Government & Development
Expenses rising higher than expected revenue has city looking at challenging budget for fiscal 2026-27
City officials say specialized expenses—such as emergency vehicles, road materials and public-safety facilities—are increasing much faster than tax and fee collections Lubbock officials are preparing for a difficult 2026-27 budget process as modest revenue growth collides with rapidly increasing costs for vehicles, construction materials, employee compensation and other municipal needs. City Manager Jarrett Atkinson and members of the Lubbock City…
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Lubbock approves zoning change and land sale for proposed youth sports complex
The Forge plans a 60,000-square-foot facility near 104th Street and Milwaukee Avenue, while developers say direct access to Milwaukee could address neighborhood traffic concerns A proposed indoor youth sports complex in southwest Lubbock has cleared two important municipal hurdles after the City Council approved a commercial zoning change and the…
Anti-data-center meeting turns confrontational as mayor defends need for business tax revenue
LUBBOCK, Texas — A community meeting opposing large-scale data centers ended tensely after an audience member shouted and used profanity at Mayor Mark McBrayer, prompting the mayor to say he would not accept disrespectful treatment. About 100 people attended the July 8 gathering at the YWCA in central Lubbock. Citizens…
Most speakers at Lubbock data-center meeting call for ban or moratorium
LUBBOCK, Texas — Roughly 500 people attended a special Lubbock City Council meeting on large-scale data centers, with an overwhelming majority of speakers urging city leaders to prohibit the facilities or pause their development instead of attempting to regulate them. The July 7 meeting at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center…
Perry warns Lubbock ISD over library books; district says its review process follows Texas law
LUBBOCK, Texas — A disagreement over books in Lubbock Independent School District libraries has become a test of whether Texas’ newest library law goes far enough—or whether lawmakers will return to Austin seeking stricter controls. State Sen. Charles Perry told Lubbock ISD trustees at their June 25 meeting that some…
Lubbock County approves $1-a-year Expo Center lease in split vote, but control questions remain
The 3-2 decision advances financing for the north Lubbock venue, although two county officials warned that the agreement provides no simple way to exit during its initial 27-year term. Lubbock County commissioners approved a long-term lease for the proposed Lubbock County Expo Center on a 3-2 vote, advancing the public-private…
Growing data-center interest prompts Lubbock mayor to seek public input before setting rules
Nearly 500 people ultimately attended the city’s large-scale forum, where most speakers opposed the projects and officials presented possible restrictions on water, noise, zoning and power generation. Mayor Mark McBrayer called for a large public meeting after learning that several high-power developments were considering the Lubbock area, arguing that the…