What does it take to showcase Houston’s extraordinary contributions to Texas? For the Greater Houston Partnership, the answer was Houston Day. The transformative event gave state legislators a firsthand look at the industries and innovations driving one of the most dynamic regions in the country. Over two days in early 2024, 57 Texas lawmakers and other attendees explored Houston’s core sectors, experiencing the city’s impact on the state’s economy and culture. The event wasn’t just a tour but a strategic opportunity to connect lawmakers with the people and industries shaping Texas’ future. A Journey Through Houston’s Vital Sectors The experience began at Port Houston, a hub of economic activity essential to Texas’ position as a global trade leader. Legislators saw the port’s operations up close and learned about the evolution of the Houston Ship Channel, the energy transition, and the Coastal Texas Program’s flood mitigation efforts. From there, the focus shifted to Houston’s renowned space industry. Visits to the Johnson Space Center-NASA and Space Center Houston highlighted Houston’s legacy of innovation and the recent investments fueling the Texas Space Commission. The day concluded with a private dinner at Minute Maid Park, where Mayor John Whitmire underscored the importance of collaboration between local and state leaders. Showcasing Innovation and Heritage The final day of Houston Day spotlighted Houston’s cutting-edge advancements and cultural heritage. At Air Liquide’s La Porte Hydrogen facility, legislators explored groundbreaking technologies driving the energy transition. Later, a visit to the Texas Medical Center’s Helix Park showcased Houston’s leadership in medical research and health care innovation. The event culminated at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, celebrating the rich cultural fabric of Texas. Why Houston Day Matters “I was honored to showcase Houston’s vibrant contributions to the economy, space innovation, and leadership in the medical and energy sectors to my colleagues at the Legislature. It’s no longer just words on a page or something discussed in a committee meeting—they’ve experienced it all.” -State Senator Carol Alvarado. For the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston Day was a resounding success. By connecting lawmakers directly with Houston’s industries, the event reinforced the city’s significance to Texas and laid the groundwork for future collaboration. By the Numbers: 57 legislators and four state agencies in attendance 162 total attendees 180+ miles traveled, covering over $1 trillion in economic impact 20+ industrial and commercial sectors highlighted Eight stops representing approximately $252.5 billion in state investments Houston Day exemplifies how the Greater Houston Partnership brings leaders together to build understanding, foster collaboration, and drive progress for the region and beyond. Learn more about the Partnership's public policy efforts. Download the Partnership's 2024 Impact Report.

HOUSTON (Dec. 12, 2024) — The Greater Houston Partnership has released its forecast for job growth in the Metro Houston area, forecasting the creation of 71,200 jobs in 2025.  The sectors expected to experience the greatest gains, in order, are:  Health care Construction Professional and technical services Government Restaurants and bars Click to expand Houston is projected to finish 2025 with over 3.5 million payroll jobs, setting a record for the region. Several factors support this growth, including the ongoing expansion of the U.S. economy, the continued decline in interest rates, increasing consumer confidence, and a steady influx of domestic and foreign companies establishing operations in Houston.  Additionally, a deep backlog of construction projects and local income and population growth contribute to the positive outlook for job creation. “Over the past two decades, Houston has experienced several recessions, devastating weather events and the COVID-19 pandemic, but despite these events, the Houston region’s economy has remained competitive,” Partnership Chief Economist Patrick Jankowski said. “Houston’s GDP has grown 70 percent after adjusting for inflation, and that growth is proof that our resilient economy will encourage continued growth for years to come.” According to the forecast, every sector except information is expected to experience job growth next year. The information sector has struggled for years, losing jobs in 12 out of the last 20 years, largely due to technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences.  The Houston region created 60,000 jobs in the 12 months ending October 2024. The region should end the year with 58,000 jobs. The national outlook is also looking positive. The probability of a recession over the next 12 months sits at 26 percent, according to The Wall Street Journal’s October survey of prominent business economists.  A sector-by-sector breakdown of the jobs forecast and the factors impacting each industry can be found in the full report. ### Media Contact    Brina Morales                                                 Director, Communications     bmorales@houston.org