Lubbock · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lubbock public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Alley Paving Petition Process
The council will consider a new ordinance creating a way for property owners to petition the city to pave unimproved alleys — with the abutting owners paying the cost. If adopted, neighborhoods with dirt alleys would have a formal path to get them paved.
Lubbock City Charter Review and Amendments
Council will discuss whether to review or amend the Lubbock City Charter, the city's foundational governing document. Any changes could reshape how city government operates.
2022 and 2024 Street Bond Right-of-Way Acquisitions
Several land purchase agreements will advance the 2022 and 2024 street bond projects, including tracts at Upland Avenue/114th Street, Avenue P/146th Street, and 114th/University. These acquisitions are needed to widen and rebuild streets voters funded.
General Municipal Operations and Services
Residents and council members will chat about how things are running in Lubbock, from fixing streets and managing water utilities to keeping neighborhoods safe and growing the local economy.
Highland Oaks Public Improvement District Bond Issuance & Infrastructure
The council will consider issuing special assessment revenue bonds and approving water distribution contracts to support development in the Highland Oaks Public Improvement District.
2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan Development
Lubbock reviewed changes to local road classifications requested by state consultants to ensure streets remain eligible for federal transportation dollars. While consultants proposed sweeping adjustments, local staff and the TAC pushed back on misclassified segments to protect future projects.
Loop 88 and US 84 Corridor Funding Amendments
The committee initiated public review for financial adjustments to major Loop 88 and US 84 corridor projects, incorporating $40 million in category-one state funding. These changes keep ongoing regional highway expansions financially aligned and moving forward.
Roadway Functional Classifications and Federal Funding Eligibility
Lubbock reviewed changes to local road classifications requested by state consultants to ensure streets remain eligible for federal transportation dollars. While consultants proposed sweeping adjustments, local staff and the TAC pushed back on misclassified segments to protect future projects.
Electric Utility Board Participation
The City Council will join the Electric Utility Board to discuss and potentially take action on matters related to the city's electric utility.
Ty Cooke Gas Generating Facility Sale
The council voted 4-3 against giving Adakon Energy a 45-day extension to close on purchasing the Ty Cooke power plant, holding them to the October 21 deadline.
Adaptive Reuse of Vacant School Property (Jackson Elementary)
A nonprofit wants to transform an abandoned school into a community center offering GED classes and youth sports, dividing neighborhood residents over future commercial risks.
Office Space and IT Infrastructure Costs
With the agency's current lease at the county building expiring in September, the MPO is taking steps to negotiate lease extensions or explore other office and IT options.
Seals Commercial Speculative Distribution Facility
Approved a LEDA economic development grant for a $40 million cross-dock industrial facility on South Loop 289 to boost local distribution and manufacturing capacity.
Water Line Leak and Boil Water Notice
Heads up if you head out to Lorenzo: they had a major water line leak that forced a temporary shutoff, meaning anyone in that area is currently stuck under a boil water notice.
Board Appointment Diversity Discussion
The city council appointed and reappointed community volunteers to fill crucial advisory roles on dozens of local boards, commissions, and committees.
Regional Freight Mobility
Get ready for more road work, Lubbock! The construction on FM 41 at the US 87 bridge is back on and expected to finish by the end of 2027. This project aims to improve safety and traffic flow in the area.
North Lubbock Residential Development Costs
Lubbock is looking at changing the fees developers pay when they build new stuff. This could mean your rent or mortgage might go up, but it could also mean better city services for everyone.
Broadway Street Project Groundbreaking
Lubbock kicked off construction on the Broadway Project at Avenue M, funded by voter-approved 2024 street bonds. The project aims to upgrade downtown infrastructure and revitalize the corridor.
District 4 Council Representation
The city officially certified the August 1 runoff election results, installing Tim Green as the new District 4 council representative following Brayden Rose's departure.
Industrial Dust and Pollution
Residents in North and East Lubbock are struggling with heavy dust and pollution from nearby industrial sites, which they claim are operating without proper permits.
City Financial Report Accepted
The council accepted the city's comprehensive financial report for the past fiscal year, indicating adherence to financial reporting standards.
Public Transit Expansion
Lubbock’s Citibus is finally kicking off its five-year expansion plan with a new route and some much-needed tweaks to existing ones. It’s worth a quick look at the new maps to see if your daily commute just got a whole lot faster.
District 4 City Council Runoff
Get ready to vote! Dr. Jennifer Wilson is up for re-election on the Lubbock City Council. This race will decide who's calling the shots for our city.
Special Election
Lubbock voters in City Council District 4, get ready! A special election is on the horizon to choose your next representative. Make sure you're registered and ready to cast your ballot.
District 4 City Council Runoff Election
Lubbock voters in District 4 will head back to the polls for a runoff election on August 1 after no candidate won a majority in the June 27 special election. Tim Green and Gary Boren finished with the most votes and will compete in the runoff.
City Website Redesign
The city is launching a brand-new website on April 22 to improve mobile usability, search functions, and translation options while meeting strict federal ADA accessibility rules ahead of the April 24 deadline.
Public Safety Radio System Upgrade
The city is issuing $14.9 million in short-term tax notes to fund high-cost purchases like fire trucks, street maintenance graders, and a major public safety radio system upgrade.
Federal Grant Application Authority for Major Infrastructure
The MPO gave staff the authority to jump on surprise federal grants, like a massive $150 million INFRA grant for Loop 88, without waiting for the next committee meeting. This helps the agency move fast when federal funding windows open abruptly.