Council approves three economic incentives totalizing hundreds of millions in projected investment
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Summary
The council approved three incentive agreements recommended by the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance: Leprino Foods ($165M investment, 15 jobs, $500,000 incentive), Hidden 8/Suncrest ($15.4M, 110 jobs, $250,000 incentive), and Industrial Molding ($1.27M, 25 jobs, $50,000 incentive). The measure passed 5–2 after brief debate about government subsidies.
The Lubbock City Council voted Feb. 10 to approve three economic incentive agreements forwarded by the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance.
Brianna Brown, business development director, presented the proposals: Leprino Foods Company plans an expansion at its existing Lubbock facility (4301 East 19th Street) with an anticipated capital investment of about $165,000,000 and creation of 15 primary jobs; the recommended capital investment incentive is $500,000 to be reimbursed in two payments in 2032 and 2033. Hidden 8 LLC and Suncrest Holdings proposed a $15,400,000 investment and 110 new jobs over five years with a $250,000 job‑creation incentive payable after the 25th hire. Industrial Molding Company LLC proposed a $1,270,000 investment and 25 new jobs with a $50,000 reimbursement when the capital investment is verified.
The council debated whether incentives favor large firms; one councilmember argued against giving public money to big businesses, calling the programs unfair to smaller local businesses. "Government does not need to give money to big businesses," one council member said, arguing instead for lower taxes. Despite those objections, the three items were approved together by a 5–2 vote.
What happens next: The approved agreements will move forward for implementation according to the terms presented by the Economic Development Alliance; the council’s majority view was that incentives can generate investment and jobs, while dissenting members opposed the use of public incentives for large firms.
