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89th Texas Legislative Session

In advance of the 2025 Texas Legislative session, the Partnership’s Board of Directors and Public Policy Steering Committee approved a legislative priority agenda to address challenges facing the greater Houston region. These priorities highlight key areas of interest for the business community and will serve as a roadmap during the Session. They also underscore the Partnership’s commitment to addressing issues that have the greatest impact on the region’s growth and success.

Executive Priorities

Public School Accountability & Funding

A strong and transparent public education system is critical to the long-term prosperity of our region and state. The Partnership supports fully funding public education, preserving high-impact programs, and maintaining a strong system of accountability.

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water infrastructure

Water Infrastructure

Reliable and sustainable water infrastructure are key aspects of a thriving economy and require ongoing investments to meet growing demand. The Partnership supports significant state investments into water infrastructure to address both supply and improvement of aging and deteriorating water and wastewater systems.

Workforce Development

The key to economic growth is aligning workers’ skills with the needs of industry. The Partnership supports measures across various industries that enhance collaboration between education institutions and industry resulting in more skilled workers with clear pathways to high-quality jobs.

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Issues

Public Policy Updates

Related News

Education

Greater Houston Partnership Statement on Texas School Finance Legislation

5/23/25
HOUSTON (May 23, 2025)—Leaders in the Texas House and Senate reached an agreement on House Bill 2 to expand funding for Texas public schools on Thursday. Among many advances, this legislation increases public education funding by $8.5 billion, provides $4.2 billion for teacher and staff pay increases, and allocates nearly $2 billion towards early childhood education. Taylor Landin, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer of the Greater Houston Partnership, released the following statement: “The $8.5 billion increase in funding for public schools is an investment in our children and fuels Texas' economic growth for the next generation. Houston business leaders applaud Lieutenant Governor Patrick and Speaker Burrows for their leadership and dedication to their robust, comprehensive approach to education modernization that we have seen throughout the 89th Legislature. Any individual component of House Bill 2 would have marked a major milestone, but combined, they represent the most significant investment in education in the history of Texas education to date.” The Greater Houston Partnership is committed to supporting businesses across the Houston region and working to maintain Texas’ exemplary business environment.   CONTACT: Brina Morales                                                 Sr. Director, Communications     bmorales@houston.org
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Public Policy

Mayor Whitmire Puts Forth Balanced Budget for FY 26, Closing Major Budget Shortfall

5/8/25
Mayor John Whitmire released the City of Houston’s proposed $7 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 operating budget, which includes a balanced General Fund. For Houston’s business community, sound fiscal management at City Hall is more than just good governance – it’s essential to maintaining the services and infrastructure that enable our region to thrive. Perhaps most significantly, this plan reduces General Fund spending – the city’s primary tax-supported budget – by 2.4%, or $74.5 million.  “We applaud Mayor Whitmire for making hard choices to put forward a balanced budget proposal,” said Steve Kean, President and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership. “The mayor has made good on his commitment to address waste and duplication, and the Partnership is committed to working with his administration to put the City on a sustainable path, delivering the quality services Houstonians expect.”  Explore the City’s structural deficit and potential solutions in our report, State of the City’s Finances: A Deep Dive into Houston’s Fiscal Issues Facing the City. Key savings in the budget come from a combination of:  Workforce reductions: Over 1,000 city employees took advantage of the Voluntary Municipal Employee Retirement Payment Option, resulting in over $99 million in annual savings across all funds, including $29 million for the General Fund.  Operational efficiencies: Department budget reductions reached $16 million in savings.  Strategic reforms: $19 million associated with the consolidation of departments.   These efficiencies recommended in the Ernst & Young Citywide Efficiency Study underscore the city’s commitment to fiscal responsibility moving forward. The proposed budget also addresses critical public safety needs, funding the first year of a new police contract and the second year of the firefighter contract. While also providing infrastructure investments, as the budget sets aside $184 million from property tax revenue for street and drainage projects, aligning with the recent drainage settlement agreement.  During the press conference, the mayor highlighted that while this budget is balanced through efficiency and cost-cutting, the door remains open for future revenue discussions: “It would be wrong for me to say we are not going to allow Houstonians to consider a garbage fee or other matters,” the mayor said. “My responsibility is to balance the budget and provide services. I made a commitment to address waste and duplication. [Later] we will talk to Houstonians about the type of city they want to live in.” What’s next: Over the next two weeks, department directors will present their budgets in a series of workshops providing a deeper look into the FY 26 budget through Tuesday, May 20. After these sessions, City Council will review the budget, with a final vote expected in June.  
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View the Full Agenda

Become a Member Today

Interested in joining the Partnership? Take the next step and learn how you can make an impact on Houston.

Get in touch with our team to:

  • Learn more about the Partnership's policy priorities
  • Get involved in a policy committee and meet industry peers 
  • Help shape the Partnership's policy initiatives
Taylor Landin
Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer
Public Policy
E
tlandin@houston.org
P
713-844-3624
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