The Midland City Council meeting on June 24, 2025, focused on significant updates regarding economic development and improvements in the city's permitting and inspection processes. Key discussions included the implementation of a performance-based funding model for economic development projects and the introduction of a new online permitting portal aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency.

During the meeting, council members emphasized the importance of a performance-based approach, which requires developers to meet specific benchmarks before any city funds are allocated. This model aims to dispel misconceptions within the community that the city is indiscriminately distributing funds without accountability. The council reiterated that compliance with established criteria is mandatory before any financial engagement occurs.

In a related update, the council received a report on the city's permitting and inspections processes, highlighting a significant increase in permit applications over the past three years. The introduction of the Permit Midland portal, launched on June 16, 2025, allows property owners and developers to submit applications and schedule inspections online, streamlining the process and improving communication. The portal is expected to reduce review times significantly, with average review times for new single-family residential permits dropping from 7.2 business days to 1.6 days.

The council also discussed the importance of continuous improvement in service delivery, noting that despite the increased volume of applications, the city has made substantial efficiency gains. The average issue time for permits has decreased from 11.9 days to 7.3 days, benefiting developers and contractors.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing economic development through accountability and efficiency. The new permitting portal is a critical step towards achieving these goals, reflecting the council's strategic priorities of supporting economic growth and delivering services effectively. The council plans to continue monitoring these initiatives to ensure ongoing improvements in the city's operations.