Title
Consider/Discuss the Proposed Stronger Together Initiative
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Goal 5: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
MEETING DATE: October 21, 2025
DEPARTMENT: Housing and Community Development
CONTACT: Margaret Li, Housing and Community Development Director
Jennifer Arnold, Assistant City Manager
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Consider/Discuss the proposed Stronger Together Initiative to create a unified and comprehensive approach for the City of McKinney to understand and navigate the symptoms and root causes of homelessness.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• The issues associated with homelessness are multifaceted and extremely complicated. Therefore, a comprehensive and collaborative approach is needed to establish strategies and solutions that respond to those impacted by it.
• The proposed Stronger Together Initiative is aimed at helping staff, city leaders, and stakeholders explore the issues of homelessness in McKinney and create a comprehensive roadmap for community-based solutions that support all our residents.
• As part of the Initiative, staff proposes the following to help ensure we maintain positive momentum and focus:
o A set of guiding principles to help us carry out the initiative;
o An impartial facilitator that provides an objective environment for community discussions and collaboration; and
o A dedicated steering committee, including two or three members of Council, to ensure the initiative maintains a clear direction and progress towards community consensus.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• On July 17, 2025, the city conducted a targeted stakeholder meeting to hear input on challenges and opportunities currently occurring in the downtown area. During that meeting, Staff shared possible ordinance amendments.
• On August 13, 2025, the city hosted a second stakeholder meeting to share information about homelessness in McKinney and obtain feedback on the possible ordinance amendments.
• At the August 19, 2025 City Council Work Session, Staff presented an overview of the possible ordinance amendments for discussion.
• At the September 16, 2025 City Council Regular Session, Staff presented revised ordinance amendments for consideration. The Aggressive Panhandling Ordinance was approved by Council and the remaining two ordinances were tabled for further consideration until the October 21, 2025 meeting.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
• If a facilitator is approved, a budget amendment will be needed and will be brought back to Council for review and approval.