photo credit: James Durbin

Advocacy Agenda2017

The Midland Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1924, to provide a common voice for the business community of Midland, Texas. Today we speak on behalf of more than 1200 business and individual members, comprised of over 45,000 employees!

About the Midland Chamber of Commerce

Elected Officials*

State of TexasSenator Kel Seliger

District 31 6 Desta Drive, Suite 3360

Midland, TX 79705 (432) 620-0436

Representative Tom CraddickDistrict 82

500 West Texas, Suite 880 Midland, TX 79701

(432) 682-3000

Midland CountyMike BradfordCounty Judge

Robin DonnellyCommissioner, Precinct 2

Scott RamseyCommissioner, Precinct 1

Randy PrudeCommissioner, Precinct 4

Luis D. SanchezCommissioner, Precinct 3

500 N. Loraine St., Ste 1100 | Midland, TX 79701 (432) 688-4310

* As related to advocacy items in this document.

2016 - 2017 Governmental Affairs Committee

Chuck HedgesCommittee Chair

Fasken Oil & Ranch

Grant BillingsleyScharbauer Foundation, Inc.

Becky FergusonIndividual Member

Scott KidwellChamber Board, VC Advocacy

Concho Resources

Keith StretcherAttorney - Retired

Taylor MayneChamber Board Chairman

Mayne & Mertz

Martin DozierAislar, LTD

Jay IsaacsFirstCapital Bank of Texas

Leah RobertsonMidland ISD

Dr. Steve ThomasMidland College

Bobby BurnsPresident & CEO

Midland Chamber of Commerce

City of MidlandJerry F. Morales

Mayor

Scott DuffordAt Large

John B. Love IIIDistrict 2

Sharla HotchkissDistrict 3

Spencer RobnettAt-Large

J. Ross LacyDistrict 4

Jeff SparksDistrict 1

300 N. Loraine | Midland, TX 79701 (432) 685-7247

Midland CollegeStephen N. Castle

Steven C. Kiser

Paul L. Morris

Linda J. Cowden

G. Larry Lawrence

Kenneth A. Peeler

Willard R. Green

Charlene R. McBride

Ralph L. Way

3600 N. Garfield | Midland, TX 79705 (432) 685-4500

Dr. Steve Thomas

Midland ISD School Board

615 W. Missouri Ave. | Midland, TX 79701 (432) 689-1002

Midland Memorial Hospital Board

400 Rosalind Redfern Grover Pkwy. | Midland, TX 79701 (432) 221-1541

Jeffery BeardDistrict 7

Cari ChaplinDistrict 5

Cressinda HyattDistrict 4

Joseph KiowskiDistrict 6

Larry MercerDistrict 3

Tracie GreenDistrict 1

Dwain TomlinDistrict 2

Laura IsbellSecretary

Tommy BishopDistrict 3

Rick DavisDistrict 6

James E. FullerDistrict 1

John KennedyDistrict 4

Robert MarquezDistrict 2

Bryan MurryDistrict 7

Karen NicholsonDistrict 5

Higher Education – Program Expansion (Including Workforce Development) and Facility ExpansionWhat is the issue? Texas is behind the national average in higher education attainment rates. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board issued the following goal: By 2030, at least 60 percent of Texans ages 25-34 will have a certificate or degree. The goal focuses on increasing completion rates of programs with identifiable, marketable skills, while reducing student debt.

Midland Chamber of Commerce Position:In order to achieve this goal, programs and facilities will require additional funding for expansion. The Chamber strongly supports additional funding for workforce development programs for Midland College and program and facility support for UT Permian Basin and the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center.

Public Education - Funding and AccountabilityWhat is the issue?While some funding and accountability issues were addressed in recent Legislative sessions, funding for Midland ISD has actually decreased due to current economic conditions that impact “recapture” (aka Robin Hood) and other state funding mechanisms. Additionally, the Texas public school testing system was modified successfully for secondary grade levels. This must be expanded to include grades three through eight.

Midland Chamber of Commerce Position:Advocate for legislation to: 1). Develop and implement a funding formula to mitigate the burden of Texas school districts that may experience dramatic fluctuations in property tax valuations 2). Provide an effective and efficient school accountability program that utilizes multiple measures to accurately report strengths and weaknesses of campuses and districts, 3). Continue work on modifying testing system to include grades three through eight.

2017 State Advocacy Priorities

Transportation Infrastructure & SafetyWhat is the issue?Population growth has remained steady despite fluctuations in oil and gas prices. City streets, county roads and many state roads were not designed to handle the increased traffic and truck weight as experienced in the most recent economic growth period. Improved mobility for freight and other traffic along with reduced congestion are important. Safety has become a key concern in the region.

Midland Chamber of Commerce Position:Work with Permian Basin MPO and MOTRAN to advocate for additional transportation infrastructure investment and equitable distribution of funds to: 1) Enhance safety (for both general use and safe development of oil and gas resources, 2) Address capacity constraints (mobility and congestion), and 3) Modernize an aging transportation system.

Water SupplyWhat is the issue?Managing and protecting our water resources is one of the most critical issues facing Midland and the State of Texas. As our population increases, human demands for water will grow. But we still need to ensure that there is adequate water for agriculture, industry and the environment. Decisions made now will have far reaching consequences for the livelihood of our city and our state.

Midland Chamber of Commerce Position:Support a statewide water plan that treats all regions equitably.

Public Education – Academic Performance and Facilities1

What is the issue?Against predictions, student enrollment has increased, further straining the capacity of our local facilities. Additionally, academic performance has fallen and enrollment numbers have yielded inequitable student/teacher ratios. Furthermore, quality of place issues have hampered recruitment and retention of a sufficient number of teachers. This has exacerbated the student/teacher ratio deficiency.

Midland Chamber of Commerce Position:The Chamber will support efforts to help MISD identify solutions for improving academic performance,including partnerships with community leaders and other sources such as Educate Texas.

Traffic Congestion and Safety

What is the issue?Although oil and gas prices continue to fluctuate, the Midland population has remained stable. It is anticipated that growth will continue in Midland and the region; the effects of the growth include traffic volume increases and safety issues.

Midland Chamber of Commerce Position:Advocate for additional investment, exploration of alternative finance methods, and participation in awareness campaigns at the local level to improve these conditions.

2017 Local Advocacy Priorities

Water Supply

What is the issue?The City of Midland has worked diligently to secure and develop a variety of water sources. However, additional water sources need to be secured in order to have a sustainable 100-year water plan that will allow our community to thrive without the fear of running out of this precious resource.

Midland Chamber of Commerce Position:Support our local governmental entities as they seek additional water sources; develop balanced water conservation measures; and, explore additional opportunities for reclamation and reuse of existing water. Encourage our local governmental entities to search for opportunities to cooperate with other communities within the region to create solutions that will be the most cost effective for our citizens. Recognize that for our community to be inviting to businesses and their employees, our community must maintain aesthetically pleasing public and private outdoor spaces. Partner with local agencies to promote a balanced approach to landscaping that uses water wisely and also creates a beautiful, vibrant and sustainable image for our community.

Quality of Place2

What is the issue?In order to attract and retain the most qualified workforce(including quality educators as noted above) and attract visitors, Midland must offer a competitive slate of amenities, including improved parks, hike and bike trails, nightlife, etc.

1 At this time, the Chamber is closely monitoring MISD’s actions regarding a potential bond for secondary schools. Once a decision is reached, the Chamber will make a determination regarding any position on this issue.

2 At this time, the Chamber is closely monitoring the City’s actions regarding the 4B sales tax. Once a decision is reached, the Chamber will make a determination regarding any position on this issue.

Creating the Best Business Climate on the Planet!

our mission

The Midland Chamber of Commerce will provide resources and services

to promote and foster business growth and success for its members.

303 W. Wall Street, Suite 200Midland, Texas 79701

432-683-3381

www.MidlandTXChamber.com