Midland · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Midland public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Permian Basin Specialty Care Center
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center presented on a specialty care center planned for Midland. The project could expand access to specialized medical services for residents across the Permian Basin.
Residential Development Expansion
Multiple plats were on the agenda that would add housing lots across the city — 99 lots in Mockingbird Ridge Section 22 alone, plus the 25.66-acre Ruckus Addition. More plats mean more rooftops, more traffic, and more demand on city services.
MCAD property valuation anomalies
Speakers presented research on tens of thousands of Midland properties showing extreme, unexplained year-to-year appraisal swings — some near 620% — that could push homeowners toward unaffordable tax bills. The mayor and city manager promised to review and respond, and council members noted the issue needs state-level appraisal reform.
Police Vehicle Purchase
A $3.37 million purchase of 42 upfitted police vehicles was on the consent agenda, keeping the Midland Police Department's fleet current.
Public Safety Investment & Staffing Update
Residents say response times are slipping — one cited a 45-minute wait on a drunk driver — and questioned why recruitment isn't more visible. The chief said the department is budgeted for 198 officers with only about ten true vacancies, starting pay is now $82,401, and recruiting remains a constant struggle.
Subdivision Code Amendment for Arterial Street Developer Shares
Ordinance 10815 would rewrite the city's plat and subdivision rules — updating zoning references, changing what developers pay toward arterial street improvements, and creating a new development exaction procedure. It could affect the cost of future development across the city.
MDD Hangar Infrastructure Project at the airport
The council approved $8.4 million to prep land for new hangars at Midland Air Park, funded entirely by airport revenues and repaid through leases. Staff defended Air Park investment, citing $40 million spent there over two years.
Economic Development and MDC Incentive Scrutiny
Robin Campbell presented receipts she says show Midland Development Corporation staff billing alcohol, oversized tips, and grouped restaurant charges against taxpayer funds, violating MDC's own written policies. She asked the council to request a state investigation.
Hogan Park Roadrunner Golf Course Renovation
The city celebrated the reopening of the Quail Course at Hogan Park with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event highlights local investments in public recreation and community amenities.
Wadley-Barron Park Duck Pond Restoration Partnership
Permian Resources and Cascade Services partnered with the city to donate engineering and construction services to line the drying Wadley-Barron Park pond with clay.
Zone Change for Horse Grazing in Residential Area
A landowner requested rezoning vacant land from single-family to agricultural estate to allow horse grazing. Neighbors expressed concerns about flies, property maintenance, and future development plans.
TIRZ No. 2 Annual Report & Downtown Development
Planning staff outlined approximately $5.8 million in total downtown investments since 2025 and introduced proposed matching grant programs for building façades, sidewalk cafés, and sidewalks.
Fire Department Drone Program
The council accepted corporate donations to buy a drone and software for Fire Department incident command, sparking debate among residents regarding spending priorities versus firefighter training facilities and police staffing.
Wadley Avenue and Crowley Boulevard Traffic Signal
An $800,000 transfer from the engineering operating budget will fund a new traffic signal at Wadley Avenue and Crowley Boulevard to boost intersection safety.
Spaceport Infrastructure Development
The Midland Development Corporation was scheduled to provide updates on ongoing space-related activities and operations at the Midland International Air & Space Port.
Sinclair Avenue and CR 1250 Corridor Expansion
The city is acquiring property and rights-of-way to pave the way for major road construction along Sinclair Avenue and County Road 1250, aiming to improve traffic flow and infrastructure in District 4.
Substandard Building Abatement
The city ordered the demolition of multiple vacant, hazardous residential properties across District 2 using in-house staff and grant funds to improve public safety and community aesthetics.
Aerospace Corridor Development
Midland is teaming up with El Paso County to plan and grow the regional aerospace sector using state grant funds. This partnership aims to attract high-tech jobs and research opportunities to West Texas.
County Judge Appointment
Midland County commissioners just swore in County Judge-elect Jay Marquez early to fill the seat left vacant by a suspension. This means he takes the helm months ahead of his original January start date.
Utility Agreements and Tariffs
Get ready for higher water bills! Midland is looking to increase drainage fees, and residents are already voicing their concerns. Expect a lot of debate before any final decisions are made.
Oil and Gas Regulatory Oversight
Midland is cleaning up its act by targeting sketchy massage parlors. A new ordinance is coming down to stop illegal operations and bring some order to the industry.
Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge Partnership
The Midland Development Corporation partnered with UTPB to fund and manage the Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge, aiming to grow local startups and diversify the economy.
Westridge Village Site Plan Review
New commercial projects in the Westridge Village planned development are bringing new businesses like a drive-thru restaurant and veterinary clinic while requiring careful coordination of private access drives, internal traffic flow, and mandatory roadway medians along Thomason Drive.
Park Bond Improvements (C.J. Kelly and Windlands Parks)
Permian Resources and Cascade Services partnered with the city to donate engineering, labor, and materials to install a clay liner in the dry Wadley-Barron Park detention pond. This public-private partnership provides a permanent solution to the persistent water retention and drought issues at the iconic Midland park.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Neighbors are pushing back against a special zoning exception the city council is considering. They're worried about what it could mean for their community and are making their voices heard.
Briarwood Avenue Road Infrastructure Improvements
MDC partnered with the City of Midland to fund critical road improvements along Briarwood Avenue between Avalon Drive and Trobaugh Boulevard to support growth and traffic flow.
Property Maintenance Standards
A popular local spot, The Tailgate, is reportedly flouting city rules and remains open. It's unclear if the city will take action to enforce compliance, potentially leading to its closure.
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Audit Report
Independent auditors gave Midland Development Corporation a clean bill of health for its finances, reassuring taxpayers that funds are well-managed.
City Council Meeting Agenda
Midland City Council is meeting Tuesday to discuss some major projects that could impact your daily life. Get ready for potential upgrades to Hogan Park golf courses, new city vehicles, road repairs, and even a new vet hospital, plus a vote on an AI traffic signal system.
City Council Assembly for Bible Study
Midland City Council has approved new projects that will bring changes to the city. Stay tuned for details on what's coming your way!
City Council Assembly for Bible Study
Midland's City Council is increasing security for their upcoming meeting. It's unclear what specific issues are prompting this change, but it signals a heightened level of concern for the proceedings.
Hotel Development in Original Town Addition
Get ready for a new hotel downtown! The City Council just approved the Hotel Santa Rita project, and it's expected to bring a lot of positive energy and business to the area.
Wastewater Spill
Midland had a wastewater spill, and the city is working fast to clean it up and make sure everyone's okay. They're putting up warnings, so be aware if you're near the affected spot.
Cybersecurity Enhancements
Midland is investing in better cybersecurity to protect your personal information from hackers. This upgrade aims to keep city data secure and prevent potential breaches.
City Manager Appointment
Midland City Council is looking for a new city manager and wants to hear what you think! This is your chance to weigh in on who should be running City Hall.
Drainage Fee Increase
Midland's city council just approved another increase to drainage fees. This means you'll see a higher charge on your utility bill soon.
Candidate Forum on City Services
Candidates for Midland's mayor and city council are talking about what city services are most important and which ones could be on the chopping block. It's your chance to see where they stand on issues that affect your daily life before you vote.
City Manager Hiring
Midland's got a new top dog! They just hired Tommy Gonzalez, the former city manager from El Paso, to run things here. Get ready for some potential changes as he steps into the role.