Title
Consider/Discuss the McKinney Affordable Housing Needs Assessment and Recommendations
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Goal 5: Enhance Quality of Life in McKinney
MEETING DATE: February 17, 2026
DEPARTMENT: Housing & Community Development
CONTACT: Margaret Li, Housing & Community Development Director
Shirletta Best, Community Services Administrator
Cristel Todd, Affordable Housing Administrator
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Receive a presentation on the Affordable Housing Needs Assessment and proposed recommendations.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• The purpose of this work session item is to review the updated housing needs assessment and discuss the proposed recommendations.
• Since the first housing needs assessment conducted in 2020, the city has made significant progress in addressing housing affordability. These efforts include the designation of the McKinney Housing Finance Corporation as the city’s Community Land Trust, adoption of the Affordable Housing Scorecard to evaluate projects requesting tax exemptions, and implementation of the LIFT (one-time security deposit assistance) and Tenant-Based Rental Assistance programs.
• While the city has taken steps to increase affordable housing units, population growth and market conditions continue to place a strain on the existing housing stock. A few of the key findings from the Housing Needs Assessment include:
o Homeownership has declined since 2010 as a result of significant increases in housing prices and a more diverse housing stock is needed.
o Housing cost burden (paying more than 30% of their household income on housing costs) has increased with 12,473 renter households and 9,748 owner households considered cost burdened in 2023.
o While multifamily housing production has been steady, market production will not meet the needs of those at the lower end of the income spectrum.
• Proposed recommendations include:
o Establish an Affordable Housing Strategy.
o Develop and evaluate affordable housing goals across departments and plan documents.
o Increase homeownership opportunities.
o Increase housing affordability and production at all income levels 0-120% AMI.
o Increase and support the preservation of existing housing and services.
o Expand financial assistance and resources through city, state, and federal funding.
o Develop strategic partnerships and programs with internal and external stakeholders.
• Following this presentation and direction provided, staff will work with internal and external stakeholders to develop an Affordable Housing Strategy outlining specific actions and performance metrics for the Council’s consideration.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• In 2020, Root Policy Research conducted a Housing Needs Assessment for the City of McKinney. The report provided an understanding of the existing housing inventory as well as examples of best practices to meet the projected housing needs. In 2023, Root Policy provided an update to the Housing Needs Assessment.
• In 2025, Root Policy was selected to prepare the city’s 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan which included a city-wide housing survey and the development of a more in-depth housing needs assessment and strategy recommendations.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• The contract amount with Root Policy includes a not to exceed amount of $51,8985; and is budgeted through the Community Development Block Grant funds.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS:
• N/A