Houston Jones
Lubbock,Texas
Summary
Expert in municipal planning and transportation, driving regional initiatives and federal compliance. Managed significant funding for transportation projects while coordinating efforts among local governments and agencies. Led the development of comprehensive planning programs that prioritize public participation and community needs.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Lubbock Metropolitan Planning Organization
Lubbock, TX
01.2008 - 01.2025
- Provided executive leadership for the federally mandated Metropolitan Planning Organization serving the Lubbock metropolitan region.
- Led development of Metropolitan Transportation Plan, Transportation Improvement Program, Unified Planning Work Program, and Public Participation Plan to enhance regional mobility and compliance.
- Managed $182 million in federally funded transportation improvements, ensuring effective implementation of annual MPO operations.
- Directed regional transportation planning, federal compliance, long-range mobility planning, public participation, and intergovernmental coordination.
- Built regional consensus among local governments, TXDOT, FHWA, FTA, business leaders, and community stakeholders, fostering collaboration and support for transportation initiatives.
- Chaired the Texas Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (TEMPO).
Assistant Director - Airport Planning & Development
Preston Smith International Airport
Lubbock, TX
01.1994 - 01.2008
- Managed major capital improvement projects to enhance airport growth and support operational efficiency initiatives.
- Oversaw airport development initiatives, ensuring alignment with federal, state, and local agency requirements and facilitating collaborative efforts.
- Directed airport planning and environmental compliance, coordinating capital improvement programming and FAA interactions to align with regulatory standards.
Assistant Director of Finance & Administration
Preston Smith International Airportl
Lubbock, TX
01.1993 - 01.1994
- Managed financial operations and budget processes for airport administration.
- Led financial administration, budgeting, purchasing, contracts, and administrative operations to ensure efficient airport operations.
- Developed policies to enhance efficiency in finance and administration functions.
- Coordinated staff training programs to improve operational compliance and performance.
Director of Planning
City of Lubbock
Lubbock, USA
01.1988 - 01.1993
- Directed citywide planning initiatives, zoning, and land-use policy to shape comprehensive planning efforts.
- Transformed abandoned automobile wrecking and junkyards into nationally recognized Canyon Lakes Project, integrating flood control, parks, lakes, trails, and recreational amenities to enhance community resilience.
- Led comprehensive urban planning initiatives for community development projects.
- Managed zoning and land use regulations for city development and growth.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to ensure alignment on planning objectives and policies.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Landscape Architecture
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TXSkills
- Intergovernmental coordination
- Regulatory compliance
- Urban development
- Intergovernmental coordination
- Stakeholder engagement
- Public participation
- Regulatory compliance
Executive Profile - Summary
Houston David Jones is a respected municipal executive whose distinguished career has been defined by thoughtful leadership, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to public service. Throughout more than five decades of public service, he has provided executive leadership in municipal planning, transportation, airport development, infrastructure investment, land use, community development while earning the confidence of elected officials, citizens, regional partners, and state and federal agencies.
Executive Competencies
- Executive Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Comprehensive Planning
- Community Development
- Land Use & Zoning
- Transportation Planning
- Airport Planning
- Infrastructure Investment
- Economic Development
- Organizational Leadership
- Grant Administration
- Budget Administration
- Consensus Building
- Public Policy
- Public Presentations
Professional Philosophy
Houston Jones has built his career on integrity, collaboration, accountability, and service. He believes successful public leadership is achieved through listening, building consensus, making informed decisions, and creating long-term value for the communities served. His leadership style emphasizes transparency, innovation, fiscal responsibility, and measurable results.
Application
07/03/26, Planning Director, City of Austin, Planning Department
Professional Highlights
- Directed preparation and adoption of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan 2035.
- Led planning efforts for the Extension of Interstate 27.
- Directed planning and development for the Construction of State Loop 88.
- Elected Chair, Texas Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (TEMPO).
- Directed transportation improvement programs exceeding $182 million in federal investments.
- Directed preparation of the City of Lubbock's first Comprehensive Plan.
- Led development of the City's first modern Zoning Ordinance and Sign Ordinance.
- Directed Airport Planning and Development, including establishment of the Foreign Trade Zone.
- Provided planning leadership for the nationally recognized Canyon Lakes Project.
- Trusted advisor to elected officials, TxDOT, federal agencies, and regional partners.
Timeline
Executive Director
Lubbock Metropolitan Planning Organization
01.2008 - 01.2025
Assistant Director - Airport Planning & Development
Preston Smith International Airport
01.1994 - 01.2008
Assistant Director of Finance & Administration
Preston Smith International Airportl
01.1993 - 01.1994
Director of Planning
City of Lubbock
01.1988 - 01.1993
Bachelor of Science - Landscape Architecture
Texas Tech University