At the State of Midland luncheon on April 2, experts emphasized how private investments are driving the city's future, underscoring their growing influence in shaping its development. Hosted by the Midland Chamber of Commerce, the discussion featured Mayor Lori Blong, John Scarbauer, and Jeff Beard, with Krista Escamilla serving as moderator.
Mayor Blong emphasized the impact of private leadership and investment in Midland’s development.
“It’s clear that people with vision and commitment and purpose can change the course of a community,” Blong said. “Midland is full of those people—people who lead, who invest, and who build with intention. People who take seriously their responsibility of shaping their future, not just for today, but for the generation of Midlanders to come.”
She added that building a great city requires more than just rapid growth or individual projects.
“A great city is built by people who care enough to lead it well, who work through the hard decisions and hard conversations, who believe that where we are heading is worth the effort to get us there,” Blong said. “Midland is that kind of city because we are surrounded by people who choose to lead with purpose.”
Scarbauer, who is leading the development of the Midland Athletic Syndicate, spoke about his long-term commitment to the city’s growth.
“The roots are deep here, and I don't think our work is done,” Scarbauer said. “There's plenty to do and a lot more to grow, and I'm happy to be a part of that and blessed to be able to do it and have the community support that we have and the people that want to jump in and help. We’ve dealt a lot together, and I've seen this city grow in different things just developing here.”
Beard, who plays a part in the development of Zoo Midland, addressed the long-standing narrative that Midland lacks recreational opportunities.
“Growing up here, the complaint was, ‘There's nothing to do,’” he said. “And so we were looking years ago at what we could do to start solving that problem.” He noted that Green Acres Mini Golf served as an “appetizer” in preparation for the zoo.
Beard also highlighted other private investments in the city, including the Reyes-Mashburn-Nelms Park development and the Beal Park soccer fields.
“You’ve got a really good story on this becoming a destination,” he said. “I think you’re going to see a change in narrative over the next few years.”