During the recent meeting of the McKinney Historic Preservation Advisory Board on February 6, 2025, members engaged in discussions that highlighted the ongoing efforts to recognize and preserve the city's historical homes. The meeting underscored the importance of community involvement in maintaining McKinney's rich heritage.

One of the key topics was the introduction of a historic home recognition calendar for 2026. Cassie Baumgartner, the historic preservation planner, presented the initiative, which aims to celebrate well-maintained homes and educate residents about the lesser-known history of McKinney. The program, which has been in development since February, seeks to visually remind the community of the significance of historic preservation.

The board members expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, acknowledging the administrative work involved in launching such programs. Baumgartner's experience in historic preservation was noted, as she shared insights from her previous roles, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in the preservation process.

In addition to the recognition calendar, the meeting also touched on staffing updates within the planning department. While the board currently lacks a downtown planner, they do have a dedicated historic preservation planner and a neighborhood planner, which are crucial for advancing preservation efforts.

The discussions reflected a commitment to enhancing McKinney's historical identity and fostering community pride through preservation initiatives. As the board moves forward, the recognition calendar is expected to play a vital role in promoting awareness and appreciation of the city's historical assets. The next steps will involve finalizing the details of the calendar and continuing to engage the community in preservation efforts.