LMPO reports $794,846 carryover and names Steven Sims assistant director

LUBBOCK, Dec. 16, 2025 — LMPO staff reported carryover funds of $794,846 from fiscal year 2025 and announced staffing updates during the Transportation Policy Committee’s final meeting of the year.

Mister Lucero told the committee the MPO completed end‑of‑year accounting and will present an annual project expenditure report next month. He said the carryover represents roughly 95% of the MPO’s typical annual allocation and described the balance as a healthy reserve to cover emergencies and contractual needs. "We do carry a healthy reserve," he said.

Lucero also introduced Steven Sims as his replacement for the assistant director role, noting Sims’ roughly 10 years of planning and engineering work at Kimley‑Horn and his ties to Lubbock and TxDOT. "He will be a great asset to this MPO," Lucero said, adding staff will have Sims present himself to the committee in a future meeting.

In other personnel news, Lucero said LMPO is working with HR to post and fill a full‑time ArcGIS position and expects to open the position prior to the new year with an anticipated start in January.

Staff also announced administrative closures for the holidays (LMPO closed Dec. 25 and Dec. 26) and provided office hours for the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Lucero said staff will be available by phone and email for urgent matters while offices are closed.

Next steps: LMPO will bring the annual project expenditure report to the TPC next month and begin the ArcGIS recruitment process immediately.