Main Street McKinney Program Earns State and National Recognition

Press Release
For Immediate Release

For More Information, Please Call:
Anna Folmnsbee
Communications and Media Manager
972.547.7525

Ty Lake
McKinney Main Street Director
972.547.2662

Main Street McKinney Program Earns State and National Recognition
Downtown-focused program earns title for third straight year

McKINNEY, Texas (Dec. 11, 2008) - The Texas Historical Commission (THC) and the National Trust for Historic Preservation recently recognized McKinney with the National Main Street Designation. McKinney has earned the distinction each year since 2005. A total of 52 Texas cities were named as National Main Street cities this year.

“Historic Downtown McKinney is the heart and soul of our city and what makes us unique,” said Ty Lake, Director of McKinney Main Street. “Our events, programs and businesses here work together to provide an experience for everyone who comes downtown. We have the total package, and we are proud to have earned national recognition for the hard work of so many people.”

The mission of Main Street McKinney is to ensure that downtown McKinney continues to be the vibrant, inviting, safe and growing area it is known for today. This year, Main Street led the city’s Independence Day celebration – the first annual Red, White and Boom event that attracted over 30,000 attendees. Another huge success was the first annual Oktoberfest, which brought more than 20,000 attendees to the newly renovated downtown area.

“A lot of hard work goes into achieving this recognition. Main Street communities exemplify the Texas mystique, and this recognition honors the many people, including Main Street directors and volunteers, who put in countless hours to make their Main Street programs work,” said Debra Farst, state coordinator of the Texas Main Street Program.

Cities chosen as National Main Street Cities must show above average performance in 10 categories. The selection criteria focus on planning, staff and volunteers, preservation ethic, training and program assessment. Out of a possible 105 points, McKinney Main Street earned an exemplary 96.

Evaluation from the award entry includes the comments that “it is a privilege to have McKinney as a Texas Main Street city. Thank you for the pride you take in your community as well as your passion for preserving the heart of your city.”

Fundraising efforts by the group exceeded the set goals, bringing in more than $400,000 to put on events in downtown like Krewe of Barkus, Art and Jazz Festival, Red, White and Boom, Oktoberfest, Scare on the Square and Dickens of a Christmas.

Visit www.downtownmckinney.com for more information, or contact McKinney Main Street at 972.547.2660. For more information on the Texas Historical Commission’s Main Street program visit www.thc.state.tx.us.

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McKinney climbs safest city rankings in spite of explosive growth

For Immediate Release

For More Information, Please Call:
Anna Folmnsbee
Communications and Media Manager
afolmnsbee@mckinneytexas.org
972-547-7525

McKinney climbs safest city rankings in spite of explosive growth

McKINNEY, Texas (Dec. 1, 2008) - According to the CQ Press 2008 Safest Cities Report, McKinney is among the safest cities in the country. McKinney climbed six spots this year to be named the 60th safest city in the country, and it is still one of the fastest growing cities according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

“We’re obviously pleased with the results of the study. Our officers and detectives work hard at deterring and investigating crime, and this report shows their dedication to making McKinney a safe place to live, work and visit in the face of challenges like continued rapid growth,” said Police Chief Doug Kowalski.

Overall, of all cities with a population of more than 75,000 McKinney was ranked 60th of the 385 cities across the country measured.

“The McKinney Police Department attributes much of our success to great working partnerships with our City Council and the citizens of McKinney,” said Kowalski.

The report measures murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and motor vehicle theft.  Each offense is measured equally, and cities are ranked compared to a national average of these crimes using FBI crime data.

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