The Allen Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously to endorse Collin College's $600 million bond proposal, Proposition A, ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

The Chamber's endorsement ties the bond directly to Allen's economy.

The Chamber said Collin College has a $1.1 billion impact on the local economy and that Allen employers recruit workforce talent from surrounding communities the college serves.

Of the bond's ten proposed projects, one lands in Allen: a new Workforce & Academic Building at the Allen Technical Campus.

Other projects include new campuses in Anna and Royse City, a McKinney Aviation Academy, and expansions in Plano, Frisco, Wylie and Farmersville.

In total, Proposition A would expand more than 20 Career and Technical Education pathways in high-demand fields.

The Chamber acknowledged that most projects sit outside Allen but argued the city still benefits.

Allen employers draw from the college's talent pipeline across Collin County, the Chamber said in its endorsement statement.

Kyle Jacobson, CEO and president of the Allen Chamber, said in the statement that the endorsement aligns with the Chamber's 2030 strategic plan, which prioritizes workforce development and talent attraction.

Collin College's tax rate has held at $0.08122 per $100 of assessed value since 2018.

The Chamber called it one of the lowest community college district rates in Texas.

The Chamber said passage of the bond is not expected to increase the tax rate, though state law requires ballot language stating "this is a property tax increase."

The college's last bond passed in 2017. The Chamber said Collin College delivered on those commitments on time and on budget.

Collin College enrolls more than 62,000 students annually and offers more than 200 degrees and certificates, including five bachelor's degrees.

More than 14,000 students participate in dual credit programs at over 50 area high schools. Credit enrollment has grown 31% over the past decade.

The Board of Trustees voted Aug. 7 to place the bond on the ballot, as Community Impact reported.

Board Chair Jay Saad said in an Aug. 13 statement covered by Wylie News, "The Board of Trustees has always believed in planning for the future while honoring the commitments we've made to our community."

Voter registration closes Oct. 5. Early voting runs Oct. 19-30. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.