcoming Sunset Amphitheater, creating a vibrant entertainment and lodging destination. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.
This project marks another exciting step in McKinney’s growth as a premier location to live, work, and visit.
PGA Tour Partnership Extended in McKinney
McKinney will remain home to one of professional golf’s biggest events as the city and TPC Craig Ranch have extended their partnership with the PGA Tour to host the CJ Cup Byron Nelson through 2029.
Since moving to McKinney in 2021, the tournament has brought top-tier golf and national attention to the city, along with significant economic and community impact. The extension ensures continued visibility for McKinney on the global stage and strengthens its reputation as a destination for major sporting events.
The City of McKinney Annual Development Report
The Annual Development Report is now available! This showcase the growth and diversity of projects across our community.
$500 million investment into McKinney!
A $500 million investment is coming to McKinney. Encore Wire Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Prysmian, has officially broken ground on its new medium-voltage cable production facility. It has been an honor to work alongside their team over the past few months to help bring this project to life.
Nearly one year ago, Prysmian acquired Encore Wire, and as VP of Production Troy Skidmore said, “this hasn’t just been an acquisition, but a true partnership.”
We are incredibly grateful for Prysmian’s continued investment in Encore Wire and what it represents for the City of McKinney and the region. A few highlights of this milestone include:
A 650,000-square-foot medium voltage (MV) facility
More than 120 new jobs created through the MV facility
A planned $500 million investment over the next five years, starting with this project and more on the horizon
Encore Wire began operations in McKinney in 1989 with 69,000 square feet and now occupies over 3.5 million square feet across 460 acres. Their growth and commitment to the community have been nothing short of remarkable.
This groundbreaking event also marked Mayor Bill Cox’s first official community engagement as mayor, making it a memorable day for McKinney on multiple fronts.
Tupps Brewery Named Best Brewery In Texas By Texas Travel Awards
McKinney’s own TUPPS Brewery has been named the Best Brewery in Texas in the 2024 Texas Travel Awards. Recognized for its innovative beers, vibrant atmosphere, and strong community presence, TUPPS stood out among breweries across the state.
Located at the historic McKinney grain site, the newly expanded TUPPS campus includes a taproom, beer garden, food vendors, and frequent live events. This win highlights not only TUPPS’ creative brewing but also McKinney’s growing reputation as a destination for culture, craft, and quality experiences.
Innovation Unwind - Next One August 24th
Formerly known as Tech and Trucks, Innovation Unwind is a quarterly gathering that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders to foster collaboration and growth within McKinney’s innovation ecosystem.
The event this week was a tremendous success. Nearly 100 founders, funders, and community partners came together at the new McKinney City Hall for an evening filled with connection, networking, and inspiration.
We continue to work hard to cultivate a thriving ecosystem here in McKinney, and the momentum is becoming more evident with each event. Thank you to City Manager Paul Grimes, the dedicated city staff, and TriNet for sponsoring this quarter’s gathering. Your support helps make events like this possible.
Innovation Fund Global Awareness
Our team has been all over the globe this summer, promoting the Innovation Fund, building relationships with investors, and exploring partnerships with organizations supporting startups entering the U.S. market.
London Tech Week 2025
Held June 9–11 at Olympia London (with fringe events through June 13), the event drew over 45,000 attendees from more than 90 countries, including 5,000 startups and 1,000 investors. The UK emphasized its ambition to treat AI as national infrastructure, supported by public-private collaboration and a strong focus on ethical and sustainable development. While momentum was high, conversations also surfaced concerns about capital retention and growing dependence on Big Tech.
Viva Technology 2025
From June 11–14 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, VivaTech welcomed approximately 180,000 visitors and 14,000 startups from 170 countries, marking its most successful year to date. The event reinforced its role as Europe’s flagship innovation conference, with a focus on digital sovereignty and AI-driven transformation. Strategic themes included tech for good, sustainability, and scaling Europe’s startup ecosystem.
Web Summit Vancouver 2025
Taking place May 26–30 in Vancouver, British Columbia, the inaugural Web Summit Vancouver drew over 15,000 attendees from 117 countries. The event spotlighted North America’s evolving tech hubs beyond Silicon Valley, with a strong emphasis on cross-border startup mobility, AI governance, and early-stage investment. Conversations centered on international expansion, talent development, and fostering inclusive innovation ecosystems.
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