Midland City Council sets legislative priorities for 2027 state session

The Midland City Council has outlined its legislative priorities for the upcoming 90th Texas Legislative Session, scheduled to convene in January 2027. Adopted by the council on Aug. 11, the agenda communicates the municipality's policy goals directly to state Rep. Tom Craddick and state Sen. Kevin Sparks ahead of the bill-filing period in November.

Midland leaders are seeking increased state funding for emergency services, noting municipal spending on police, fire, and emergency medical services expanded by 88% over the past decade. The city is also requesting state support for school-safety initiatives, crossing guards currently funded by the city on behalf of Midland ISD, and infrastructure investments to advance the proposed Interstate 14 and Interstate 27 corridors. Additionally, Midland is asking for expanded aerospace funding for the Midland International Air & Space Port and an impartial distribution of regional funding managed by the Texas Department of Transportation's Odessa district.

On policy matters, the city is advocating for stricter statewide standards for groundwater availability certifications required for new subdivisions and seeking a fee cap on groundwater exports. The agenda also requests updated vehicle noise regulations with measurable decibel limits and formal recognition of animal control personnel as first responders under state law.