2024 has been a year of big steps forward for Midland, and none of it happened by accident. It’s the result of hard work, vision, and teamwork from the people who love this city and believe in our potential.
Here’s a closer look at the progress we’ve made together this year:
Fiscally Conservative
Property Tax Rate Reduction
For the second straight year, City Council has voted to lower Midland’s property tax rate.
Firefighter Retirement Fund Progress
Midland has taken critical steps to strengthen the firefighter retirement fund, by adding 2% to the contributions.
Wildcatter Trail Grants
Grants have been secured for the Wildcatter Trail System, bringing us closer to a connected, accessible outdoor recreation network.
Airport Federal Grants
Midland International Air & Space Port has received over $110 million in federal grants. These funds are being put to work upgrading infrastructure, enhancing safety, and expanding the airport’s capabilities.
Transparency and Financial Planning
For the first time in over 20 years, Midland’s annual audit came back with zero findings. That’s not just a win for the books—it shows how seriously we take managing your tax dollars. With five-year financial forecasting now in place to address inflation and plan for the future, Midland is setting a high bar for responsible and transparent financial stewardship.
Maintaining Infrastructure
Most Traveled Roads Program
Midland’s busiest roads are getting a much-needed refresh, with pothole repairs, lighting improvements, and safety enhancements leading the way.
Midland's 12 Most-Traveled Roads Cleanup
From litter removal to ADA compliance improvements, the cleanup of our 12 busiest roads is making a noticeable difference.
Northeast Sewer Line Project
A $46 million investment is bringing new sewer services to northeast Midland, supporting growth and ensuring reliable infrastructure.
Regional Water Collaboration
A landmark agreement with Abilene and San Angelo secures Midland’s water needs for the next 100 years, ensuring our region’s long-term sustainability.
Regional Partnerships on Transportation
Collaborating with neighboring counties and cities, Midland is tackling transportation challenges ensuring the region stays connected and moving forward.
Infrastructure Investment
This year’s budget includes $28 million for new roads, traffic lights, and basic infrastructure to keep pace with Midland’s growth.
I-14 and I-27
This year, leaders in Midland and Odessa successfully advocated to bring I-27 and I-14 to our communities. The House, the Senate and the President have ratified the designation and we continue to work to make the interstates a physical reality.
Making Our City Safer
Midland Police Department's Operation Cruise Control and Operation Intersection Intervention
As part of our Vision Zero program, we've concluded Operation Intersection Intervention and recently initiated Operation Cruise Control, targeting speeding to save lives. This city initiative empowers Midland police officers to enforce speed limits more effectively, contributing to our goal of reducing traffic fatalities by 2050. We have continued to see an uptick in moving violations and a corresponding decrease in crime in areas across the city.
Vision Zero and Safe Passage Initiative
In our commitment to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2050, we've launched the Vision Zero initiative. This safety action plan focuses on safe road design, enforcement, education, and community engagement to ensure the safety of all road users. These efforts received a $8.66 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for safety improvements along the Lamesa corridor and citywide signal re-timing, aiming to reduce total crashes by 618 over a 20-year period.
Animal Services Enhancements
From hiring a veterinarian to equipping animal services vehicles with air conditioning, we’ve made major strides in animal welfare. These changes ensure better care for Midland’s pets and strays.
Improving Quality of Life
The Largest Costco in Texas
At 180,000 square feet, the new Costco is more than a retail giant—it's a jobs generator. Located at State Highways 191 and 158, this development strengthens our economy while providing families with a highly anticipated shopping option.
Reyes-Mashburn-Nelms Park Ballfields
New little league and junior league baseball fields have been completed, positioning this park as a premier tournament destination and providing Midland's youth with excellent facilities to play and grow in all parts of town.
Beal Park Soccer Complex
This state-of-the-art facility will feature multiple fields, an amphitheater, a splash park, and a playground. Upon completion, it will serve as a regional hub for tournaments and a recreational spot for local families. Planning for this project began in earnest in 2024 and we can expect construction to commence in early 2025.
Hogan Park Golf Course Upgrades
Hogan Park is undergoing a major facelift with a multi-million-dollar investment. New irrigation systems and other upgrades will elevate it to a top-tier golf destination in West Texas.
Indoor Sports Facility
Because of the leadership and vision of the Midland Athletic Syndicate, along with the generosity of local philanthropists, we're excited to welcome the construction of a privately funded $30+ million facility at the Scharbauer Sports Complex. This venue will host tournaments and provide our athletes with a premier home court.
Zoo Midland
Plans are moving forward for Zoo Midland—the first new zoo built in the U.S. in over 25 years. It’s an exciting development for education, conservation, and family fun.
Wildcatter Trail System
Phase 1 of the Wildcatter Trail System is underway, creating new paths for outdoor recreation and connecting residents with Midland’s natural beauty. Grants have been secured for the Wildcatter Trail System, bringing us closer to a connected, accessible outdoor recreation network.
Doug Russell Aquatic Center Renovation
Big things are happening at the Doug Russell Aquatic Center. The bathhouse renovation is set to transform the space, with reopening planned for summer 2025.
Parks and Recreation Improvements
From playground upgrades to new football fields, Midland’s parks are getting the attention they deserve, offering better spaces for families to play, relax, and connect.
Summit Center
Local investors envisioned, designed, funded, and constructed a fabulous new development in North Midland. Filled with family-oriented connected amenities, this development has elevated our community vision for new development and we are thrilled with this new addition to our fair city.
Eliminating Red Tape
Community Engagement
With tools like town halls, Budget Chime In sessions, and surveys, Midland is prioritizing transparency and collaboration. Residents are helping shape the decisions that matter most, creating a true sense of partnership between leadership and the community.
Customer Service Improvements
With SeeClickFix and AskJacky, residents can now report issues and easily ask questions. These tools are part of our ongoing effort to make government more responsive and accessible.
Redeveloping Downtown
Omni Midland Hotel
Downtown is set to welcome a four-star Omni Hotel, a rooftop pool, spa, and 15,000 square feet of meeting space. This project, backed by local investors, is creating a destination for visitors and locals, revitalizing the heart of our city.
Centennial Entertainment Overlay District
This initiative invites new activity and opportunities for optimized use of existing properties and revitalizing underused properties downtown, creating spaces where people can live, work, and play. The Centennial Entertainment District will enhance Midland's appeal and livability. Look for even more opportunities to come for downtown.
Downtown TIRZ Revitalization
The resurrection of the Downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) and the expansion into TIRZ 3 and 4 are bringing life back to underused spaces, encouraging growth and innovation downtown.
Midland's Merry Lights
Our first annual Midland Merry Lights Festival illuminated downtown with gorgeous light displays, music, and family fun. December 2024 has seen record numbers of Midlanders in our downtown park and the surrounding area, enjoying what has quickly become one of Midland's favorite Christmas delights. We have plans to add more lights, more programming and more FUN in the years to come!
Downtown Boutique Hotel
The historic Thomas building is being transformed into a boutique hotel. This project, also locally owned, blends our city's rich history with modern amenities, adding another gem to downtown.
Developing Midland and the Economy
Five-Year Strategic Plan
This year, we've unveiled a comprehensive plan to guide Midland's growth, focusing on public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life. It's our roadmap for Midland, ensuring a common purpose, vision, and direction for sustainable and continued development for our city future.
Midland International Air & Space Port Expansion
The expansion of the Air & Space Port is positioning Midland into a hub for aerospace, communication, and national defense innovation. This development brings jobs and solidifies our city's role in a high-tech future, welcoming several national defense contractors and a satellite communication company, who are utilizing our spaceport designation for development and testing of their respective technologies.
Economic Strength
Midland's economy continues to grow, earning national recognition for its strength and diversity. We're leading the way in energy, aerospace, and more, providing opportunities for businesses and residents.
Delta Airlines Returns
Travel just got a little easier. Delta Airlines is back at Midland International, offering more options and connecting us to even more destinations.
Special Olympics Fall Classic
This year, Midland hosted the Special Olympics Fall Classic in partnership with Odessa, celebrating athletes of all abilities and bringing the region together for an unforgettable event.
Affordable Housing Developments
Developments like Mockingbird Ridge North, with 1,300 homes planned, are expanding Midland’s housing stock and addressing the growing need for affordable, family-friendly options.
As I look back on everything Midland has accomplished this year, one thing is abundantly clear—none of it would have been possible without amazing people working behind the scenes. Our City Staff deserves so much credit for their hard work. They make things happen, turning ideas into action and making sure our city runs smoothly.
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I’m especially grateful for the business leaders and community partners who consistently show up, bringing their expertise, resources, and belief in what Midland can achieve. The Chamber of Commerce and the Midland Development Corporation have been instrumental in driving economic growth and innovation. From supporting local businesses to attracting new opportunities, their efforts have laid the foundation for a stronger Midland.
Thank you to the entire City Council for your hard work. It's an honor to work alongside all of you as we continue building momentum for the years ahead.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year,
