Houston stands at a critical juncture, where emerging challenges demand bold, decisive action. As global industries evolve and our region grows, we must prepare to lead in talent development, innovation, and resilience. As a city of pioneers and problem-solvers, we have the tools, talent and tenacity to lead. The Houston Next: Advancing Opportunity strategy capitalizes on our momentum and ensures we confront these challenges head-on, building a thriving, resilient future for all.

Our collective work centers around three core pillars: Prosperity, People, and Place. Houston Next: Advancing Opportunity builds on the momentum of our core work to ensure Houston remains a great, global city. These areas of focus will evolve and be amplified when necessary.  

Create inclusive opportunity and drive economic growth through integrated education and skills training systems that prepare and develop Houstonians for high-demand careers.

Our work: 

• Talent & Economic Mobility
  • Workforce Development: UpSkill Houston 
  • Inclusive Talent Advancement: One Houston Together
• Education, Immigration, and Health Care Policy

MEASURES & REPORTING

• Workforce credentials
• Placements and talent advancement
• Economic mobility
• Performance of education systems

To enhance our work to advance Prosperity, People, and Place, we place extra focus on in two strategic areas: talent and economic mobility, along with resilience.

Talent and Economic Mobility

Ambition: Make Houston the global leader in talent development and economic mobility.

Key actions: 

• Build a skilled, diverse, and future-ready workforce through an employer-led, skills-first approach.
• Focus on developing skills aligned with growing industries.
• Create a talent intelligence platform to connect employers, training providers, and employees.
• Expand programs like apprenticeships, job mobility initiatives, and partnerships with educational institutions.
• Equip workers with credentials that meet employers' evolving needs.

Resilience

Ambition: Establish Houston as the most resilient coastal city in the world.

Key actions: 

• Fortify critical systems to withstand and recover from shocks and threats, including power, communications, flood control, health care, transportation, and others.
• Invest proactively in resilient infrastructure to ensure long-term stability and functionality.
• Enhance Greater Houston's ability to support and attract businesses through improved resilience.
• Strengthen quality of life for residents by safeguarding essential systems and services.