State of the City 2025: A Vision for Lubbock’s Future
Mayor McBrayer addressed the event attendees. (Mark Umstot Photography)
The Lubbock Apartment Association proudly hosted the 43rd State of the City on March 5, 2025, featuring Mayor Mark McBrayer’s first address since taking office. This annual event brought together business leaders, city officials, and community members to discuss Lubbock’s progress and future.
Mayor McBrayer, alongside city department leaders, highlighted key initiatives, including major infrastructure projects, economic growth, and public safety advancements. Updates included:
Lubbock’s Growth & Economic Strength
- New construction is booming, with 2,500 permits issued in 2024 for single-family, duplex, and commercial properties.
- Construction valuation nears $2 billion, a strong indicator of investment in Lubbock’s future.
- The job market is thriving, with Lubbock’s labor force growing to over 174,000 and 27,545 new jobs projected by 2030.
- Sales tax revenue has surged, demonstrating a strong local economy and increasing consumer confidence.
Public Safety & City Investments
- Lubbock Police Department responded to 123,000 calls in 2024, maintaining a 100% homicide clearance rate.
- Lubbock Fire Rescue handled 27,000 calls, with 71% being emergency medical services.
- Public safety funding increased, adding new positions for both police and fire personnel.
Infrastructure & Transportation
- Two major street bonds totaling $303 million are funding key road projects, including the long-awaited Broadway reconstruction set to begin in 2027.
- Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport has seen a 3.3% increase in passengers over the past year and 14% growth since 2022, reflecting the city's expanding connectivity.
Water & Recreation
- Lake 7 will be Lubbock’s largest water project, with a 20,000 acre-foot capacity (6.5 billion gallons)—larger than Buffalo Springs Lake and Lake Ransom Canyon combined—expected completion: 2032.
- New recreational projects include walking trails in 12 parks, pickleball courts, and splash pads, which will enhance residents' quality of life.
As a long-standing tradition, the event also gave back to the community. This year, a portion of the proceeds benefited the Guadalupe-Parkway Neighborhood Centers, reinforcing LAA’s commitment to supporting Lubbock beyond the business sector.
Mayor McBrayer closed with optimism, stating:
“Lubbock’s future is only going to get better because the people in this room are committed to moving Lubbock forward in the right direction.”
Thank you to all who attended and supported this year’s event. Your participation ensures that Lubbock remains a thriving, forward-moving community.
LAA President Jason Cantu (Mark Umstot Photography)