As the city continues to grow rapidly, Cox said he’s ready for the responsibility — and the public scrutiny that comes with it.
MCKINNEY, Texas — McKinney has a new leader at the helm.
Bill Cox was officially sworn in as mayor on Tuesday in front of family and friends, marking a personal and professional milestone. Cox replaces George Fuller, who had just finished up eight years with the city.
“It’s very special to say you’re the mayor of the town you grew up in. That’s special,” Cox said. Bill told WFAA his hometown had a population of between 12,000 and 15,000 people when he was growing up during the 1960s and 1970s.
The longtime McKinney resident brings experience from his career in commercial real estate to the role, saying his work will help guide his leadership.
“Understanding people, how to communicate, how to negotiate, and how to help people get what they want,” he explained.
Cox emphasized his vision for the city, noting, “There’s room for everyone in McKinney. If you want to be involved, there’s room for everyone.”
One of the city’s most debated projects — the national airport — remains a focal point. Despite the failure of a 2023 bond proposal, plans for a commercial terminal continue.
“I’m certainly a believer in the airport,” Cox said. “It’s our responsibility to make that asset as good as it can be.”
Beyond infrastructure, Cox expressed concern about McKinney’s ability to manage growth, particularly in areas just beyond city limits.
“We are facing development out there and we have no input as to what it is,” he said, referring to undeveloped extraterritorial jurisdiction land. He pledged to advocate for more local control, citing the state legislature as a potential threat to McKinney’s autonomy.
As the city continues to grow rapidly, Cox said he’s ready for the responsibility — and the public scrutiny that comes with it.
He says one sign the city is heading in the right direction is when “you’re proud to say, ‘I’m from McKinney, Texas.'”