Quality of Place
When it comes to nurturing communities and encouraging growth, the Midland Development Corporation is at the forefront of economic developments in the area. By making strategic contributions, the MDC has invested over $1 million in Quality of Place initiatives.
Museum of the Southwest
The Museum of the Southwest is home to the Historic Turner Museum, Blakemore Planetarium, Fredda Turner Durham Children's Museum, and the Lissa Noel Wagner Wing. In 2021, the MDC provided $75,000 to re-pave the Museum's parking lot, which also serves Midland's Downtown Farmers Market. The re-paving project, completed in Fall 2021, enhances the Museum's campus, supports the entire museum district, ensures the safety and security of the Museum's guests, and enhances wayfinding.
Learn more about the Museum of the Southwest here.
Midland Downtown Farmers Market
The Midland Downtown Farmers Market (MDFM) provides a family-friendly atmosphere for the community to come together on Saturday mornings in a safe and upbeat environment to support small businesses. MDFM provides a low-cost venue for these small, local businesses to sell their products, make a profit, and bring brand awareness to their company. MDFM Director, Samantha Borgstedt said "Our partnership with the MDC has allowed us to grow our market in both sizes of vendors and customers. We have more than doubled in size of vendors in 2021 from any other year, thanks to support from the MDC. Their investment has allowed us to spend more on advertising and outreach."
MDFM takes place at the Museum of the Southwest on the lawn and around the premises.
The MDFM happens every Spring and Summer Saturday from 8 AM - 12 PM and Fall and Winter Saturday from 9AM - 12PM.
Basin PBS
Basin PBS is the only free, over-the-air public television station in West Texas. Basin PBS has delivered enriching television programming for over 30 years and sought to expand its mission and reach more residents by relocating to Downtown Midland. Through a promotional agreement, the MDC supported Basin PBS and their move downtown. Basin PBS plays an important role by educating, inspiring, and entertaining community members.
Chris Davidson Opportunity Park
Chris Davidson Opportunity Park offers hands-on experiences that provide children of all ages and abilities with the opportunity to explore, learn, and become engaged in the community they live in. The park's development was supported by stakeholders throughout Midland, including the MDC. Steve Davidson said, “The significant financial support granted by the MDC was a difference-maker. Their generous financial support as well as words of encouragement lifted our spirits and made it possible for the campaign to advance to a point where we felt the finish line was in sight.”
Midland Hispanic Cultural Center
Founded in 1996, the Hispanic Cultural Center of Midland established itself as a nexus of arts education that enriches the lives of hundreds of students through its programs in arts, dance, drama, music, and speech. Educational assistance and tutoring are also provided. The MHCC actively promotes and celebrates Midland's vibrant Hispanic community, offering the MDC an excellent opportunity for collaboration. The MDC's promotional agreement with MHCC will provide $15,000 per year in support from 2018 to 2023, which will enable program expansion, facility updates, maintenance, and greater outreach in Midland.