George Fuller, Mayor, City of McKinney
In an interview with Invest:, George Fuller, mayor of the City of McKinney, highlighted achievements like pursuing commercial passenger service at the airport, the Byron Nelson commitment extension, and new projects along major corridors. Exciting developments have made McKinney thrive, the mayor lamented.
What have been some of the key highlights and achievements for your office and McKinney in the past year?
We are actively pursuing commercial passenger service at our thriving general aviation airport in McKinney, TX. Engaging with legacy airlines and the FAA, this transformative project will bring significant economic benefits, including an estimated annual economic output of nearly a billion dollars and the creation of thousands of jobs. Additionally, we are excited to announce the extension of the Byron Nelson commitment to our city for several more years. Numerous new projects along our major corridor are underway, including the opening of a first-class, eight-story office building that is currently leasing up. It has been an eventful year with exciting and impactful developments.
Why is McKinney an ideal location for businesses?
We have a highly educated workforce, and Collin College plays a significant role in our area. While McKinney is home to major employers like Raytheon, Encore, and Globe Life, our geographic advantage truly attracts people. We are located near DFW Airport and Love Field, both bustling transportation hubs offering extensive travel opportunities for both business and leisure. Our school district, unique topography, historic downtown, commitment to open spaces, parks, and family-friendly environments, as well as our focus on cultural arts and music, contribute to the exceptional quality of life in McKinney. We have planned this community with great care, ensuring a small-town charm while being connected to thriving metro areas and international transportation. It’s an ideal place to live and work, offering a superb quality of life and access to a talented workforce.
What is the city’s most significant challenge considering factors like cost of living, rising home prices, inflation, and interest rates?
Our biggest challenge lies in the cost of living. Two years ago, we boasted a highly competitive cost of living compared to other major metro areas, particularly on the West and East Coasts. However, the price of homes in our community and region has experienced a significant increase. This challenge is not unique to us but is faced by many cities, including those in North Texas. Inflation and interest rates have impacted us similarly to others.
What are the demographics of the city and who is most impacted by this vibrant community?
The median age of McKinney is around 35, reflecting a relatively young population. Compared to 30 years ago when I first moved here, the city has experienced a shift toward a younger demographic. With the addition of amenities, a revitalized downtown and entertainment districts, McKinney has attracted more families and contributed to a lower median age.
What specific sectors or industries is the city targeting?
We have dedicated significant effort to technology in recent years. Our focus is on becoming a smart city and ensuring fiber connectivity reaches every corner of McKinney. Through our Economic Development Corporation, we have established an innovation fund to support young and established technology firms, providing them with synergistic relationships, affordable rent, and incentives to foster growth. We have attracted successful financial industry businesses, such as Independent Financial, investing over $100 million in their national headquarters. Additionally, we are actively pursuing opportunities in the entertainment industry, including a confidential billion-dollar project that requires a robust fiber network. Our commitment to technology extends to our airport as well, recognizing its role in corporate location decisions, as exemplified by Toyota’s choice to establish its fleet here.
What partnerships does the city have in place for workforce development with the Community College, Chamber of Commerce, and others?
We have established a valuable partnership with our Community College, and together we are working on various programs. One significant initiative is the development of a remote campus on the airport grounds, where the college will offer aeronautical occupation training and hands-on experience. They have recently introduced a four-year nursing degree program and are also developing an engineering program. We are proud to contribute to their campus expansions and collaborate closely with them. We recognize the importance of expanding educational opportunities, including vocational and trade programs, to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. From welders to other non-degreed high-paying labor roles, we aim to provide the necessary skills and education within our community.
What are the top priorities for economic development, community growth, and creating a business-friendly environment in the city?
Our top priority is managing growth while preserving the unique qualities that attract people to our community. We focus on providing amenities and maintaining strong partnerships with our high schools and Community College to continue attracting residents. It’s important to strike a balance between infrastructure development and preserving the elements that make our community special, such as open spaces, tree protection, connectivity, cultural arts, and entertainment. As the second fastest-growing city in the country, managing growth can be challenging, but we prioritize maintaining our quality of life and ensuring that our infrastructure keeps pace with the increasing population.
Our airport is a top priority for our city and the region. Introducing commercial passenger service brings both transformative opportunities and challenges. We aim to maintain the small-town feel that people love about our community while leveraging the economic benefits this development brings. Over the next few years, our primary focus will be maximizing the potential of this asset for the highest benefit to our community and the region.
