Pampa, Texas is positioning itself at the center of America's next energy and data boom by leveraging its natural assets to attract modern industry. Mayor Mike Borger explained how the Panhandle community is emerging as an unexpected growth story by capitalizing on abundant wind, sunshine, land, and existing energy infrastructure.
The city's strategic advantages include grid resilience, renewable energy generation, and proximity to critical gas pipeline networks, making it uniquely suited for data-center development. Borger addressed misconceptions about water usage and infrastructure strain, noting that modern facilities incorporate cooling technologies designed for regional constraints. This approach allows Pampa to attract industries without overtaxing local resources.
Beyond industrial development, Pampa is investing $130 million in school improvements, including new facilities and career-technology education programs. This initiative aims to keep graduates in the community by providing access to high-paying, future-ready careers. Reversing decades of out-migration is central to the city's long-term stability strategy.
Quality of life investments represent another pillar of Pampa's transformation. The city hosts regional events and festivals while maintaining historic music venues tied to Woody Guthrie, drawing visitors from across the Panhandle. Borger refers to Pampa's role as a regional hub—the "Pampaplex"—which supports retail, tourism, and civic life for a population larger than its official borders suggest.
Leadership alignment has been crucial to Pampa's momentum, with unity across city, county, economic development, and chamber organizations proving as important as capital investment. The full interview with Mayor Mike Borger is available on YouTube as part of The Building Texas Show, which highlights how legacy Texas communities can evolve without losing their identity while attracting modern industry and creating new opportunities.
