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GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP
- The Chamber is an advocate for pro-business, pro-jobs, pro-growth policies that help in growing the Lubbock economy.
- There must be cooperation and effective communication among elected officials and among political subdivisions and surrounding communities. Such communication can lead to innovative, successful collaborations that could create administrative efficiencies and streamlined processes.
- When decisions are contemplated that affects a particular segment of the community, representatives of that affected sector should be invited to the table for dialogue and input. This input should be used as meaningful direction in the process of developing sound public policy.
- Support policies that improve the City’s fiscal situation in the medium-term and achieve fiscal sustainability over the long-term. Support comprehensive and farsighted strategic planning efforts such as those of the City of Lubbock Comprehensive Planning Advisory Committee.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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The Chamber is an advocate for economic development and job creation. The Chamber supports policies and initiatives that encourage business growth and expansion and improve the business climate of the Lubbock area.
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- Lubbock must meet the challenges of today’s competitive economic development environment to attract and retain quality jobs. Organizations such as Market Lubbock and the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance should be funded at levels commensurate with competing cities.
- Incentive programs and other economic development tools such as free enterprise zones, tax increment financing and community improvement districts should be used prudently, creatively, and transparently to help attract and retain new and existing businesses.
- Local policy leaders should educate themselves on the burgeoning industry of cryptocurrency, take initiative to develop opportunities and attract cryptocurrency/blockchain projects to the area, and advocate for expansion of the energy resources necessary to support such efforts.
- In today’s globally connected and competitive economy, Lubbock’s prosperity is directly linked to the talent and educational achievement of the workforce. Our community has tremendous assets in this regard but has potential for additional resources. The Lubbock area is home to eight Lubbock County independent school districts, and four colleges and universities comprise more than 50,000 students. Through efforts such as the Community Workforce Partnership and Talent Pipeline Management, we must keep our educational assets strong and well networked with job creators so that workforce needs can be seamlessly met. Facilities and infrastructure for providing career and technical training and education should be expanded to meet tomorrow’s workforce needs.
- Support local/regional economic development in industries that align with Texas Tech University’s goal of attaining American Association of Universities (AAU) status
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REGULATION
- Local ordinances, regulations and permitting processes must be viewed from the perspective of job creators and should always consider intended and unintended impacts—especially in terms of the cost of doing business. Flexibility should be applied when dealing with new or emerging business models.
- Periodic review of local ordinances, regulations and permitting processes is recommended given the exponential growth and evolution of the Lubbock business community. Entrepreneurs are creating new types of businesses daily; job growth is poised from emerging industries such as oil, gas, and alternative energy exploration.
- Ensure input from the business community – across various sectors – is considered before finalization of the City’s Unified Development Code (UDC) process so that new code rules maintain a pro-business climate in Lubbock.
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MOBILITY, ENERGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE
- Proper preparation for growth includes planning for the timely construction and maintenance of infrastructure improvements. Infrastructure improvements should be funded in a fair, broad-based manner that does not rest disproportionately on job creators.
- Continued improvements to a diverse, intermodal mobility system should be a top priority. As a regional economic hub, the ability to transport people and goods safely and efficiently throughout Lubbock is vitally important. Mobility improvements should include roads, aviation, rail, transit, and other public transportation as well as light rail to aid in growth and development.
- Pedestrian, bicycle, and alternative modes of mobility, including ridesharing services, should be enhanced where feasible. This includes adequately funded, well-connected, and planned public transit infrastructure.
- The Chamber has been a long-standing supporter of the Gateway Streets Fund and supports strengthening it and maintaining its continued dedicated and exclusive use for expanding or opening new thoroughfares.
- We advocate continued support of adequate thoroughfare development throughout the county, Ports-to-Plains, development of Loop 88, optimal use of the Marsha Sharp Freeway through necessary maintenance or widening, and designation of the route for I-27 extension. Local government officials, business leaders, and other stakeholders must continue to work together to address and inform citizens about emerging water, energy, and transportation infrastructure needs and to encourage careful planning and prudent, farsighted investments as necessary.
- Ensure that the Lubbock County Transportation Roadway Improvement Program moves forward as decided by voters in 2019 by a two-to-one margin.
- Ensure any modification of the impact fee ordinance for roadway and water/wastewater is considered only through a transparent, thorough process and review including adequate stakeholder input and demonstrated need.
- Water and wastewater impact fees should only be considered for increase from their current level of $0 if a demonstrated need has been established in the form of a hearing on water and wastewater rates and the funds to which they flow showing that the existing enterprise funds would not cover capital projects cost.
- Oppose efforts to remove or weaken the requirement, as originally amended into the impact fee ordinance, for the City of Lubbock’s contribution to projects funded by impact fees.
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QUALITY OF LIFE
- In Lubbock, quality of life cannot be separated from other priorities because much of our economic success derives from the reality that Lubbock must be an appealing place to live. The public/private sectors should work collaboratively to plan, support, and make investments in downtown redevelopment, arts, culture, and entertainment and recreation enhancements and beautification as recommended in the Plan Lubbock 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
- Health concerns, as well as poverty and crime rates, pose a threat to our community’s future economic growth. The Chamber supports community policing and related public safety initiatives as well as government in collaborations that foster frank, community-wide discussions on these issues.
- Ensure that the Lubbock County Expo Center moves forward as intended by Lubbock voters, managed by a private rather than public entity in a responsible, accountable, and transparent manner.
