McKinney Neighborhood Network

In the Philippines, resilience is not just a buzzword—it’s a way of life. I saw this firsthand while living there. Disasters were frequent, whether typhoons, earthquakes, or economic upheavals. Yet, what amazed me was not just the ability of the people to recover but the structure that made that recovery possible: the barangay. Each barangay—a self-governing unit of 2,000 to 5,000 residents—had a barangay captain, a local leader responsible for coordinating emergency responses, resolving disputes, and ensuring the community's well-being. When calamity struck, it wasn’t the federal government that arrived first—it was the barangay.

This system, simple yet profoundly effective, raises an important question: Could a similar hyper-local volunteer model help McKinney navigate the challenges of public safety and social resilience? Could we have a NeighborNet program with Community Captains who watch over us?

The Problem With Waiting for Help

The United States has a history of centralized responses to crises. When a natural disaster or economic downturn strikes, we look to federal agencies for support. But history tells us that waiting can be dangerous. After Hurricane Katrina, for example, it was not the federal government but grassroots volunteer networks—the so-called "Cajun Navy"—that rescued stranded residents. After the 2008 financial collapse, mutual aid groups helped families keep food on the table when traditional safety nets failed.

McKinney is not facing a natural disaster, war, or grid failure today, but we are facing a lack of community, declining social programs, and almost no plan for a serious crisis. What can we do? Like the barangays of the Philippines, our strength must come from within.

The McKinney Neighborhood Network: A New Model for Community Resilience

As mayor, I envision a network of 72 volunteer-led neighborhood groups—our own modern version of the barangay system—strategically distributed across McKinney. Each of the 75069, 75070, 75071, and 75072 zip codes will have 18 neighborhood communities, ensuring comprehensive coverage and localized support.

These groups will serve as the first line of defense in times of crisis while also providing ongoing assistance to our most vulnerable residents. This is not about bureaucracy—these will be volunteer positions, not paid roles. Instead, they will be pillars of civic engagement, empowering neighbors to take an active role in shaping their communities, enhancing public safety, and working alongside police and city officials to address local issues.

No one will step up to do this? Absolutely not! There are many passionate people ready to serve, to lead, and to strengthen their communities. McKinney is filled with dedicated neighbors who want to make a difference—we just need to give them the structure and opportunity to do so.

The Science of Local Networks

Psychologists have long studied what makes communities resilient. One of the key findings is that people who have strong neighborhood connections are not only safer but also healthier and happier. In his book Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam describes how the decline of social capital—our willingness to engage in community organizations—has led to an increase in crime, economic instability, and civic disengagement. But when communities reclaim these connections, outcomes improve dramatically.

Three Ways the McKinney Neighborhood Network Will Strengthen Our City

Emergency Preparedness – Each group will be trained in disaster response, ensuring that residents have emergency plans and can mobilize quickly in times of crisis.
Crime Prevention – A well-connected neighborhood is a safer neighborhood. These groups will strengthen neighborhood watch programs and establish direct communication with law enforcement.
Economic Support – Whether it’s helping an unemployed neighbor find a job, assisting an elderly resident with errands, or coordinating mutual aid efforts, these networks will provide immediate, tangible help.

Why This Matters Now

Federal resources are becoming increasingly unreliable. As the government grapples with economic uncertainty, cities like McKinney must take proactive steps to ensure that residents do not fall through the cracks. By investing in local structures, we are not just solving today's problems—we are future-proofing our city.

McKinney has over 200,000 residents, yet the most effective solutions will come from small, engaged groups working together. This is not about politics. It’s about people helping people, in the same way they always have.

The Future of McKinney Is Ours to Build

The barangays of the Philippines remind us that resilience is not a government program—it’s a community mindset. With the right structure, McKinney can become a national model for how cities take care of their own.

Change is coming. And this time, we must change from within.

If you are interested in this idea, let us know.

We will be exploring it more in an upcoming meeting.

Taylor Willingham

Candidate for Mayor of McKinney