Lubbock on track to add over 17,000 jobs in four years, city councilman recognizes Holland Gardens

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - More than 350 local business-people attended Plains Capital Bank’s 14th Annual Economic Outlook Conference.

The keynote speaker was Ray Perryman - an economist and CEO of the Perryman Group. The luncheon focuses on local, state, and national “events and trends” that affect and shape our economy. Dr. Perryman says Texas has been doing well in the economy, including that Lubbock will add more than 17,000 jobs between now and 2028. That’s an annual growth rate of more than 2%.

“More than one out of every five jobs that’s been created in the country since the month before the pandemic started has been created in the state of Texas,” Dr. Perryman said. “There are all kinds of statistics we can use, but I think that little snapshot is as good of an indication as any that we have been doing very well.”

Statewide, Dr. Perryman said Texas is well-positioned for the future - despite world events affecting the sensitive oil and gas industry.

Perryman said the Lubbock economy is getting back on the path that it was on before the pandemic hit.

As far as challenges, further conflict in the Middle East and Eastern Europe are the greatest threats.

Lubbock rents fell .2% in February

The rental market is looking steady in the Hub City. The median rent in Lubbock fell by .2% over the course of February. Which is at a slower rate of growth compared to what the city was experiencing at this point last year. From January to February in 2023, rents had increased 2.2%.

Lubbock stands as the 77th most expensive large city in the U.S. with an overall median rent of $1,189. Citywide, a one bedroom apartment is averaging $964, and a little more than $1,100 for a two bedroom.

The median rent in Lubbock is 13.6% lower than the national, and is similar to the prices you would find in Indianapolis, IN ($1,203) and Omaha, NE ($1,183).

Lubbock gas prices lowest in state for a second week in a row

The statewide gas price average in Texas is $2.95 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA. That price is eight cents more than on this day last week and is five cents more per gallon compared to this day last year.

Of the major metropolitan areas surveyed in Texas, drivers in El Paso are paying the most on average at $3.30 per gallon while drivers in Lubbock are paying the least at $2.76 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.32, which is five cents more when compared to this day last week and four cents less than the price per gallon at this same time last year.

Lubbock City Councilman recognizes Holland Gardens owners

Lubbock City Councilman Steve Massengale recognized the owners of Holland Gardens for their service to Lubbock. The special ceremony honored Wayne and Ann Holland for their nearly 60 years in business. They announced they’re retiring this year, and closing the business at 50th St. and Memphis Ave.

The Hollands said they loved answering their customers gardening questions and helping everyone in the community achieve their favorite green space.

“After doing this for 60 years it gets in your blood and we never though of it as work,” Wayne said. “We really loved what we did. We never felt like we were going to work. We felt like we were going to solve some problems and make gardening fun and teach them some things and make their life a lot easier by taking some short cuts to the gardening process at the same time.”

Councilman Massengale calls Holland Gardens a staple of his district for his entire life. He said this recognition shows how grateful the city is for their hard work.