Good morning, Midland.

Midland was named a Top 100 Best Place to Live by Livability.com on April 17, ranking 29th this year, up from 33rd last year (the highest in West Texas).

The ranking highlighted local affordability, job opportunities, and family-friendly amenities.

Midland sales tax collections reached $48.115 million in the first eight months of the fiscal year, a 31% increase from five years ago.

The boost is 4.47% higher than last year and nearly $5 million over forecast, which may help keep property tax rates lower.

Midland’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.0% in March, making it the lowest among Texas cities (the state average was 4.1% and the national average was 4.3%), according to the Texas Workforce Commission.

The Midland MSA posted a 3.3% jobless rate for February, achieving the lowest in Texas and beating Amarillo's 3.7% according to the Texas Workforce Commission report from April.

The rate was more than a point lower than both state and national averages.

May parking revenue at the local airport reached $776,872—a 3.35% rise over May last year—that boosted fiscal year-to-date collections to $5,780,031 while May passenger numbers dropped to 62,095—a 12.35% decrease.

The U.S. Census Bureau released data on May 21 showing Midland’s population reached 147,615 with a 2.7% increase over 2024 and an 11% gain since 2020.

The figures mark the fastest growth among larger West Texas cities and reflect the city’s strong economic momentum.

Midland International Air & Space Port served 339,261 passengers so far in FY 2026, a 6.64% drop from last fiscal year, while parking revenue rose to $4.3 million (a small gain); Southwest carried nearly half of the flyers.

The West Collection Center at 6400 W.

Hwy 80 opened on May 7 to serve residents with 14 large item drop-off bays and a larger yard waste area. It operates Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (City release)

In March, the Midland-Odessa Urban Transit District reported 8.2% growth in fixed-route ridership with 10,241 riders in Midland (a 22% higher number than in Odessa).

The City of Midland helps fund EZ-Rider, supporting improved local transit.

Midland Health Services reported that over 1,000 young residents received care from January to April 2026, with 304 served and 801 vaccines given in April — and the report highlighted outreach events like a Spring Health Fair.

Summer Art Camp: Mythical Mash Up

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — The Studio by Kidd's & Canvas — Lunch available for $5 — Engaging art camp for kids with daily fun and creativity exploring various themes.

Bejeweled Hair Clips Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Love Affair Bookstore — Free entry — Create your own sparkling hair accessories for a fun summer style.

After-Hours Reiki Energy Reset Sessions

5-7 p.m. — Earth, Body, & Soul — $10 — Experience a brief moment of tranquility and energetic cleansing to reset your stress.

Baby Witch Night: Magical Beginner Class

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Earth, Body, & Soul — $33 per person — Explore crystals, moon phases, and intention setting in a welcoming space for aspiring young witches.

Live Music with Bo Zertuche

6-9 p.m. — Venezia Restaurant — Reservation recommended — Enjoy an evening of live music while dining at a local favorite.

Summer Sunday Lawn Concert 2026: IN$UFFICIENT FUND$

7-9 p.m. — Museum of the Southwest — Free entry — Celebrate the closing of the 39th Annual Summer Sunday Lawn Concert Series with live music and family activities.

Free Tai Chi Gung Class

9-10 a.m. — Watersong Wild Space — Free entry — Engage in gentle exercises that connect you to nature and enhance well-being through balanced movements.

Live Music and Evening Dining

6-9 p.m. — Cafe at the Gardens — No cover — Enjoy local artists performing in a relaxing garden-side atmosphere while dining.

Kids Night Out

6-9 p.m. — The Studio by Kidd's & Canvas — Dinner available for purchase — A fun evening for kids ages 4 to 14 with games, crafts, and painting.

4th Of July Family Celebration

1-4 p.m. — Titan Factory Direct — Free entry — Enjoy live music, food trucks, and special character appearances for a fun-filled Independence Day.