Local Government

Just five years after Lubbock’s city council voted to establish roadway impact fees for developers, an all new council has reduced them to nothing. Developers argue the costs passed down to new homes and businesses were inhibiting new growth, but former city leaders say they enacted impact fees to make sure Old Lubbock isn't left behind.

The Texas Tech University System has entered a new partnership with the FBI focused on focus on strengthening national security, cybersecurity, and the protection of critical infrastructure. Our Bishop Van Buren reports on the signing ceremony. Last week, the City of Lubbock was dealing with cybersecurity concerns of its own, resulting in the temporary shutdown of its systems. Our reporter Samantha Larned has the latest from the city.

Lubbock’s city council moved ahead quickly with a second vote on changes to the city’s roadway impact fee rates. The second reading took places in a special council meeting Monday night at 5:30 p.m. at Citizens Tower. This story has been updated.

Lubbock’s city council is moving ahead quickly with a second vote on changes to the city’s roadway impact fee rates. Last week the council passed a motion decreasing the percent paid by developers to zero. The second reading is listed in the agenda for a special meeting of the city council to take place tonight at 5:30 p.m. at Citizens Tower. The Texas Standard’s Michael Marks reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to make major investments to fight a flesh-eating pest that threatens Texas livestock.

After being offline due to potential security concerns, the City of Lubbock is gradually restoring its systems. However, utility customers can only pay their bills in person at the City of Lubbock Utilities building, located at 1401 Avenue K. Residents can report power outages by calling the utilities service center at 806-775-2509. At the Texas House of Representatives, business remains at a standstill as many of the state’s Democratic lawmakers continue their quorum break. As Houston Public Media’s Alexandra Hart reports, another special session appears to be imminent.

Lubbock City Council has set aside 20 acres at Bill McAlister Park for a proposed $50 million indoor sports complex. The nonprofit Lubbock Game Changers plans to build the 140,000-square-foot facility with volleyball and basketball courts, a championship arena, and other amenities — without using city funds.

After a series of public hearings, Lubbock's city council voted on a change to roadway impact fees, a shared cost between the city and developers to pay for road updates. Pending final approval, the rate for developers will decrease to zero percent. Also in yesterday's meeting, the council entered a commitment agreement setting aside land for a new indoor sports facility. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on the plans.

Last week, the City of Lubbock presented its budget for the next fiscal year to members of city council. In tomorrow's meeting, the council will propose its maximum tax rate for homeowners. Meanwhile, KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo reports the Texas Attorney General's Office is threatening two former state funeral commission employees with legal action after they spoke out against the agency. Summer vacation is coming to a close, and many Lubbock students are going back to school this week. Lubbock ISD, Lubbock-Cooper ISD, and Frenship ISD begin their new school year this Wednesday.

The Lubbock ISD Athletics Hall of Honor Class of 2025 was inducted this weekend. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren details the seven individuals and two teams who were celebrated. The Lubbock mayor’s office is trying to boost turnout for the city’s monthly Coffee with the Mayor events. Our Samantha Larned reports the next event is in District 4 tomorrow at 7 a.m. at the Market Street at 4205 98th Street.

Last summer, Lubbock’s city council voted to reduce funding for the First Friday Art Trail from the Cultural Arts Grant Program. Now, one year later, the council was once again tasked with approving the grant recipients recommended by Civic Lubbock, Inc. KTTZ's Samantha Larned reports this year's funding was approved with a unanimous vote from the city council after some changes to grant guidelines, including a restriction on "controversial" issues.