The Greater Houston Partnership received a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Bronze Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award was bestowed specifically for the Partnership’s work in the regional or cross-border partnership for regions with 500,000 or more residents.  The strategy formed in partnership with regional allies, as elaborated in the regional playbook, aims to enhance regional economic development in greater Houston by fostering collaboration and coordination among stakeholders. This involved creating a framework for the Houston Regional Economic Development Alliance (HREDA) to maximize engagement and support.  Formed in 2006, HREDA is comprised of economic development organizations and municipalities interested in creating jobs and investment to maintain a positive business environment. HREDA meets monthly at Partnership Tower, and often at other locations around the region. Hosted monthly at Partnership Tower and other regional sites, HREDA meetings include members from 98 economic development organizations, representing over 160 full-time economic development professionals.  The project's uniqueness and innovation reside in member involvement at every stage, ensuring ownership of the final playbook. It addressed previous collaboration deficits noted in studies, aiming to leverage regional resources for economic growth. The scale of marketing the region is no small feat. Covering 8,838 square miles, the 12-county Greater Houston region, with its centerpiece, the 10-county Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands MSA, surpasses an area the size of New Jersey,  Despite this vast expanse, the region's stakeholders have rallied together as allies, streamlining processes to attract prospective companies. This collective effort reflects a shared commitment to securing victories for the region's economic growth. “I am proud to be a part of an organization, such as HREDA, that exemplifies how regionalism and collaboration can drive economic success and set high standards for regional development,” HREDA Chair and Chief Economic Development Officer at Partnership Lake Houston Stephanie Wiggins said. “By uniting various stakeholders under a common goal, HREDA leverages the strengths of the Houston region to create a prosperous and sustainable economic environment." Every year IEDC looks specifically for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession, leading the execution of projects that have a significant impact on revitalizing communities, and playing a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development. “This group understands what it means to succeed together," Greater Houston Partnership President and CEO Steve Kean said. “When we work together as one to combine the expertise, assets and capabilities of our regional partners, the Houston region is unmatched in potential. Through this mindset of regionalism, we can create a more prosperous and inclusive future for all of our citizens.” Learn more about the 12-county region the Partnership represents.  

Houston Restaurant Weeks is back for its 21st year. The annual fundraiser, which runs through Sept. 30, gives food enthusiasts the chance to explore Houston's diverse culinary scene while contributing to a worthy cause. With more than 400 participating restaurants, this year's event promises an exciting array of new dining experiences you won't want to miss. Here are our top five picks of this year’s newcomers:  Belly of the Beast | Spring  Belly of the Beast reopened late last year after the pandemic disrupted its 2020 debut. Chef Thomas Bille is showcasing a vibrant selection of Mexican-inspired dishes for Houston Restaurant Weeks with a three-course dinner. The meal starts with your choice of tuna tostada, wedge salad or grilled peach and burrata toast. For the main course, options include birria tacos, pork belly tacos or carne asada, with the choice of grilled shrimp or roasted chicken to complete the meal.  Click to expand Blue Tuba | The Heights  This eatery, which opened in May, blends European and Texan flavors. For Houston Restaurant Weeks, Blue Tuba will offer both Brunch and Dinner menus. Brunch features a German-style platter, goulash, apple foster French toast and Hungarian crepes. For dinner, starters include Slovak mac & cheese and Polish tacos, while main course options feature pork schnitzel and chicken paprikash. Dessert choices include crème brûlée and tiramisu.  Click to expand Le Jardinier | Downtown  Located inside the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Le Jardinier serves up a French-inspired cuisine. Created by Michelin-starred Chef Alain Verzeroli, Le Jardinier offers an extensive Houston Restaurant Weeks menu, with options for brunch, lunch and dinner. The highlight of the menu is the three-course dinner, which includes whipped burrata, corn velouté with shrimp, roasted red pepper risotto, Verlasso salmon and strawberry mousse.  Click to expand MaKiin | Upper Kirby/River Oaks  Created by the team behind the beloved Kin Dee Thai restaurant, MaKiin debuted at the Hanover River Oaks last year. For Houston Restaurant Weeks, MaKiin offers a delectable three-course dinner. Starters feature a sampler with three curry choices, Khao Tang Na Tang and a summer salad. For the main course, diners can choose from pork ribs, salmon in a rich panang curry, curry jackfruit or filet mignon. Dessert includes unique delights such as butterfly pea flower-infused coconut ice cream and mango sticky rice.  Click to expand Norigami | West University   Opened last year by the team behind Hidden Omakase and Sushi by Hidden, Norigami specializes in hand roll sushi. For Houston Restaurant Weeks, Norigami is offering a three-course dinner that begins with your choice of steamed, garlic or spicy edamame. This is followed by a selection of crudos—madai, salmon or hamachi. The meal concludes with a choice of hand rolls: spicy salmon, bluefin tuna or spicy scallop.  Discover more about living in Houston.