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?