The McKinney City Council Work Session on February 21, 2025, focused on several key issues, including community safety initiatives, upcoming large events, and ongoing challenges in housing and staffing.

City officials reported regular meetings with county administrative staff to discuss various issues, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. They highlighted preparations for significant events, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026, which will see Frisco hosting various activities. The McKinney Police Department is expected to assist with security and logistics during this high-profile event.

Additionally, the council discussed the extension of the agreement with the Byron Nelson golf tournament, which is in the works with the Salesmanship Club and the PGA Tour. This agreement is anticipated to be presented for approval soon.

In light of recent tragedies at large events, the council is revisiting safety protocols for special events to mitigate risks associated with large crowds. A notable initiative mentioned was the Neighborhood Heroes program, which aims to enhance community engagement and cardiac emergency response. This program utilizes the Good Sam App and deploys automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in the community, increasing the chances of survival during cardiac events.

The council also addressed ongoing strategic challenges, including housing affordability and homelessness, which remain pressing issues for the city. Staffing recruitment and retention across various departments were identified as additional challenges, particularly for positions that are harder to fill.

Overall, the meeting underscored McKinney's commitment to community safety and engagement while acknowledging the need to tackle significant social and operational challenges as the city moves forward into 2025.