Lubbock, Texas is positioning itself as one of the state's most important growth stories through a deliberate, century-focused approach to development that balances economic expansion with sustainability. In a recent interview on The Building Texas Show, Mayor Mark McBrayer outlined how the city has built its future on three foundational pillars: education, agriculture, and healthcare. This strategic framework has attracted significant investment while maintaining the city's quality of life and addressing critical infrastructure needs.
Education serves as the central pillar of Lubbock's development strategy, with Texas Tech University leading a consortium of institutions that includes Lubbock Christian University, South Plains College, Wayland Baptist University, and Texas Tech's law and medical schools. This concentration of educational resources has created one of Texas' youngest major cities, populated by students, educators, researchers, and families establishing long-term roots. The educational ecosystem supports workforce development and innovation, creating a pipeline for talent that attracts businesses seeking skilled employees.
Agriculture remains the historical backbone of the region, with West Texas agriculture continuing to supply both Texas and the nation with crops ranging from cotton and corn to sunflowers and wine grapes. Mayor McBrayer noted that "almost any Texas wine you drink has grapes grown right here around Lubbock," highlighting the region's agricultural diversity and economic significance. Healthcare forms the third pillar, with Lubbock serving as a major medical hub between Dallas–Fort Worth and Phoenix through institutions like University Medical Center and Covenant Health, which serve as both critical care providers and major regional employers.
The city's strategic advantages were demonstrated when Leprino Foods, the largest producer of mozzarella cheese in the United States, chose Lubbock for a nearly $1 billion facility expected to employ approximately 1,000 people when fully operational. The company cited proximity to dairy farms, reliable workforce, affordable land, and infrastructure planning as key factors in their decision. Notably, the facility contributes to the city's water strategy by treating and returning water to the municipal system, exemplifying how industrial development can align with civic sustainability goals.
Water management represents a critical component of Lubbock's long-term planning, with the city implementing a 100-year water plan that includes multiple surface water sources, regional partnerships through organizations like the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority, and a transformative new lake project within city limits that will eventually supply up to one-third of Lubbock's water needs. This proactive approach to resource management distinguishes Lubbock from many growing cities and provides a foundation for sustainable expansion.
Cultural and downtown development complement the city's economic strategy, with investments like the 2,200-seat Buddy Holly Hall performance venue, which touring productions have recognized as one of the finest in the country. New statutory authority allowing reinvestment of hotel occupancy tax dollars locally is enabling long-planned civic center expansions designed to attract conventions and trade shows, shifting downtown development from planning to implementation phases. These cultural investments enhance quality of life while generating economic activity.
For entrepreneurs and businesses exploring opportunities, Mayor McBrayer highlighted resources including the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance, Texas Tech's Innovation Hub, and the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce as starting points for engagement. The city's combination of low cost of living, short commutes, stable governance, available land, and collaborative political culture creates an environment conducive to business growth and family settlement. This comprehensive approach positions Lubbock not as a transitional city but as a destination for long-term investment and residence.
The full conversation with Mayor McBrayer exploring these developments is available through YouTube, providing additional insights into Texas economic development, mid-sized city growth strategies, water and infrastructure planning, and rural-urban collaboration. Lubbock's model demonstrates how deliberate planning across multiple sectors can create sustainable growth while preserving community identity and quality of life.
