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.
Future Lone Star Animal Sanctuary
Roughly 25 acres near East Cynthia Drive and Fairgrounds Road were platted for the new home of the Lone Star Animal Sanctuary. A rezoning to agricultural estate is still in process, so the sanctuary isn't a done deal yet.
Residential growth in Mockingbird Ridge
Another section of Midland's largest active subdivision moves forward, adding 99 more home lots. More rooftops mean more neighbors, traffic on Fairgrounds and Todd Drive, and developer obligations for road and utility work that are still outstanding.
ETJ Development and Water Sustainability
The Midkiff Industrial Center plat would add nearly two acres of industrial-platted land near South Midkiff Road, outside city limits but within the city's ETJ. Industrial growth near residential areas is often a point of resident concern.
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.
Rezonings and special exceptions citywide
A dozen ordinances were on the docket, including converting multifamily-zoned lots to single-family near East Illinois Avenue, allowing duplexes on South Dallas Street, a planned housing development on Occidental Parkway, and several setback and lot-dimension exceptions.
Water Security and T-BAR Property
A hired security firm couldn't breach the city's computer systems but got under a fence at a water facility, prompting the $110,000 engineering contract for fencing, gates, and cameras — required by TCEQ to be engineer-stamped.
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.
Transit funding match
The city's $860,000 FY2027 local match payment to the Midland-Odessa Urban Transit District was up for approval, keeping regional bus service funded.
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.
Walmart Northgate expansion traffic concerns
Council supports the Walmart remodel and expansion concept but deferred final approval until the company delivers a comprehensive plan for entrances, exits, and traffic at Northcrest and Briarwood.
Appraisal District Election
For the first time ever, Midland residents get to vote on the Central Appraisal District board, giving locals a direct say in who decides their property values and taxes. Candidates are actively campaigning, making this a crucial moment to influence how property assessments are handled.
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.
Automobile Sales Use on Andrews Highway
A former Mercedes-Benz dealership property on Andrews Highway received approval for continuous automobile sales and service use.
Specific Use Designations for Alcohol Sales
Two local restaurants requested specific use designations to allow alcohol sales with meals. The commission approved both permits after finding no community objections.
Automobile Sales and Service Designation
A request was granted to allow automobile sales and service at the former Mercedes-Benz dealership on Andrews Highway.
Flock Safety Contract Termination
The city council voted unanimously to cancel its contract for 73 automated license plate recognition cameras over growing privacy concerns regarding data collection and sharing.
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.
Board Vacancies
Midland is looking for locals to step up and fill open spots on key boards like the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Midland Development Corporation. If you want a direct say in how the city grows, applications are open until October 16.
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.
Wildcatter Trail Land Acquisition and Development
Midland is moving forward with the Wildcatter Trail project by approving possession and use agreements with local landowners to secure necessary land parcels.
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.
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.
Commercial and Residential Development
The commission reviewed multiple plats to allow for future commercial and residential development across Midland, ensuring infrastructure and access compliance.
Wayfinding Signs
Midland is putting up 49 new signs to help everyone easily find local museums, parking, and downtown spots. The best part? It's totally paid for by hotel taxes and partners, so it won't cost local property owners a dime.
Annual City Fee Schedule
The council will review and adopt the city's fee schedule for permits, services, and administrative charges taking effect October 1.
FY 2026-2027 Budget and Tax Rate
The city adopted a $504 million budget holding the property tax rate flat at the no-new-revenue level, funding public safety initiatives and capital projects with cash instead of debt.
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.
Infrastructure and Highway Economics
Heads up, Midland! Big road and utility projects are underway, and they're going to take time. Get ready for some traffic headaches and detours as the city works to improve things.
2026-2027 Municipal Budget
The Midland Development Corporation adopted a nearly $23.9 million budget for the next fiscal year, utilizing $15 million in projected sales tax revenue and drawing from net position reserves to fund local economic programs.
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.
Judicial Suspension
Midland County Judge Terry Johnson is off the clock with pay after being indicted for allegedly leaking private info online. The county is now scrambling to find a temporary replacement to keep the courts running smoothly.
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.
Traffic Safety (Vision Zero)
Get ready for some traffic headaches, Midland! New safety measures are coming to deal with the crowds expected when the new Costco opens.
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.
Legislative Advocacy
The city is finalizing its wish list for the state legislature to ensure local needs are represented in Austin.
Centennial Tower Office Lease Extension
The MDC extended its downtown office lease at Centennial Tower for another five years to maintain its operational headquarters.
Water Infrastructure Capacity
Midland is partnering with Pioneer Natural Resources and Jacobs to upgrade its water infrastructure. This collaboration aims to ensure a stable and reliable water supply for the city's future needs.
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.
Cemetery Management
Midland families are rightfully upset after city crews discovered human remains in plots that were supposed to be vacant. It’s a massive administrative failure that proves the city’s burial record-keeping is completely broken.
School Funding Litigation
Midland ISD is suing the state to challenge the 'Robin Hood' funding system that siphons local property tax dollars away from our classrooms. This legal battle could decide whether your tax money stays here to fund local schools or gets sent elsewhere.