The Houston Report

Houston’s Impact in Austin: Legislative Wins from the 89th Session

Published Jun 02, 2025 by Public Policy Team

Austin Texas Capitol

As the 89th Texas Legislative Session concludes, several key policy measures aligned with the Greater Houston Partnership’s priorities were advanced.

With 1 in 4 Texas jobs based in the Houston metro, a nearly $650+ billion regional GDP, and more than 1.2 million students enrolled in regional public education institutions, Houston plays an outsized role in shaping the future of our state. Legislative decisions made in Austin ripple through our 12-county region impacting infrastructure, education, innovation and the workforce that powers Texas.

Guided by our Executive Priorities, Water Infrastructure, Education, and Workforce Development, and powered by our elected officials, members and partners, the Partnership worked throughout the session to advocate for policies that will strengthen the greater Houston region and the state.

Executive Priority Wins

Water Infrastructure
A generational investment in Texas’ water future, anchored by a proposed constitutional amendment to dedicate $1 billion annually over the next 20 years, was one of the session’s biggest wins.

  • $265 million+ secured for Houston-area water and flood mitigation projects, including $100 million for the Lynchburg Pump Station.
  • The creation of a new Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District to fund ongoing operations
  • A dedicated fund for the Gulf Coast Protection District to continue delivering $550 million for projects to make the coastline and ship channel more resilient

Public Education
This session delivered the largest infusion of new programmatic funding in more than a decade. 

  • $195 million+ for Houston ISD under a new school finance formula and pay raises for Texas teachers.

Higher Education
Houston’s institutions saw record-breaking support in recognition of their role in talent development, research, and medical innovation.

  • $2.1 billion+ for Houston area four-year colleges and universities. 

Workforce Development
With a growing emphasis on applied learning and employer-aligned training, Texas made strong investments in talent development.

  • HB 120 + HB 20 + SB 1786 expanded access to school-to-career programs and career-focused science pathways, and continued the work at community and junior colleges to deliver more credentials of value

Investing in What’s Next
The Partnership also supported forward-looking policies that position Houston and Texas for long-term growth:

  • $3 billion to launch the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute (DRPIT).
  • $715 million in funding for nuclear energy, semiconductors, and emerging industries.

These wins were only possible through deep collaboration, among our coalition partners, elected officials, business and community leaders, and the engaged members of the Partnership. Together, we’ve demonstrated how a united voice for Houston helps drive results that benefit all Texans.

We are grateful for the leadership of our regional delegation and statewide champions who delivered these critical investments.

Click here to download the 89th Texas Legislative Session Summary. For a full rundown of bills the Partnership tracked throughout session, click here. 

Austin Texas Capitol

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