During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the pressing issue of affordable housing in McKinney, Texas, highlighting the disparity in housing availability compared to neighboring Frisco. Council members examined the current ratio of affordable housing units to residents, noting that Frisco has approximately one affordable unit for every 550 residents, while McKinney's ratio is significantly better at one for every 70 to 90 residents.

The conversation was sparked by a personal anecdote shared by a council member about a bartender who found an affordable unit at 60% of the area median income (AMI). This story underscored the need for accessible housing options for essential workers in the community. The council emphasized the importance of addressing the housing needs of local residents, particularly as the population of homeless individuals, including aging baby boomers, continues to rise.

A key proposal discussed was the concept of a community land trust, which would allow the city to own the land while residents could own the structures on it. This model aims to reduce the taxable value of homes, making them more affordable for families earning below 100% of AMI. However, concerns were raised about the financial implications of building more affordable units, as these projects typically do not contribute to city taxes.

Council members expressed a desire to prioritize the needs of McKinney residents over those of neighboring Frisco, advocating for a careful evaluation of how to allocate limited resources effectively. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of addressing local housing challenges while remaining mindful of the broader implications for the community.