Title
Proclamation for Lights Out Nights
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life on McKinney
(5C: Develop sustainable quality of life improvements in the City of McKinney)
MEETING DATE: September 1, 2026
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
CONTACT: Steve Tilton, Assistant City Manager
Ryan Gillingham, Director of Public Works
Eric Hopes, Senior Environmental Services Manager
Sujata Gautam, Sustainability Manager
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION: No action
ITEM SUMMARY: This proclamation recognizes September 5 through October 29, 2026, as Lights Out Nights in McKinney and encourages residents and businesses to turn off non-essential lighting between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. during the critical fall migration period.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• Texas is a major pathway for migratory birds, with approximately one out of every three to four birds migrating through the United States passing through the state.
• Because most migration occurs at night, artificial lighting can disorient birds and increase the risk of collisions with buildings and other structures.
• Lights Out, Texas! is part of the broader national Lights Out conservation effort associated with Audubon and is facilitated statewide by Audubon Texas in collaboration with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, BirdCast, Texas Conservation Alliance, universities, conservation organizations, and participating communities.
• The initiative combines public education, community participation, bird collision monitoring, and research to reduce hazards to migratory birds and promote bird-friendly communities.
• September 5 through October 29 is identified by Lights Out, Texas! as the peak fall migration period. Residents and businesses are encouraged to turn off or dim non-essential lighting between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. during this period.
• McKinney's participation supports this coordinated statewide and national conservation effort while also promoting energy conservation and reducing unnecessary nighttime light pollution.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY: N/A
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: N/A