The McKinney City Council meeting held on September 30, 2025, focused on several key topics, including recognition of community members, updates on tourism initiatives, and changes to local tax ordinances.

The meeting began with a commendation for Whitney Nash, a prominent figure in the community, who was praised for her dedication and involvement in local tourism efforts. Nash was recognized for her leadership and commitment to the Visit McKinney initiative, with council members expressing gratitude for her contributions. Acknowledgments included awards from the city secretary's office and a personal gift from fellow members, highlighting her impact on the community.

The council also noted the departure of Ephraim Windham from the Visit McKinney Board. Although Windham was unable to attend the meeting, his contributions were acknowledged, and plans were made to present him with an award for his service.

In terms of governance, the council discussed an important ordinance change regarding the hotel occupancy tax (HOT tax). The city council officially approved a modification requiring all online platforms that facilitate bookings for overnight accommodations in McKinney to collect and remit the HOT tax. This change is particularly significant as it finalizes a contract with VRBO, allowing the city to collect taxes on short-term rentals through this platform. The finance office anticipates that the collection of this tax will begin in November, providing a new revenue stream for the city.

Additionally, the full-time staff of Visit McKinney recently attended the Destinations Texas conference in Fort Worth, which was described as a valuable learning experience for enhancing tourism strategies.

Looking ahead, the council plans to welcome new board members at the next meeting, where they will also select leadership positions and committee assignments. This meeting underscored the ongoing efforts of McKinney's leadership to foster community involvement and enhance local tourism initiatives.