What happened: The Midland City Council met on Tuesday, Jan. 13, to defer a proposed sex offender ordinance over enforcement concerns, remove security restrictions on a downtown bar, approve changes to federal housing and community development funding, advance a drainage fee tied to school-related infrastructure, and appoint a new mayor pro tem.

Key points:

  • HUD action plan: Council unanimously approved an amendment to the city’s 2025–2026 Action Plan tied to federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds. Midland expects to receive about $1.2 million in CDBG funding for the year, even as requests exceeded $2 million. Program recipients include Meals on Wheels, the Salvation Army, first-time homebuyer programs, and local park upgrades.

Federal rules cap public service spending at 15%, requiring the city to shift some nonprofit funding from direct services to facility improvements. City leadership noted the change will limit future public funding and encouraged local philanthropy to help offset the impact.

  • Mayor pro tem: Council unanimously appointed Councilwoman Amy Burkes as mayor pro tem. Mayor Lori Blong praised Burkes’ work ethic and leadership, with Councilmen Jack Ladd and Brian Stubbs voicing support for the appointment.
  • Homeless coalition: The Midland Homeless Coalition announced preparations for the 2026 Point-in-Time Count, a federally required annual snapshot of homelessness conducted on a single night. Organizers said the data helps guide funding, inform policy, and coordinate services, while stressing dignity and accuracy in the process. The Coalition will release results publicly after completion.
  • Sex offender ordinance: Council voted 4–2 to defer action on an ordinance restricting where registered sex offenders may live and enter after judges and attorneys raised concerns about how courts could enforce the law as written. Council members said they supported the ordinance’s intent but wanted to ensure it was legally defensible and enforceable before final adoption. Read The Permian Press’ full breakdown of the ordinance.
  • Hot Shots bar: Council unanimously voted to remove special security restrictions on Hot Shots bar and restart its alcohol permit process without added conditions, ending a nine-month case marked by shifting requirements and inconclusive data. At the required seven-month review, city staff said they could not prove that added security reduced incidents. Read The Permian Press’ full coverage of the Hot Shots review.
  • Drainage fee increase: Council approved an increase to the city’s drainage utility fee to fund $13 million in infrastructure tied to two new Midland ISD high schools. Most residential customers will see monthly increases of about $2 to $5, while most new costs fall on commercial properties. During public comment, several speakers attacked officials’ wealth. Read The Permian Press’ detailed explanation of the drainage fee.