What to watch: The Midland City Council will meet Tuesday, Dec. 16, for a packed agenda of more than 50 public items. Because of the size and breadth of the agenda, The Permian Press has split its preview into two parts.

This article on the downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) plan, proposed parking and patio ordinances, two Midland Development Corporation (MDC) agreements, and new playground equipment for Grasslands Park. You can read the companion article here.

Key points:

  • Downtown TIRZ: Council will take a second and final vote on the project and financing plan for the TIRZ No. 2, which covers targeted redevelopment areas downtown. Council first approved the plan on June 24 but deferred the second reading on July 8.

The TIRZ captures growth in property tax revenue above the district’s base value and reinvests it into eligible improvements such as streets, utilities, sidewalks, public spaces, and other redevelopment-supporting capital projects. The project list is capped at $124.1 million unless council amends is. Council must adopt the plan on second reading before the TIRZ can activate.

  • Downtown parking: Council will consider adopting a citywide framework for metered and time-limited parking, with initial implementation in downtown Midland. The ordinance authorizes the traffic engineer to designate regulated spaces, set hours, establish time limits, and deploy meters or digital payment systems.

Staff say the goal is to increase parking turnover in front of stores and reduce long-term employee parking in prime spots. The city designed the program to be financially self-sustaining, with fees and citations covering operations. Downtown businesses have pushed for improved parking management as redevelopment and foot traffic increase.

  • Downtown patio program: Council will also consider a companion ordinance establishing  a Right-of-Way Patio Program. The program would begin downtown but is written broadly so it can expand to other commercial areas without additional code changes. Businesses could apply to use adjacent public right-of-way for outdoor dining or seating.

Applicants must meet design and ADA standards, maintain liability insurance, and remove installations if the city requires. The city expects the fees will cover its administrative costs. The city sees outdoor seating as a low-cost way to increase vibrancy, walkability, and support for small businesses. Information on what the proposed permit fee would be is not available yet.

  • MDC items: Council will take action on two agreements already approved by the MDC board:
    • Midland College training program: An amendment extending the timeline for the college’s Transportation Training Program to meet certification goals. MDC previously provided $209,600 for a new Peterbilt tractor-trailer. The amendment adds no new funding.
    • Higher Orbits STEM programs: A $60,000 promotional agreement supporting three astronaut-guided STEM events for MISD students in grades 7–12, continuing a partnership that began in 2021.
  • Grasslands Park: Council will vote on spending $625,000 to install new playground equipment at Grasslands Park, the last neighborhood park in Midland without playground equipment. The project includes play structures for toddlers and older children, shade structures, climbing elements, a sand volleyball court, and new benches and tables. The city expects construction to finish in spring 2026.