Five years ago, the Partnership released a report highlighting the need to meet demand for middle-skill jobs across the greater Houston area. Since then, Houston’s labor market has continued to heat up, making it one of the top destinations for younger working Texans. In fact, the Kinder Institute has highlighted how the talent pool is continuing to get younger as lawmakers emphasize the importance of more career programs in high schools. Earlier this month, lawmakers delivered a slate of bills to give the next generation a giant leap forward in their careers and addressing workforce demand in key industries. When fully implemented, these policies could create the nation’s largest career pipeline for high school graduates. Leading the charge is House Bill 120 (HB 120), a sweeping overhaul of career and technology education programs in Texas schools. The legislation offers five key opportunities for students: Boosts career readiness Provides an additional $100 per student enrolled in P-TECH and R-PEP programs for urban and rural schools Improves data and accountability Requires more outcome reporting from the Texas Education Agency and requires schools to develop new, measurable goals for student performance in college and the workforce Expands support for graduates Funds post-graduate advising for up to two years, offering pathways to work, college, and wage goals  Increases funding for facilities  Supports career program facilities and covers the cost of up to two certification exams per student  Integrates military pathways  Includes military options in career readiness and provides resources about scholarship opportunities for service-bound students  Ultimately, the goal of HB 120 and the Legislature is to ensure students have access to tools that promote long-term success in college, the workforce, or the military. The legislation also establishes accountability measures to track progress over time. These insights will help Texas better respond to evolving workforce needs and identify emerging opportunities in fast-growing industries, ultimately making the state’s talent pipeline more responsive and competitive. The Partnership is proud to have supported this issue during the 89th Texas Legislature as one of its Executive Priorities. This policy supports a stronger, more inclusive workforce by expanding access to career-connected education and creating opportunity. By equipping more students with the tools to succeed in high-demand fields, Texas is investing in the long-term prosperity of individuals, families, and communities, while strengthening Houston’s position as a place where talent can thrive, and all residents can share in the region’s growth. More on the Lege Click here to learn more about our Legislative Outcomes Click here to download our End of Session Recap

As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, Houston remains at the center of the conversation. The Greater Houston Partnership’s Public Policy Energy Advisory Committee supporting efforts to ensure our region stays competitive, sustainable, and future-ready. Chaired by Jonathan Cox, Global Co-Head of Natural Resources Investment Banking at JPMorgan Chase, the committee convenes key leaders from across the sector to shape energy policy and drive innovation at the local, state, and federal levels. “Everyone has gotten the memo around inbound U.S. investment being critically important,” said Cox. “There’s a tremendous enthusiasm for putting capital, jobs, and infrastructure in the U.S., especially in Texas.” What the Committee is Focused On In 2025, the Energy Advisory Committee is focused on strategies to maintain Houston’s energy leadership while navigating a changing policy and investment environment. Key priorities include: Permitting Reform & Infrastructure Advocacy: Supporting clearer permitting timelines and reforms at both federal and state levels to accelerate CCS, LNG, and nuclear projects. Clean Energy & Technology: Promoting policies that advance emerging technologies like small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), carbon capture, and clean hydrogen. Electric Grid Modernization: Advocating for reliability, affordability, and long-term energy planning to meet growing demand in the Houston region. Federal & State Policy Alignment: Tracking shifts from sustainability to reliability in federal priorities, while supporting Texas legislation like H.B. 14, which allocates $2B toward advanced nuclear supply chain development. Energy Workforce & R&D: Ensuring Houston has the talent pipeline and R&D infrastructure to remain competitive as the energy sector transforms. “The places where tomorrow’s energy breakthroughs will be invented may not be here unless we act,” Cox noted. “We have to be at the forefront of energy R&D.” What We’re Hearing from Members During the Q2 committee meeting, a roundtable discussion revealed key business concerns and opportunities. These included: Ensuring policy consistency and fiscal incentives to reduce investment uncertainty Advancing clean energy innovation while recognizing the essential role of traditional energy in driving low-carbon solutions Elevating Houston’s role in domestic and international energy investment Increasing collaboration across government, academia, and industry “We’re in a world where we need more energy—not less,” said Cox. “The idea that we can subtract our way to energy transition just doesn’t work technologically.” Looking Ahead: A Platform for Progress The Partnership will continue engaging members to shape the advocacy strategy. Whether you work in oil and gas, renewables, infrastructure, or emerging tech, this committee is your platform to help define the future of energy in Houston—and beyond. “Houston has the talent, infrastructure, and industry depth to lead the next chapter of the global energy story,” Cox said. “But we must stay ahead by investing in innovation, aligning on policy, and preparing our workforce for what’s next.” Ready to get involved? Partnership members are essential to shaping policy that powers Houston’s growth. Contact the member engagement team at member.engagement@houston.org to join the Energy Advisory Committee.