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How you can benefit from Future of Texas

  • Build relationships by hearing elected officials' policy and political insights first-hand

  • Share the Partnership policy advisory committees' efforts with elected officials

  • Grow as a policy thought leader for your organization

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This program and its benefits are exclusive to Partnership members. Learn more about becoming a member company today.

“As a lifelong Houstonian, I am particularly pleased to be a part of the Partnership and the great work they do for economic growth and development in the City of Houston and surrounding communities.”


Charles McFarland
Attorney, McFarland PLLC

"Becoming a member of the Partnership was one of the best professional decisions I’ve made as a CEO. Even though I’m leading a nonprofit, the ability to cross-pollinate with organizations in various industries is extremely helpful. Interacting and benefiting from the thought leadership in the business community has shown me that they are really tackling the same issues we are facing."


Tracy Weeden, Ed.D.
President & CEO, Neuhaus Education Center

“Greater Houston Partnership, thank you for continuing to be a great resource for information. Very proud to be a member of this organization that so well represents Houston, it's businesses and people.”


Ed Parker
Business Development Manager, Industrial Tax Consulting

"With one of the largest databases of members, [the Partnership] is a wonderful networking resource for me."


Neal Talmadge
BizJournals

"The quality of the programs are top-notched, and because of that, the attendees are top-notched as well. Quality networking is great!"


Anthony Pabillano
PwC

"Businesses who want to get their name out and sales professionals who want to increase their sphere of influence won't find a better organization to connect than GHP."


Lisa Bogany
Workforce Solutions

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LiKeam Jackson
Manager, Programs & Engagement
Member Acquisition & Engagement
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ljackson@houston.org
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713-844-3646
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Partnership Staff

Actively Involved

Launched in 2018, the Future of Texas program has hosted a number of elected officials including State Senator Joan Huffman (R-Houston), State Representative Dennis Bonnen (R-Angleton) and State Senator Senfronia Thompson. 

Related News

Membership

New Partnership Members in May

6/2/23
The Greater Houston Partnership welcomed 19 new member companies in the month of May. The Partnership works to connect companies with resources, information and networking opportunities to help increase business while also providing a platform to influence the direction of the region. New members joining in the month of May include: Brombacher & Co.: Brombacher & Co. is a local residential and commercial real estate brokerage that offers a customer-centric approach for its client’s real estate needs and goals. Website.  Cruise: Cruise is an autonomous car service, working to make every ride safe. Website.  Custom Ink: Custom Ink offers customizable printing services, bringing its clients' ideas to life. Website. East Harris County Empowerment Council: East Harris County Empowerment Council exists to improve the quality of life through innovative, sustainable programs and services that empower men, women, and youth to achieve their full potential. Website.  Energy Ogre: Energy Ogre is a technology company whose core competency is residential electricity procurement and management. Website.  Estudio: Estudio offers design and architectural services and strives for innovative ideas that meet the aesthetic and budgetary needs of each individual project. Website.  Flip Lok: Flip Lok provides failproof security through just one flip, ensuring nothing will get past its customers' doors. Website. Gulf of Mexico Alliance: The five Gulf States are the foundation of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, a partnership network dedicated to increasing regional collaboration to enhance the environmental and economic health of the Gulf of Mexico. Website.  HDR Engineering, Inc.: HDR Engineering specializes in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services, adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure. Website.  Houston Pilots: The Houston Pilots Association provides pilotage services to all foreign flag vessels and American vessels under register (regulated vessels) entering or departing the Port of Houston, Harris County, Texas, as required by Texas state law. Website.  Impireum: Impireum is an outpatient behavioral health practice dedicated to helping individuals across the lifespan, from adults to children and adolescents, achieve emotional well-being and behavioral success. Website.  J Energy Group LLC: J Energy seeks to meet the needs of an ever expanding market through integrated services for the Oil and Gas industry. Website.  Optimum Consultancy Services: Optimum is a modern Software Solutions and Services firm, transforming businesses through the power of People, Technology, and Automated Processes. Website.  Port Arthur Economic Development Council: Port Arthur Economic Development Council enhances Port Arthur’s business climate and overall economic development through encouraging and developing business growth and attracting new business to Port Arthur. Website.  Stabilis Solutions: Stabilis Solutions is a leading producer, marketer and distributor of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen, serving a wide range of customers with portable, temporary and permanent solutions. Website.  Sulzer Turbo Services Houston Inc.: Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering and chemical processing applications. Sulzer's solutions enable carbon emission reductions, development of polymers from biological sources, recycling of plastic waste and textiles, and efficient power storage. Website. Texas Public Charter Schools Association: Texas Public Charter Schools Association (TPCSA) is committed to making sure every child in Texas has access to a high-quality public school that will set them on the path to future success. Website.  Vanderbilt University: Vanderbilt is a private research university based in Nashville, Tennessee. It offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and a full range of graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges. Vanderbilt is expanding nationally and has established one of its very first VU Hubs in Houston.  Website.  XAG Group: Founded in 2017, XAG Group is a privately owned, full-service company with deep experience in retail leasing, tenant representation, land brokerage, commercial development, and property management. Website.  Click here to see the Partnership's Membership Directory. To learn more about membership with the Greater Houston Partnership click here, or contact membership@houston.org.
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Public Policy

HOU in ATX: Legislative Update – Week 20

5/26/23
During the final days of the session, House Bill 5 passes off the Senate floor and heads to conference, the budget moves one step closer to the Governor’s desk, and we take a look at Houston-specific bills passing the legislature. Economic Development Bill Clears the Senate Floor House Bill 5 was voted out of the Senate Committee on Business & Commerce on Sunday, paving the way for a vote on the Senate floor on Wednesday. The bill author, Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown), accepted five amendments and the final measure passed with a decisive 27-4 vote.  What’s next: The Senate made significant changes to the version that passed the House earlier this month. We expect a conference committee to be named to work out the two versions. Following the work of the conference committee, each chamber must accept the conference committee report before the bill can head to the Governor’s desk.  The bottom line: Stakeholders have raised concerns about the changes made to the legislation, but all parties recognize the importance of creating a new school property tax abatement program. Without a new program, Texas will fall behind other states in landing large-scale, capital-intensive projects.  What they’re saying: During the committee hearing on Sunday, Senator Creighton (R-Conroe) emphasized the transformational change that comes when new and emerging industries decide to locate in local Texas communities: “If we’re going launch into a new phase of new economic development incentives… [we need to think about] the culture we want to create to really land these companies that will change lives forever for Texans.” House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 30 - The State’s Budget  The budget bill is the only bill the Texas Legislature must pass each session. This week, the two chambers struck a deal on a two-year budget for the State of Texas totaling $321.3 billion.  The Legislature entered this session with an unprecedented budget surplus. However, due to constitutionally mandated restrictions on spending, the Legislature had more money available than it could spend. The budget prioritized spending on tax cuts, colleges and universities, grid resiliency, broadband, and water infrastructure.  Houston in Focus: The budget deal includes $1.25 billion for flood mitigation and storm surge protection.  $625 million for the Flood Infrastructure Fund out of one-time General Revenue Funding.  $550 million for the Gulf Coast Protection District, with $350 million of the appropriation allocated to be used as state matching funds for the Coastal Texas Program.  $50 million for the Lake Houston Dam Improvement Project.  What’s next: After the Legislature passes House Bill 1, the General Appropriation Act, and Senate Bill 30, the Supplemental Appropriations Act, both bills head to the Governor’s desk, where the Governor has line-item veto power for budget items. The Governor’s veto period ends 20 days after the last day of the legislative session.  Houston in Focus: Bills Impacting the Region    Here is a look at several bills that have passed that will directly impact the Houston region:  Senate Bill 1057, by Senator John Whitmire (D-Houston), allows the City of Houston and Houston First access to funds for much-needed renovations to the George R. Brown Convention Center.  House Bill 3474, by Representative Jeff Leach (R-Plano), the state’s omnibus courts bill, establishes six new criminal courts for Harris County.  House Bill 2416, by Representative Dennis Paul (R-Houston), creates the Gulf Coast Protection Trust Fund. The funding will be used for flood infrastructure developments within the Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD), including the Texas Coastal Program, better known as the Coastal Spine or the Ike Dike.  House Bill 1595 and House Joint Resolution 3, by Representative Greg Bonnen (R-Friendswood), establishes the Texas University Fund (TUF), a permanent endowment fund investing in four Texas public university systems. The University of Houston will receive as much as $50 million dollars annually from the Fund.  What’s Next: End-of-Session Report    Upon final adjournment, the Partnership’s Public Policy Division will send one final update with a link to a comprehensive end-of-session report.  The overview of outcomes will provide insight into key policy issues facing the greater Houston region and how the Partnership advocated for these priority areas during the 88th Legislative Session. We look forward to sharing our work with you.    During the 88th Legislative Session, the Greater Houston Partnership will provide a weekly update on newsworthy items from Austin. You can view more policy news and archives of our weekly updates here. Subscribe here to get our weekly legislative updates
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Membership

Future of Texas

Join us for a conversation featuring Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones. Commissioner Lesley Briones is a former Harris County Civil Court Judge, now representing Harris…

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