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Mayor says Lubbock’s economy is growing as city holds tax rate, highlights bond-funded street work
Summary
Mayor Mark McBrayer and City Manager Jared Atkinson outlined job growth, building-permit gains and budget highlights, saying the city kept tax increases small while investing in streets, public safety and water infrastructure.
Mayor Mark McBrayer said Lubbock is experiencing strong job and construction growth and that the city is working to keep taxes low while funding infrastructure and public safety.
McBrayer and City Manager Jared Atkinson told attendees at the Lubbock Apartment Association–hosted State of the City address that single-family building permits rose in 2024 and that broader economic measures show growth. “Lubbock’s unemployment rate as of January 2025 was 3.2%,” Atkinson said, and the city reported increased permit activity and higher sales-tax receipts that reduce reliance on property tax.
Why it matters: McBrayer framed the figures as the financial foundation for long-term projects the city is pursuing — street bonds, public-safety hires and water supply investments — and emphasized keeping the tax burden low while funding priorities.
Key details - Residential construction: McBrayer said 1,558 single-family permits were pulled in 2024, about 17% higher than 2019 and 25% higher than 2018; the mayor said total new-construction valuation topped $1 billion in 2022 and 2023. - Major employers: McBrayer described Leprino’s local expansion as creating about 600 jobs with an almost $1 billion investment, said an AG Systems facility is expected to create about 935 jobs, and noted an expansion by Duraline expected to add about 41 jobs. - Sales tax and budget: McBrayer and Atkinson noted sales-tax collections approached $100 million in fiscal year 2023–24; Atkinson said the council adopted a budget that reduced the tax rate slightly and that the city held the general-fund per-capita cost roughly level with population plus inflation over five years. - Debt profile: Atkinson reported the city’s total outstanding debt (principal and interest) at about $1.8 billion; he said roughly $741 million of that is related to the municipally owned electric utility (Lubbock Power & Light) and that about 80% of the city’s outstanding debt is covered by rates or fees rather than property tax. The mayor separately cited $372 million in tax-backed debt.
Statements and attribution - Mayor Mark McBrayer delivered the address and framed the priorities. - City Manager Jared Atkinson gave specific budget and debt figures and described additions to street-maintenance funding and other line items.
Context and next steps McBrayer and Atkinson emphasized that keeping tax rates low while funding maintenance and growth depends on sustained sales-tax receipts and responsible budgeting. The mayor said he remains committed to the “no new revenue” posture when feasible, but acknowledged it may not always be possible to fund priorities without some changes.
Ending City leaders said they will continue reporting project milestones to the council and public; no formal council action was recorded during the address.
