Why Lubbock Is Quietly Becoming One of Texas’ Most Important Cities | Mayor Mark McBrayer
What makes the City of Lubbock one of the most underrated growth stories in the state?
In this episode of The Building Texas Show host Justin McKenzie sits down in Lubbock with Mayor Mark McBrayer for a deep, honest conversation about how this West Texas city is planning for the future — not just the next election cycle, but the next 100 years.
Lubbock is often associated with @texastech but as Mayor McBrayer explains, the city stands on three powerful pillars: education, agriculture, and healthcare — with a growing industrial and entrepreneurial economy now accelerating that momentum.
In this conversation, we explore:
Why Lubbock is one of the youngest major cities in Texas
How long-term water and infrastructure planning is shaping growth
Why Leprino Foods, the largest mozzarella producer in the U.S., invested nearly $1 billion in Lubbock
What makes Lubbock a magnet for businesses, families, and entrepreneurs
The role of downtown revitalization, culture, and civic investment
Why quality of life — not congestion — is driving the next wave of Texas growth
How Lubbock collaborates with other West Texas cities like Midland-Odessa and Amarillo
What Mayor McBrayer wants residents to look forward to in 2026 and beyond
This episode is for anyone interested in:
Texas economic development
Mid-sized cities and growth strategy
Water, infrastructure, and long-range planning
Entrepreneurship and business relocation
The future of West Texas
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🔗 Helpful Resources Mentioned in the Episode
Lubbock Economic Development Alliance
Texas Tech University & Innovation Hub
University Medical Center & Covenant Health
Let’s talk Texas.
Where do you see the next wave of growth happening — West Texas or the Texas Triangle?
