File #: 25-3176    Name: CSG Transfer Funding to LIFT Program
Type: Resolution Status: Consent Item
In control: City Council Regular Meeting
On agenda: 9/16/2025 Final action:
Title: Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution to Distribute Funding to the McKinney Landlord, Individual, and Family Tenant (LIFT) Program
Attachments: 1. Resolution
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Title

Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution to Distribute Funding to the McKinney Landlord, Individual, and Family Tenant (LIFT) Program

 

Summary

COUNCIL GOAL:                     Improving Quality of Life in McKinney

 

MEETING DATE:                     September 16, 2025

 

DEPARTMENT:                     Housing and Community Development

 

CONTACT:                     Shirletta Best, Community Services Administrator

                     Margaret Li, Housing & Community Services Director

 

RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:                     

•                     Approve the Resolution

 

ITEM SUMMARY: 

  • The Journey of Hope requested termination of the grant agreement, as the agency was unable to fulfill its program requirements and returned the remaining $1,867.25 in Community Support Grant funds back to the city.
  • The McKinney Landlord, Individual, and Family Tenant (LIFT) Program provides one-time security deposit assistance to eligible very low to moderate income families and individuals. The LIFT Program provides housing stability and affordability for renters, affirmatively furthers fair housing, and supports those at-risk of homelessness.
  • The LIFT Program is a partnership between the renter, landlord, and the city. Program funds were exhausted in August 2025 and resident requests for assistance have increased in the past month. Staff and the Community Grants Advisory Commission are recommending the returned funds of $1,867.26 to be reallocated to the LIFT Program.

 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:  

  • During FY 2024-2025, The Journey of Hope was awarded $8,625 through the Community Support Grants (administered by the Housing and Community Development Department). However, the agency’s Board of Directors made the decision to close the agency after 27 years and move programming to another facility. The agency contacted the Housing and Community Development Department to request termination of the grant agreement, as the agency was unable to fulfill its program requirements. The agency returned the remaining $1,867.25 in grant funding back to the city.
  • Due to rising housing costs, vulnerable residents are increasingly unable to afford security deposits needed to complete the rental process. The LIFT Program began as a pilot program in FY 2022-23, to assist households receiving rental voucher assistance, yet unable to pay for rental deposits that landlords required for rent before accepting the voucher. The LIFT Program was expanded later in the pilot year to assist non-voucher residents, who qualify as low-to-moderate income persons.
  • The LIFT Program was awarded $20,000 under the FY 2024-2025  Community Support Grant and exhausted all funds by August 2025. LIFT applicants must complete an application, meet income requirements, and receive confirmation from the landlord to accept the one-time security deposit. The landlord also completes an application for approval and confirms the applicant’s approval for the housing unit. Program roles are as follows:
  • Landlords:
  • Agree to participate in the program
  • Comply with fair housing laws
  • Prompt maintenance of rental unit
  • Collect tenant portion of rent
  • Comply with and enforce the lease
  • Tenants:
  • Pay rent on time
  • LIFT program participation
  • Abide by all terms of lease, including prompt payments, requesting maintenance and being a good neighbor
  • Pay for any damage to the unit beyond normal wear and tear, as applicable

 

FINANCIAL SUMMARY: 

  • The funding of $1,867.26 is available for use and is needed to assist vulnerable citizens to receive housing in McKinney. If approved, applicants may apply for one-time use of security deposit funding. Use of funds will be completed before September 30, 2025. The LIFT funds are under the Community Support Grant and there is no change of account, only an administrative change to ensure all funds are used to benefit McKinney residents.