City of Lubbock officials used an end-of-year presentation to summarize major 2024 developments, including the opening of a new Lubbock Police Department headquarters at 1205 15th Street, voter approval in November of a $103,000,000 bond for street improvements and a water-service-line inventory that found no lead service lines in the city's taps.

The recap highlighted projects and personnel changes across city government and public safety. "So we're honored this morning to present you with this new facility with faith that its use will not only increase the safety of our community, but will bridge the line of communication between our citizens and the police department," said Staff member (Speaker 2) during the presentation about the police headquarters at 1205 15th Street.

Why it matters: the bond and infrastructure updates affect street conditions and schools across Lubbock, the police headquarters centralizes police operations and related offices, and the water inventory responds to federal requirements and resident concerns about lead in service lines.

City facilities and programs
The Lubbock Police Department's new headquarters at 1205 15th Street now houses sworn and civilian personnel and the fire marshal’s office. Lubbock Public Health moved into a new building near 50th Street and Avenue U that includes clinic rooms and an in-house pharmacy offering vaccinations. The presentation noted that the city's federally mandated inventory of service lines concluded with no lead service lines found from the city's taps.

Parks and recreation additions this year included three new splash pads and a new pickleball facility. "These splash pads, they're gonna add fun and socialization to our neighborhoods. More so, they're gonna build families, and that to me is the most important thing," said Staff member (Speaker 3) when describing the splash pads installed at May Simmons Park, Maxey Park and Rogers Park. The presentation also noted that citizens can play pickleball at a new facility at McAllister Park and at the Burgess Rushing Tennis Center.

Public safety and leadership changes
The city reported several leadership changes: new police Chief Seth Herman was sworn in in May and Lubbock Fire Rescue Chief Rich Stewart in August; Jennifer Fresquez was named chief information officer and Joe Jimenez became chief financial officer in November; the city promoted Brandi Spicer to captain, the department's first female captain. The presentation listed recent departures and incoming elected officials: longtime council members Sheila Patterson Harris, Latrell Joy and Steve Massengale left the dais and Mark McBrayer was sworn in as mayor; new council members cited included Gordon Harris (District 2), David Glascheen (District 3), Braden Rose (District 4) and Tim Collins (District 6).

Other notable projects and events
City presenters noted Lubbock Power and Light completed deregulation work during the year, giving residents new electric-provider options. The city and Civic Lubbock Inc. launched a public art map to help residents locate art installations. The city also installed a safe-haven baby box at Fire Station No. 9 and said three other boxes will be installed at UMC, Covenant and the Wolfforth Fire Department; the presentation described the purpose as providing an anonymous, safe option to surrender newborns in crisis. The presentation recalled the April 8 near-total solar eclipse and highlighted cultural and outreach activities including a visit from Japanese middle school students from Musashino City, the LBK Rhythm and Roots podcast interview with the Texas Music Office at SXSW and the city's Office and Field Services summer program aimed at young adults.

Bond approval
The presentation noted that in November voters approved a $103,000,000 bond intended to improve street and driving conditions on several roads in the community, including many near schools. The transcript did not provide vote tallies or the bond proposition language.

Public engagement and programs
The city reported that dozens graduated from the 2024 Lubbock 101 citizens academy and that applications for the 2025 class will open Jan. 13, 2025. The presentation closed with reflections on the year and thanks to residents.

"It's definitely a blessing to have this job. You learn something new every day," said Staff member (Speaker 4) in closing.