Midland, Texas Is Becoming a Space City—Here’s Why | Mayor Lori Blong
Midland, Texas is evolving beyond oil and gas—emerging as a hub for space, infrastructure, workforce development, and long-term growth in Texas.
In this episode of The Building Texas Show, Mayor Lori Blong explains how Midland is planning for the next 5, 50, and 100 years.
In this conversation, host Justin McKenzie and Lori Blong, Mayor of Midland, discuss infrastructure-led economic development, water planning in West Texas, the Midland spaceport, aerospace innovation, and why Midland’s young workforce is shaping the city’s future.
Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to Midland, Texas
Why Midland matters to Texas, energy independence, and the nation.
00:43 – Meet Mayor Lori Blong
Background, leadership, and why this moment matters for Midland.
01:16 – Beyond Oil & Gas: Midland’s Next Chapter
Healthcare, education, aerospace, and diversified growth.
02:24 – Workforce Challenges & Opportunity
Low unemployment, talent attraction, and preparing the next generation.
02:55 – Why Continuity in City Leadership Matters
Reelection, long-term momentum, and stable governance.
03:39 – Serving a Hometown Community
Why Mayor Blong chose public service in Midland.
04:20 – How Far Ahead Is Midland Planning?
Five-year strategies vs. 100-year infrastructure decisions.
05:47 – Water in the Desert: Midland’s 100-Year Plan
Water rights, regional sourcing, and future-proofing the city.
06:42 – Master Plans, Transparency & Civic Engagement
Why residents should read the city’s comprehensive plan.
08:22 – Turning Vision into Action
How Midland’s strategic plan drives near-term decisions.
09:35 – Economic Development That Actually Works
Infrastructure-first growth and creating a business-friendly environment.
10:40 – Satellites Built in Midland
AST SpaceMobile, the spaceport, and aerospace innovation in West Texas.
11:32 – National Defense & Space Technology
Why Midland plays a role in America’s security future.
13:01 – Building Infrastructure You Don’t Have to Think About
The unseen work that makes cities function.
13:46 – Tourism & the Midland Airport
Sports tourism, workforce travel, and record-breaking airport growth.
15:25 – What’s Ahead for Midland in 2026
Quality of life, airport expansion, and long-term investments.
16:38 – One of the Youngest Cities in Texas
Why a median age of 32 shapes Midland’s future.
18:02 – Planning for Every Generation
Balancing growth for young families and longtime residents.
18:55 – The Role of City Staff
Why public servants behind the scenes deserve recognition.
19:55 – Final Thoughts: Opportunity & Responsibility
Managing growth in a smart, sustainable way.
20:44 – Closing & Invitation to Rediscover Midland
This conversation dives into:
Midland’s role as a Texas spaceport and emerging aerospace hub
Why infrastructure—not incentives—is driving economic development
Long-term water planning in a desert city
Workforce challenges and opportunities in the Permian Basin
The importance of master plans, strategic plans, and civic engagement
Quality of life investments for one of the youngest cities in Texas
With a median age of just 32, Midland is a city built by families, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers. From oil and gas to national defense, satellites, sports tourism, and aviation, this episode reveals why Midland continues to punch far above its weight—and why its future matters far beyond West Texas.
📍 Whether you’re a business owner, city leader, student, or Texan curious about the forces shaping the state’s future, this is a must-watch conversation.
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