Press Releases | August 31, 2026
Texas Association of Counties Explores Midland County’s Approach to Reducing Repeat Offenses
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2026
Contact:
Jody Seaborn
Texas Association of Counties
(512) 478-8753
AUSTIN — What if the path to safer communities doesn’t end with jail, but begins with helping people build a different future after release?
That question drives the Texas Association of Counties’ latest Texas County Storytellers project, “Momentum in Midland,” which explores how Midland County is working to break cycles of addiction, incarceration and repeat offenses.
The project looks at a multilayered approach that combines specialty courts, probation services, jail-based education, peer mentorship and nonprofit partnerships. Instead of relying on a single program or agency, Midland County is building a network to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior and help people successfully return to their communities.
The centerpiece is the cover story in the Summer 2026 edition of County magazine. It profiles the nationally recognized Midland County Drug Court and the recently launched Pathways to H.O.P.E. program. Together with other local initiatives, these programs give people the tools, support and accountability they need to make lasting changes.
The story unfolds across several TAC platforms:
- County, TAC’s quarterly magazine, takes readers inside Midland County’s efforts to reduce recidivism and introduces people whose lives have been changed as a result.
- A companion story on the TAC Blog explores how evidence-based practices, practical support and mentorship help more people successfully complete probation.
- TAC’s Texas County Voice podcast features Sheriff David Criner and the Pathways to H.O.P.E. team discussing how the Midland County jail is becoming more than a place to serve time.
- A TAC video brings the story to life through interviews and scenes from Midland County, highlighting what can happen when people have the support to change course.
“Momentum in Midland” puts a human face on this work. It shows what can happen when courts, probation officials, law enforcement, treatment providers, nonprofits and people with lived experiences work together to reduce repeat offenses and strengthen communities.
Texas County Storytellers showcases innovative country programs and the people behind them through magazine stories, videos, podcasts and digital content. The campaign highlights how Texas’ 254 counties develop practical solutions to challenges facing their communities while providing the responsive and transparent government closest to the people.
To explore “Momentum in Midland” and the full collection of Texas County Storytellers projects, visit county.org/texascountystorytellers.
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