Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate a Ground Lease with Collin County Community College District for Aeronautical Use Land at the McKinney National Airport (TKI)
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: 3.1: Implement initiatives and strategies, including public-private partnerships, to attract and expand corporate and commercial aviation including the viability of passenger service.
MEETING DATE: May 5, 2026
DEPARTMENT: Airport
CONTACT: Kenneth Carley, A.A.E. - Airport Director
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Approve Resolution
ITEM SUMMARY:
• This Resolution authorizes the City Manager to negotiate a comprehensive Ground Lease agreement with Collin County Community College District (Collin College) for approximately ±13.64 acres of aeronautical use land located at the McKinney National Airport (TKI), designated as portions of Tracts D and E with direct connectivity to Taxi-lane B5. The final Ground Lease shall be presented to the City Council for approval prior to execution.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• Collin College and the City of McKinney share a mutual desire to establish a college facility at McKinney National Airport (TKI) focused on aeronautical educational programs, including aviation programs that will train and certify aircraft mechanics and pilots.
• On April 6, 2026, Collin College District President H. Neil Matkin, Ed.D. executed a Letter of Intent (LOI) confirming Collin College’s desire to ground lease approximately ±13.64 acres at TKI (portions of Tracts D and E) for the purpose of constructing an aeronautical academic workforce facility.
• The Collin College Board of Trustees, at its regularly scheduled meeting on March 24, 2026, authorized the District President to negotiate and execute the LOI and a future Ground Lease with the City.
• The proposed facility is part of Phase II of the Collin College 2023-2030 Master Plan and includes:
- An aviation building with combined aircraft hangar and classroom/administrative spaces accommodating up to 250 students in the Aircraft Frame & Powerplant (A&P) program and up to 200 students in the Aviation program.
- An apron to accommodate training equipment or aircraft, along with sufficient parking.
- Future expansion capability in accordance with FAA airport sponsor grant assurances.
• Collin College’s total Phase II investment in the aviation facility and related infrastructure is estimated to be in the range of $50-$60 million.
• The proposed Ground Lease shall have a primary term not to exceed 40 years, after which improvements shall revert to the City’s ownership in accordance with FAA airport sponsor grant assurances.
• Project construction is estimated to commence at an agreed time and be completed by 2030, contingent upon:
- Successful negotiation and execution of a Ground Lease with the City.
- Collin College Board of Trustees approval of the funding source, design services, construction services, project scope, cost, and schedule in Phase II of the Master Plan.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• No direct financial commitment is being made by the City at this time. This Resolution authorizes only the negotiation of a Ground Lease.
• Ground lease terms, rent structure, and any associated fees will be determined during negotiations and presented to the City Council for approval.
• The ground lease will be structured consistent with FAA airport sponsor grant assurances and applicable regulations.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• N/A