MIDLAND TEXAS REIMAGINING A DIVERSIFIED FUTURE WWW.MIDLANDTEXAS.GOV
REIMAGINING A DIVERSIFIED FUTURE MIDLAND, TX AT A GLANCE MIDLAND, TEXAS WHAT: A dynamic, fast-growing municipality that is dedicated to economic diversification, civic infrastructure priorities and its valued residents WHERE: M idland County, Texas WEBSITE: www.midlandtexas.gov 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
G D A BOLD VISION FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH ROOTED IN COMMUNITY The municipality of Midland, Texas, long recognized as an energy hub in the Permian Basin, is firmly focused on redefining itself for the next generation. While oil and gas remain central, city leadership is carefully steering the city toward diversification with a special focus on family amenities and bold infrastructure investments that promise to make Midland more resilient and livable today and for future generations. Keeping the residents in the heart 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
of its long-term economic vision, this dynamic and engaged community has a bright future ahead. A YOUNG, FORWARD-LOOKING COMMUNITY “Midland is a very young community, with a median age of about 32 years old, and so we have a lot of bold strategic vision for our future,” said Mayor Lori Blong. “We are prioritizing sound governance, smart investment, and a commitment to operational excellence.” Although much of the economy still ties to energy, new industries are emerging. “We do have various other enterprises that are coming to our community,” Blong added.“A lot of expansion of retail and entertainment opportunities. We’ve recently added an air and space port component, with space development companies and national defense contractors investing in opportunity here.” This diversification is building resilience and creating opportunities for residents and investors alike. REVITALIZING DOWNTOWN Downtown redevelopment is central to the city’s overall economic strategy. Chief of Staff Taylor Novak points to key recent and anticipated additions to the city’s downtown corridor that help to define its overall vision. “The Bush Convention Center and Centennial Park are recent multimillion-dollar facilities that are definitely the anchors of the downtown area. But what we’re most looking forward to is the addition of hotel keys, mainly with the Omni Midland that is coming.” The five-star Omni will feature a rooftop pool, spa, restaurants, and retail. Alongside it, the Locklin Hotel will further expand lodging. Together, they will support conventions and events like the International Collegiate Rocket Competition, which drew 2,000 students from around the globe. Blong noted the growing energy that is palpable in the downtown corridor even before hotels are complete. “We’ve had a lot of additional programming added, 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 MIDLAND, TX
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THE CROSSING GUARD COMPANY All City Management Services (ACMS) is the nation’s largest private provider of School Crossing Guard services. With decades of experience, we deliver professional, reliable operations that keep children safe and support communities. Partnering with ACMS means end-to-end service, freeing your staff to focus on their core duties while our dedicated team manages this vital public safety role. KEEPING KIDS SAFE SINCE 1985 WWW.ACMSSAFETY.COM LEARN MORE AT
All City Management Services is a family-established business that has been committed to the safety of children for over 40 years. As the largest provider of school safety in the nation, we are proud of our excellent reputation as the industry leader. Our experience and knowledge allow us to respond to the unique challenges presented by each community we serve. At ACMS, we are dedicated to “keeping children safe” by ensuring their safety through the provision of School Crossing Guards before and after school hours. We understand that children face an ever-increasing number of threats to their safety. Our fully trained staff of professional School Crossing Guards are committed to the well-being of children and take pride in making a difference in their lives by enhancing safety for school communities across the country. The heart of our business is to partner with your community to operate your School Crossing Guard program. We successfully deliver a professional service and manage the day-to-day operations of this important sector of public safety. Contracting with ACMS provides the benefit of complete end-to-end service. It also rewards clients with the opportunity to return staff members to their core competency duties. Our strategy allows the dedicated professionals at ACMS to be those responsible for enhancing the safety of the children in your community. • Professionally managed program • DOJ issued background checks • Program cost savings • Relieving Police, School, and Staff personnel from Crossing Guard duties. • Coordination of school schedules with Crossing Guard schedules • Elimination of site vacancies • Safety checks at each intersection • Reduce administrative management burdens • Professional liaison with parents and school districts • Experienced problem resolution team • Liability risk reduction • $10 million liability insurance protection • Workers’ Comp insurance • Elimination of Unemployment claims ACMS provides cities, towns, communities, police departments, and school districts nationwide with a comprehensive, safe, and professional Crossing Guard Program. We assume responsibility for supervision, training, payroll, scheduling, recruitment, background clearance, complaint handling, site safety inspections, and communicating with schools. We are also proud to have extensive partnerships in Texas serving the great Cities of Midland, Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Grand Prairie, Odessa, Corpus Christi, and many others.
“The public investment in the Bush Convention Center and Centennial Park formed that anchor,” Blong said.“We want to be the facilitating member— facilitating the permitting and construction process. We’ve taken what used to be a multi-week permitting process down to seven days or less for commercial properties.” which is drawing people from the community and beyond. The interaction in our downtown park area has really exploded in the last couple of years.” The city’s role is to invest strategically, then open doors for private development. 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 MIDLAND, TX
investment in that area and also placed dollars towards infrastructure in order to ensure that it becomes a true retail corridor. Obviously, you mentioned Costco. There’s the Scharbauer Sports Complex facility out there… and I think Costco’s really going to take that to another level.” STRATEGIC GROWTH IN RETAIL AND SPORTS TOURISM When pinpointing areas of municipal focus, City Manager Tommy Gonzalez highlights tangible retail growth along Highway 191. “The Mayor and Council have made a strategic 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
Fueling the community alongside you, Midland! While our success hinges on e ciently and safely developing natural resources, our legacy extends beyond the drill bit. We proudly support the City of Midland.
At Diamondback Energy, we’ve grown to become the largest pure-play oil and gas operator in the Permian Basin. We proudly call Midland our home. While our success hinges on efficiently and safely developing natural resources, our legacy extends beyond the drill bit. We’re investing time and resources into strengthening Midland for generations to come. This drives our steadfast commitment to responsible operations, environmental stewardship, sound governance, and vibrant community support. We lead with purpose in our hometown and operating areas. To have the greatest impact, we foster relationships and collaboration with those at the helm of Midland’s trajectory: local elected officials, city staff, educators, first responders, nonprofit organizations, and business leaders. A robust public-private partnership with the City of Midland is paramount, and we make a united effort to ensure our activities align with community priorities. Each year, Diamondback employees, Keep Midland Beautiful, and Parks and Recreation staff plant hundreds of droughttolerant trees in city public parks. In coordination with local officials and regulatory agencies, we host site tours to promote transparency and understanding of our operations. We synchronize with local first responders to assist with emergencies in the field, whether at our sites or surrounding areas, and support their life-saving efforts with critical supplies and donations. Education is one of our top pillars to grow and develop the next generation of leaders and workforce in the Permian Basin.Through a longstanding partnership with Midland Independent School District, we’re investing in cutting-edge STEM labs, where students learn anatomy, physiology, and neuroscience while earning dual credit; robotics mentorships; STEAM Camp; scholarships; and much more. We also focus on bridging the gap for life skills students through our Rolling Barista program and partner with Texas A&M University’s Engineering Academy at Midland College to mentor future engineers. Annually, we contribute more than $2.5MM to local nonprofit and charitable organizations, along with approximately 1,000 employee volunteer hours, to causes we’re most passionate about.Through our Employee Charitable Gift Match program, all Diamondback employees’ local donations to charity are matched $2-for-$1. By strategically channeling our resources and energy, we empower our team to embody our company core values – Integrity, Leadership, Excellence, People, and Teamwork. Supporting the community is fundamental to who we are. As one of the region’s largest employers, it’s a privilege to fuel progress alongside the City of Midland. Discover more at www.diamondbackenergy.com.
want to do is leverage that with retail along that corridor as well as with a family-style hotel resort.” Transportation investments are also keeping pace. Midland is now positioned along I-20, I-14, and the newly designated I-27 corridor. “The council, Plans, Gonzalez notes, include retail, sports facilities, and a family resort hotel. Midland already hosts numerous tournaments, and Gonzalez wants to leverage that reputation. “It’s the hub of tournaments in West Texas. What we 11 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 MIDLAND, TX
A DESTINATION FOR FAMILIES Midland is also busy at work enhancing family amenities. One of the most anticipated additions is a privately funded zoo. “The zoo is a private investment—a group of local the mayor in particular, is really focused on water infrastructure, road infrastructure, highways, and how we connect to other places,” Gonzalez said.“We invested a million dollars in the study and got $26 million back from TXDoT, moving the project up by six years.”
BETENBOUGH HOMES MIDLAND: BUILD. SERVE. IMPACT. Betenbough Homes was founded in 1992 when father and son, Ron and Rick Betenbough, partnered to deliver quality homes in Lubbock at the best possible value, with first-time home buyers in mind. Their innovative cost-plus approach allowed them to source materials at competitive rates and pass those savings directly to homeowners. That first year, they built 11 homes and launched a business rooted in providing an unparalleled home-buying experience. From the beginning, Ron and Rick sought to honor God through their work — a vision that continues to fuel the company’s growth far beyond what they ever imagined. In 2008, Betenbough Homes expanded to Midland after recognizing the need for affordable housing in the area. Since then, the company has built thousands of homes and invested deeply in the community through partnerships with organizations such as Make-A-Wish Foundation, Northside Lions Club, One Accord for Kids, Midland Chamber of Commerce, local schools, the Work With Purpose Conference, and more. For those looking to put down roots in Midland, Betenbough Homes offers new homes in Mockingbird Ridge, a thriving community within Midland ISD. Homebuyers can choose from a wide selection of thoughtfully designed floor plans without compromising on location, quality, or style. Each Betenbough home combines unmatched quality with affordable luxury. Buyers can personalize their space with elevated design options ranging from exterior finishes like brick, stone, and vinyl to interior features such as granite countertops, sleek cabinetry, tile backsplashes, luxury vinyl plank flooring, premium plumbing fixtures, window treatments, and more. Whether mixing and matching to create a signature look or selecting from professionally curated design packages, homeowners enjoy the freedom to reflect their unique style. Betenbough Homes believes that homeownership should be more than a transaction — it should be a memorable experience. That’s why the company offers a simplified path, guiding both first-time home buyers and move-up buyers every step of the way. With dedicated teams, transparent processes, and a culture rooted in people and purpose, Betenbough Homes makes it easy to focus on what matters most: creating lasting memories in a place you’re proud to call home. Learn more at betenbough.com.
oil and gas professionals and large companies coming together to fund it,” Blong said. “The city is deeply engaged in facilitating their success… the way our west side is shaping up, it is becoming a true destination for West Texas.” The zoo will join the ExxonMobil Soccer Complex at Beal Park, a $40 million+ project with 62 soccer fields and other amenities.“Right now, we have about 3,200 kids playing soccer on any given Saturday,” Blong explained. “This centralized location will ease the strain on families separated by location on gameday and also allow us to host regional tournaments.” Recreation upgrades extend citywide.“We’re planning a significant investment in our municipal golf course 15 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 MIDLAND, TX
Costco Wholesale Corporation is thrilled to contribute to the local community in as many ways as possible and operates an international chain of Costco membership warehouses that carry quality, brand-name and related private-label merchandise at incredible values.The warehouses are designed to help small- to medium-size businesses reduce costs in purchasing for resale and for everyday business use. Qualified individuals also are allowed to purchase a wide range of products and services for personal use. Costco offers a Business or Gold Star Membership that includes one free Household Card and is $65 a year. An Executive Membership upgrade fee is an additional $65 a year for Business or Gold Star Members (plus sales tax where applicable). Each Executive Membership includes one free Household Card and an annual 2% Reward (up to $1,250) on qualified Costco purchases.Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Costco warehouses present one of the largest and most exclusive product category selections to be found under a single roof. Categories include groceries, candy, appliances, television and audio equipment, automotive supplies, tires, toys, hardware, sporting goods, jewelry, watches, cameras, housewares, apparel, health and beauty aids, furniture, office supplies and office equipment. EVERYTHING YOU WANT. ALL IN ONE PLACE. Midland WE’RE OPEN IN
water supply is critical. Recognizing the area’s continuing supply challenges, Midland has taken steps to secure its long-term future. “We have about 50 plus years of water supply that’s currently piped in under our existing system,” Blong said. “We made an acquisition of another well field that takes us over that 100-year targeted mark. A hundred years is really the goal that has been set to have forward-thinking, water-conscious irrigation systems and upgrading and replacing the greens and fairways,” Blong said. “All of our parks have seen a total replacement of our play structures in the last few years. Almost all playgrounds in city parks are brand new.” PLANNING FOR WATER SECURITY Blong is quick to point out that In arid West Texas, 17 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 MIDLAND, TX
Visit FrostBank.com or call (800) 51-FROST. Making a difference matters We are proud to support the City of Midland, Texas as you work to make our community a better place. Scan for more info Member FDIC © 2025 Frost Bank. For more than 157 years, Frost has helped Texans across the state with their financial needs. Our emphasis on building long-term customer relationships and providing topquality service has resulted in the highest ranking in J.D. Power’s Texas Retail Banking Satisfaction Study for 17 years in a row and earning the highest number of Greenwich Awards in the nation for service to small- and medium-sized companies for eight years in a row. While other banks have scaled back, Frost has expanded, opening new locations close to where our customers live and work.Along the way, we have built the state’s largest ATM network and introduced services like mortgage lending, early payday and overdraft grace to help make customers’ lives better. Founded in 1868, Frost has helped businesses and individuals with their financial needs during three centuries. Visit us at any of our locations in the Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Permian Basin, Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio regions, or call a real-live Texas banker 24/7 at (800) 513-7678. For more information, visit www.frostbank.com.
for us by the state and it’s something we’ve taken very seriously. I may not ever drink the water that comes out of those pipes from this new source, but I do believe my children will.” HOUSING WITH STAYING POWER Housing policy is also evolving., Gonzalez emphasizes, when discussing the topic of quality of life in Midland. “The mayor and council really stressed how they want to create neighborhoods, not just housing. We’ve introduced a public improvement district where more amenities can be added and maintained. It operates like an HOA but as a public instrument, already factored into housing costs. It’s going to make that product better.” Downtown housing demand is strong as well. The 19 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 MIDLAND, TX
As Midland continues to grow with exciting new developments, Rosas New Homes is proud to be part of shaping the city’s future. Since 2006, our family-owned company has been building highquality, custom and semi-custom homes that reflect the unique lifestyles of West Texas families. We believe a home should be more than just walls and a roof — it should be a space where life happens, memories are made, and comfort meets craftsmanship. That’s why we work closely with every homeowner to create designs that are both beautiful and functional, offering movein ready homes, under-construction options you can still personalize, and fully custom builds designed from the ground up. From spacious layouts to premium finishes, smart home technology, and thoughtful neighborhoods, we’re committed to delivering homes that stand the test of time. Whether you’re new to the area or a lifelong resident, Rosas New Homes can help you create a home designed around your life — a place you’ll be proud to call your own. Discover available homes and upcoming projects: www.rosasnewhomes.com
Lofts at Midland maintain 98–99% occupancy. “We feel like we need a second phase of that,” Gonzalez said. “In order for you to have a truly successful downtown, you need housing as well.” A STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY For many, Midland’s strength lies in its people. David Chandler, owner of Red Deer Construction, shares,“The city has been very good to me allowing me to start my business from scratch here. Thirteen years ago, I quit my job, rented a backhoe, and bought a used pickup, and I went to work. I worked indirectly at first and now directly for the city. They have allowed me to learn my trade and grow… I am extremely pro-Midland simply because of my experience and the atmosphere they’ve given us to be able to grow a business.” Novak echoed the distinct rise in community’s spirit: “Midland is just such a unique area. Given our oil Midland Office 3700 N. Big Spring St., Midland, TX 79705 432-683-4261 Phone Lets Connect! Follow us on Social Media. A Texas Tradition of Strength & Longevity A Texas Tradition of Strength & Longevity With decades of experience, our company is supported by unmatched financial strength, cutting-edge technology, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, ensuring we can meet even the most complex needs. Choose a title company you can trust. Choose West Texas Abstract. www.wtabstract.com 21 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 MIDLAND, TX
and gas nature, we have in the past had a larger transient population. But nowadays, especially my generation and younger, are embracing Midland as their home and putting roots down here. We have one of the highest numbers of nonprofits for our population within the nation. We always kind of say we’re out on an island here in Midland because we’re a five-hour drive from everywhere, and so we really lean on each other.” LEADERSHIP AND VISION For Gonzalez, who became City Manager in 2023, the pace of progress reflects leadership’s determination. “It’s the mayor and the city council. When they hired me, they said they wanted a strategic plan, and they wanted it executed. They didn’t want it sitting on a shelf. What we’re doing now is transforming Midland, and that’s what they asked for.” That drive is personal. “The mayor said something that stuck with me,” Gonzalez recalled.“She wants us 22 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
WWW.REDDEERCONSTRUCTIONTX.COM Serving the Permian Basin with knowledge, experience, and outstanding customer service. Manhole Rehab • Line Repair • Fire Hydrant Installation 432-695-4420 Powering Your Business with Innovative Solutions Call us today: (877) 380-4518 info@gnrpowersolutions.com www.gnrpowersolutions.com Flexible Sales & Leasing: short or long-term. Wide Generator Range: From 15kW to 4MW+. Versatile Units: Skid, trailer, or container options. Fuel Options: Diesel, natural gas, or dual-fuel. 24/7 Support: Fast technical service & response. OUR OFFERINGS 23 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 MIDLAND, TX
to go to bed tired every night. That’s how hard she wants us to work for Midland. And that leadership bleeds into us.” LOOKING AHEAD Asked about her priorities for the next 18–24 months, Mayor Blong relays that she is firmly focused on critical infrastructure services to ensure residents have exactly what they need. “My focus is going to be on the essential city services… making sure that we have line of sight on the solutions for our hundred-year water plan. Not just that the water itself is secured, but we know how we’re going to be getting it to our residents. I’m also going to have a lot of focus on our public safety. Just in my time as mayor, we’ve reduced by over half the police vacancies that we have, and I’m going to continue that trajectory.” Midland finds itself embedded in a pivotal civic moment. With investments in infrastructure, water, housing, and recreation, paired with downtown revitalization and economic diversification, the city 24 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n All City Management Services The Crossing Guard Company www.thecrossingguardcompany.com All City Management Services (ACMS) is the largest private provider of School Crossing Guard services in the nation. With over 40 years of experience, we take pride in our excellent reputation as the premier industry leader in “Keeping Kids Safe”. n Diamondback Energy www.diamondbackenergy.com Diamondback Energy is a Texas-based independent oil and natural gas company headquartered in Midland, Texas. The company focuses on the acquisition, development, exploration and production of unconventional, onshore oil and natural gas reserves in the Permian Basin in West Texas. n Betenbough Homes www.betenbough.com/midland Betenbough Homes has been helping Midland families find a place to call home since 2008. As a cost-plus builder dedicated to quality, customer service, and affordability, they keep home prices low in this region. See for yourself why Betenbough Homes has become the #1 new home builder in West Texas! n Costco www.costco.com Costco Wholesale opened its first membershiponly Costco warehouse location in Seattle, to help local small-business owners reduce costs on supplies. The company soon expanded to offer items for personal use. Today, Costco has more than 139 million loyal members who shop at over 900 locations worldwide. is building a new chapter in its history. Grounded in strong community values yet driven by bold ambition, Midland is not only preparing for the future—it is creating it today. 25 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 MIDLAND, TX
n Red Deer Construction www.reddeerconstructiontx.com n Midland Chamber of Commerce www.midlandtxchamber.com The Midland Chamber of Commerce supports business and community growth in Midland, Texas. By providing advocacy, leadership opportunities, networking and signature events, the Chamber serves as a steady partner to local businesses and organizations, helping foster connections and encouraging collaboration for the continued vitality of Midland and the Permian Basin. n Frost Bank www.frostbank.com Frost Bank is one of the 50 largest U.S. banks. It operates 200 financial centers in Texas, including seven in the Permian Basin region. Frost provides a full range of banking, investments and insurance services to businesses and individuals across the state. For more information, visit www.frostbank.com. n Rosas New Homes, LLC www.rosasnewhomes.com Rosas New Homes builds custom and semicustom homes in Midland & Odessa, TX. We offer move-in ready homes, personalized underconstruction options, and fully custom designs. Every home is crafted with quality materials, modern features, and layouts that fit your lifestyle. Discover your perfect home today. n West Texas Abstract www.wtabstract.com West Texas Abstract has proudly served the Permian Basin for over a century, delivering trusted title and escrow services in Midland and Odessa. With unmatched experience and dedication, we safeguard property rights and ensure seamless real estate transactions. Our legacy of excellence continues with accuracy, efficiency, and exceptional customer care. n Kemp Golf Course Design www.kempgolf.com At Kemp Golf Course Design, we blend classic design principles with modern playability to create courses that serve today’s communities and tomorrow’s golfers. Our work is thoughtful, strategic, and built to last—designed for golfers of all levels and crafted to become the next generation’s favorite places to play. n G+R Power Solutions www.gnrpowersolutions.com G+R Power Solutions is a trusted provider of mobile and stationary power generation, fluid transfer pumps and mobile air compressors. Whether you are powering remote operations, supplementing peak loads, securing back up power or transferring fluids or air, our solutions are designed to meet your energy demands— anywhere, anytime. 26 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
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