A branding initiative for the SH 121 corridor between Allen and McKinney is posing the area as a focal point for economic growth in both cities.

The gist: The Allen and McKinney Economic Development Corp.’s launched a branding initiative called 121 North in May. The initiative’s goal is to highlight growth and opportunity along the corridor.

“There’s very few corridors in the entire country that are seeing as much activity as this one stretch of road,” MEDC President and CEO Michael Kowski said.

Allen ISD is purchasing nine new school buses as part of a long-term plan to accommodate increased student ridership and replace aging buses.

The overview: The district board of trustees approved the purchase during a May 26 meeting. The purchases will be funded by a voter-approved bond proposition passed in 2024, Assistant Superintendent Brent Benningfield said.

The purchase is another step in the school district’s three-year plan to add new school buses, according to district documents.

Zooming in: Board members approved purchases from two vendors:

• Two 36-passenger Special Education buses from Longhorn Bus Sales for $358,930

• Seven 86-passenger transit buses from Thomas Bus Texas for $1,589,800

The new buses will be compliant with a state-mandated bill passed in 2025 that requires all school buses be equipped with three-point seatbelts.

“Anything we’re purchasing from here on out will meet the new seatbelt law that was passed in the last legislative session,” Benningfield said.

Prosper and Celina officials plan development around the future Dallas North Tollway expansion, while Burlington opens a new McKinney location.

Check out six trending stories from Community Impact’s Dallas-Fort Worth coverage areas.

1. Development plans underway for future tollway corridor in Prosper, Celina
2. Check out 5 newly opened restaurants in Plano
3. Burlington debuts McKinney store offering clothes, home goods
4. Plano ISD proposes decreased tax rate for next fiscal year
5. See 10 upcoming, ongoing construction projects in Frisco
6. McKinney council approves zoning for senior housing development