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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Kevin Pounds made first responders, roads and county facilities central to winning Precinct 2 campaign
The retired Lubbock firefighter said his experience managing emergencies and working with public boards prepared him to address southeast Lubbock County’s infrastructure and budget challenges. Kevin Pounds entered the 2026 race for Lubbock County commissioner in Precinct 2 arguing that several basic government responsibilities had been neglected: supporting rural fire…
Justin Martin campaigned on budget cuts and calmer government in Precinct 2 bid
The Slaton businessman and former school trustee argued that Lubbock County needed tighter spending controls, better infrastructure planning and fewer public conflicts among its leaders. Justin Martin entered the 2026 race for Lubbock County commissioner in Precinct 2 with a deliberately unexciting goal: make county government “boring” again. For Martin,…
Chad Seay sought return to Precinct 4 seat with focus on public safety
The former Lubbock County commissioner argued that law enforcement and fire protection required reliable funding, even as county leaders worked to control taxes. Chad Seay entered the 2026 Republican race for Lubbock County commissioner hoping to reclaim the Precinct 4 seat he once held, presenting himself as an experienced fiscal…
C.J. Peterson’s Precinct 4 Campaign Marked a Bid to Return to Public Service
The former Lubbock County constable built his campaign around public safety, infrastructure and a candid account of the personal and health struggles that led him to leave office in 2018. When C.J. Peterson entered the 2026 race for Lubbock County commissioner in Precinct 4, he presented his candidacy as more…
Texas Primary 2026 Guide: 15 Candidate Profiles and 30 Q&As for Lubbock-Area Races
Ahead of the March 3, 2026, Texas primary, Lubbock-area voters faced decisions in races affecting Congress, county government, local courts and both major political parties. To help residents compare the candidates, Lubbock Lights assembled 15 individual profiles and responses from 30 candidates across 12 contested races. The profiles concentrated on…
Curtis Parrish Cited Court Reforms and Major Projects in Campaign for Third Term
The Lubbock County judge emphasized his legal experience, infrastructure investments and public-safety priorities while acknowledging unfinished work and divisions on Commissioners Court. Curtis Parrish based his 2026 reelection campaign on a straightforward argument: Lubbock County had made significant progress during his first two terms, but continued population growth would require…