On Tuesday morning Mayor Dan Pope delivered his first State of the City Address to hundreds of community members and city leaders gathered at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.
This was the Lubbock Apartment Association’s 35th year to host the event, which focuses on bringing the community together as the mayor weighs in on the latest economic data and the status of current city issues and projects. Bill Maloy, president of the association, says he believes this year was the largest turnout to date.
“It’s fun, this is the biggest year we’ve had I think, and there’s a lot of folks. A lot of banks are represented, the Chamber of Commerce, the city, and state government officials. It’s a nice event,” said Maloy. “It’ll be Dan’s first State of the City, but it’s interesting. It briefs everyone on what’s going on within the city.”
Mayor Pope covered a variety of topics in his first address such as city growth, utilities, Lubbock’s water supply, city budget and economic development.
“We need to be available, thoughtful, accountable and civil. That’s what we’re working on,” said Mayor Pope.
Pope shared that in addition to contributing growth to the city with new jobs and businesses, that it is also important to take care of “what we already have.” Over the course of the past year the civic center saw nine million dollars worth of restoration and improvements, and the airport received $40 million worth of work and updates.
Pope also stated that as we move into the new year, one of his many goals are to work with the city to develop plans to better capture storm water and improve conservation methods, while also praising Lubbock’s water supply calling it “diverse” for West Texas.
“i wouldn’t trade our position with water with any other city,” stated Pope.
Each year the mayor donates the proceeds from the address to a charity or group of their choice. This year Mayor Pope has decided to donate the proceeds to both the Lubbock fire and police departments benevolent funds.
“It was my charity of choice, we’re proud of what our first responders do,” said Pope.