McKinney has a scavenger hunt running through its historic downtown right now, and you have until July 31 to finish it. Visit McKinney launched the America 250 Scavenger Hunt to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary - a self-guided mobile app tour that sends participants to the Chestnut Square Historic Village, the Collin County History Museum, the Heard-Craig Arts Center, and the downtown square. Complete all the stops and claim a limited-edition America 250 challenge coin at the Visit McKinney Experience Center. Senior communications specialist Sarah Nolting said the hunt exists so residents can discover parts of McKinney's history they may have walked past without ever knowing the story. The coin supply is limited and the tour closes July 31. Find out how to join and download the app at the Historic Downtown McKinney page - there are only a few days left to make this happen.

The McKinney Community Development Corporation is weighing approval of a $35 million incentive package to advance a new JW Marriott Resort at Craig Ranch.

The plan features a $10.25 million low-interest loan and a $25 million grant, covering about 10.8% of the proposed resort’s total $325 million price tag.

The luxury destination would offer 290 guest rooms, more than 51,000 square feet of conference space, a pool complex with a lazy river, multiple restaurants, pickleball courts, and 45 private condos.

Project terms set a construction start deadline of December 31, 2026, with completion due by April 30, 2029.

Backers believe the upscale resort will spark tourism, create local jobs, and increase tax revenues that benefit the community.

Some residents question using public funds for such a high-end development, calling for oversight to ensure the project delivers clear benefits for McKinney.

McKinney National Airport is launching a major $79 million expansion, transitioning from a general aviation site to a full commercial passenger hub.

City officials broke ground on a new 46,000-square-foot terminal, expected to open for commercial service by late 2026.

The terminal will initially feature four gates, expandable to six, supporting aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.

Travelers can expect roomy waiting areas, various dining choices, on-site rental cars, a 980-space parking lot (expandable to 1,450), and a dedicated deicing zone for winter.

The terminal aims to serve 200,000 passengers annually at launch, with potential to exceed one million as demand increases.

Funding blends sales-tax bonds, reinvestment funds, grants, low-interest loans, and airport-generated income.

This innovative financing follows last year’s defeat of a $200 million bond vote, keeping the project on track.

Supporters highlight new jobs and a convenient alternative for Collin County, boosting local growth and competition with DFW and Love Field.

EdQuill Academy has officially opened a new learning center at 3951 Alma Road, Suite 301, bringing its respected personalized education approach to the heart of McKinney.

The center offers tailored one-on-one and small-group tutoring in key subjects, SAT and ACT test prep, and a variety of enrichment programs to ignite student curiosity and build confidence.

Every student starts with a complimentary assessment, allowing expert instructors to craft individualized learning plans that match each learner’s pace and goals.

Families from McKinney, Frisco, and Prosper can benefit from the academy’s flexible hours and collaborative setting.

Certified teachers and specialists use interactive tools, hands-on activities, and immediate feedback, ensuring real engagement and progress.

Parents receive access to an online portal for tracking student achievements and coordinating with instructors directly.

With bright classrooms and focused breakout spaces, EdQuill Academy McKinney is set to help local students reach their academic potential in a vibrant community setting.

McKinney, Texas, recently demonstrated its strong community spirit when 83-year-old Barbara Addington was found safe after going missing near Archer Road in Princeton on July 16.

She was last seen with a white shirt and a distinctive black mark by her left eye, sparking a swift Silver Alert from the Collin County Sheriff’s Office.

Residents quickly shared details—especially about a white sedan missing its rear bumper—leading to her safe return without harm.

Authorities praised the public’s fast communication and involvement, calling it crucial in reuniting Ms. Addington with her loved ones.

McKinney’s unity was also evident during the recent Juneteenth Celebration at Finch Park on June 14, which included a drone show, live music, and the Children’s Entrepreneur Market.

The groundbreaking of the Sunset Amphitheater on June 13 promises a vibrant future, with the 20,000-seat venue set to open in 2026 and enrich the city’s cultural scene.

Overall, McKinney’s commitment to safety and connectedness continues to shine through.

Whole Foods Market is bringing its signature organic and specialty groceries closer to home, opening at 8701 West University Drive in McKinney on September 22.

The new 45,000-square-foot store will serve as the anchor tenant in the expanding West Grove development, conveniently located near Custer Road.

Shoppers throughout Collin County can expect an extensive range of natural, vegan, keto, and gluten-free products.

Alongside Whole Foods, West Grove is seeing rapid growth, including the construction of Atheria at West Grove, a high-end apartment and townhome community developed by Milhaus and FrontRange Capital Partners.

This 389-unit residential project offers luxury finishes, a variety of spacious floorplans, and amenities like wine refrigerators, farmhouse sinks, porches, and garages.

With new homes and retail options arriving, West Grove is quickly becoming a vibrant destination for McKinney families and professionals.

Trader Joe’s is expanding across Texas with three new stores planned for Bee Cave, McKinney, and San Antonio.

The Bee Cave location will serve the bustling Austin area at 12812 Shops Parkway.

Meanwhile, McKinney will soon welcome its second Trader Joe’s at 8101 Eldorado Parkway, forming part of a dynamic mixed-use development with retail and dining.

In San Antonio, the new store at 11745 W I-10 in Huebner Oaks Center will transform a former Bed Bath & Beyond into a 14,562-square-foot specialty grocery destination.

Construction there is set to begin in June 2025, targeting completion by December, although the official opening date remains unannounced.

These developments highlight Trader Joe’s ongoing commitment to bringing quality groceries and a distinctive shopping experience closer to Texas communities.

McKinney, Texas has earned top honors as the best city for renters in the United States, standing out among 149 other cities in a recent national survey.

This distinction is attributed to McKinney’s unique mix of affordable living, high-quality housing, and a lively community spirit.

In 2024, the city saw significant growth, issuing nearly 2,400 permits for both residential and commercial projects, totaling $1.3 billion in new development.

The Painted Tree neighborhood alone accounted for over 780 permits, fueling much of this expansion.

McKinney also stands out for its commitment to affordable housing, providing more than 3,000 units for residents earning at or below 60% of the area’s median income—double the number found in similar Collin County cities.

Ongoing downtown redevelopment efforts promise new venues, boutique hotels, and vibrant gathering places, further boosting McKinney’s appeal as a dynamic, welcoming community.