McKinney City Council voted on Oct. 20, 2026, to adopt a resolution outlining nine legislative priorities the city will pursue during the 2027 Texas legislative session, with transportation topping the list, according to Community Impact.
Assistant to the city manager Nimra Zubair said the priorities serve as a guiding principle for the city’s legislative recommendations. The resolution, which can be accessed through the Oct. 20 council record, was developed in coordination with legislative consultants, the Texas Municipal League, the North Texas Commission and other partners.
Transportation projects named in the resolution include reconstruction of State Highway 5 between Powerhouse Street and Telephone Road, construction of Stonebridge Drive between U.S. 380 and Bloomdale Road, and a new Farm to Market 456 connection linking the future Spur 399 to the existing FM 456. Mayor Bill Cox described transportation as a “regional concern that all of Collin County has,” noting that a coalition of elected officials could influence funding outcomes in Austin.
City staff are already moving on some of the projects. A March 3, 2026, council agenda authorized a contract with CP&Y Inc. (doing business as STV Infrastructure) for engineering design services on the Stonebridge Drive segment, per a council meeting recording cited by Hoodline. The first phase of the SH 5 project is expected to begin in 2027, with plans to widen the road into a divided four‑lane corridor and add two‑stage pedestrian crossings at six locations, according to Community Impact.
Beyond roads, the council’s agenda covers water supply and conservation, increased state funding for McKinney National Airport, and protection of the city’s home‑rule authority. The resolution also lists economic development, education and workforce training, elections, tax reform and open government as priority areas.
The bill‑filing period for the 2027 session opens on Nov. 9, 2026, and the legislative session is scheduled to start on Jan. 12, 2027. Once the session begins, city staff will report back to council members on developments in Austin, Zubair said.
Hoodline noted that McKinney’s approach mirrors a broader trend of Texas municipalities finalizing policy proposals ahead of the session, a practice encouraged by the Texas Municipal League.
What’s next: With the filing window opening Nov. 9, city officials will submit their priority bills and continue coordinating with state legislators. Residents can expect updates from council meetings as the Austin session progresses.
Sources: communityimpact.com, hoodline.com
