DaLeesa Brown News
Zoo Midland focuses on interactive experiences in upcoming exhibits
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 15, 2024
Zoo Midland is designing its upcoming exhibits with interactive elements for visitors of all ages. Zoo Midland Director Jason Green discussed the importance of designing spaces that allow both educational and interactive experiences for guests.
Sound Off: Justin Dodd with NRG Realty Group
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 15, 2024
In this edition of Midland Times’ "Sound Off," we’re featuring insights from Justin Dodd, President and Managing Broker at NRG Realty Group. Our “Sound Off” gives real estate professionals the opportunity to share more about themselves, Midland’s market, and key trends that can inform and empower buyers and renters in making strategic decisions.
Sustainability in industrial real estate through eco-friendly building practices
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 14, 2024
Industries worldwide are making environmental responsibility a priority, including industrial real estate. Developers, investors, and tenants are recognizing the long-term benefits of eco-friendly building practices, or sustainability, for the environment and business performance.
Local ministry hosts Thanksgiving meal at Westridge Apartments
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 14, 2024
Idle Hands Ministries, a local nonprofit dedicated to recovery and healing through service, held its second annual Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 12 at Westridge Apartments. The initiative, which provides a “festive meal to community members in need,” served over 70 people this year.
Midland leaders discuss pension fund performance, solutions
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 14, 2024
Midland Times sat down with Mayor Lori Blong and Midland Firefighters’ Retirement Fund (MFRRF) Chairman Justin Graham for a discussion on the city’s pension fund for firefighters, its performance over the past two years, and steps taken to address its underfunding.
Midland City Council approves two new TIRZs to spur economic growth and infrastructure development
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 13, 2024
The Midland City Council voted on Nov. 12 to approve creation of two new Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ) aimed at promoting economic growth, supporting public infrastructure, and enhancing community amenities. TIRZs are designed to support economic development by using the incremental increase in property tax and sales tax revenue from new development to reinvest in the zone’s infrastructure and public projects.
Midland City Council approves official funding plan for firefighter’s pension fund
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 13, 2024
The Midland City Council unanimously adopted a resolution on Nov. 12 to address the funding shortfall in the Midland Firemen's Relief and Retirement Fund, which currently does not meet the 30-year amortization schedule required by the Texas Pension Review Board. The fund supports retirement and relief benefits for Midland firefighters. It faces a growing unfunded liability that currently stands at $120.94 million as of Dec. 31, 2023, according to the most recent actuarial report from Rudd & Wisdom, Inc.
The collaboration between The Preserve and Zoo Midland
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 11, 2024
The Preserve and Zoo Midland are collaborating to create a visitor experience that integrates natural beauty with wildlife. The Preserve will span over 178 acres, offering dining, retail, and entertainment options, as well as public open areas and a “Central Green” space, while preserving more than 40% of the land for green spaces and parks. Zoo Midland will occupy over 50 acres of the former Nueva Vista golf course and is positioned adjacent to The Preserve.
Midland City Council and Firemen’s Pension Board hold special meetings on retirement fund solutions
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 5, 2024
The Midland City Council and the Board of Trustees for the Midland Firemen’s Relief and Retirement Fund (MFRRF) held separate special meetings on Nov. 4 to discuss proposals to address the retirement fund’s unfunded liabilities.
Midland Development Corporation approves lease, name change amendments
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 4, 2024
On Nov. 4, the Midland Development Corporation (MDC) unanimously passed resolutions to amend a lease agreement with Castelion Corporation and to update the Economic Development Agreement with Starfighters Space Texas.
Midland family honors daughter’s legacy by donating her brain to research
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 1, 2024
After facing numerous challenges throughout her life, 18-year-old Marie DeWoody’s brain will contribute to autism research following her passing in May 2023. Marie was diagnosed with Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE) and later autism, as well as an ultra-rare condition known as Ring Chromosome 14, which affects fewer than 1,000 people in the U.S.
Local nonprofit offers relief following Hurricane Helene
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 1, 2024
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 hurricane that struck the Southeastern United States late September, a local nonprofit organization known as “Christmas in Action” is mobilizing to provide assistance. The hurricane resulted in widespread destruction and fatalities, making it the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Maria in 2017.
Blong on firefighter pension plan: ‘I want to take action on this’
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 1, 2024
Mayor Lori Blong, member of the Midland Firefighter Pension Trustees, said she wants to make a decision on the proposed plan to help the city’s underfunded pension system for firefighters “as fast as possible.” She made the statement on Oct. 30 after agreeing to postpone a vote on the plan for 72 hours.
PFAM President: Pension plan deferral ‘disappointing to Midland firefighters’
By DaLeesa Brown | Nov 1, 2024
Jesse Martinez, President of the Professional Firefighters Association of Midland (PFAM), said area firefighters are disappointed in the decision to postpone a proposed plan to improve pension funding for firefighters, saying the plan could have “easily been accepted.” He made his statement following the Midland Firefighter Pension Trustees meeting on Oct. 30 after a vote on the deferral passed.
Midland Firefighter Pension Trustees discuss, defer plan for pension fund
By DaLeesa Brown | Oct 31, 2024
The Midland Firefighter Pension Trustees met on Oct. 30 to discuss a plan to improve funding of the pension system that supports retired area firefighters. The pension is currently short of funding to meet retirement obligations to the City of Midland’s firefighters.
Midland County Commissioners Court Meeting Recap: Oct. 29
By DaLeesa Brown | Oct 29, 2024
The Midland County Commissioners Court convened on Oct. 29 at 9 a.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom at the Midland County Courthouse to cover motions, presentations and proclamations related to county operations.
Robert Marquez seeks re-election to MISD Board of Trustees
By DaLeesa Brown | Oct 28, 2024
Robert Marquez is running for re-election to the Midland Independent School District (MISD) Board of Trustees, aiming to build on the progress made during his tenure. He has served on the MISD Board since September 2016, totaling eight years of service.
Midland Gears Up for Halloween Fun with Festive Activities for All Ages
By DaLeesa Brown | Oct 25, 2024
As Halloween approaches, Midland is gearing up for a spooktacular season filled with festive activities for all ages. Local organizations and businesses are inviting residents to join in the fun, ensuring a memorable Halloween experience for families and friends throughout the community.
Midland City Council Meeting Recap: Oct. 22
By DaLeesa Brown | Oct 23, 2024
The Midland City Council held a regular meeting on Oct. 22 to address resolutions impacting the community.
Sound Off: Tucker Schneemann with NRG Realty Group
By DaLeesa Brown | Oct 21, 2024
In this edition of Midland Times’ "Sound Off," we’re featuring insights from Tucker Schneemann, Senior Associate at NRG Realty Group. Our “Sound Off” gives real estate professionals the opportunity to share more about themselves, Midland’s market, and key trends that can inform and empower buyers and renters in making strategic decisions.