Frisco and McKinney, Texas, lead WalletHub's 2026 Best Real Estate Markets report, supported by rapid home construction, strong job growth, and favorable economic conditions.

The Martin County CRA heard its FY2026 3rd 0.25 report showing permit counts down but total valuations rising sharply from about $15.4M to $29.4M, driven by a roughly $12M Boys & Girls Club and another commercial build. Jordan Pastorius presented the permit and valuation breakdown and answered board questions.

City staff told the Economic Development Commission that the city issued 1,513 permits and finalized 1,638 as of September 2025, highlighted ongoing projects from a high‑school stadium remodel to new industrial buildings, and said discussions with Macerich over a mixed‑use plan for the former Sears parcel are underway.

McHenry County planning staff told the committee that permit applications and reviews jumped in 2025 after a new permitting system, with total permit activity up roughly 30%; staff described staffing realignments, higher volumes of solar and conditional-use filings, and modest fee changes under consideration.