Skip to main content

Economic Development, Public Policy and Addressing Violent Crime Among Topics in Partnership President's Address

Published Jun 21, 2022 by A.J. Mistretta

presidents address

Bob Harvey and Katie Pryor present during the President's Address

The Partnership hosted the first in-person President’s Address this week for the organization’s members, with President and CEO Bob Harvey covering a variety of topics from economic development and public policy to energy transition and the rise in violent crime. 

Harvey presented an overview of the organization’s recent work in these arenas before being joined by Partnership Chief Development Officer and SVP of Member Engagement Katie Pryor for a Q&A session. 

Starting the conversation on the economic development front, Harvey said the Partnership has logged 14 project wins in the first five months of 2022. These represent $800 million in capital expenditures and 3,500 new and retained jobs in the region. In recent months, several Energy 2.0 companies announced plans in Houston, including Synthica Energy, which is developing a renewable natural gas facility on the Ship Channel, and Syzygy Plasmonics, which is moving its headquarters to Pearland to commercialize decarbonization technology for the heavy-chemicals sector. 

Regarding public policy, Harvey told the audience that more than 60 members participated in the Partnership’s Washington D.C. Fly-In in the spring, which covered topics such as energy transition and large-scale infrastructure investments in the metro region. Looking ahead to the Texas Legislative Session that kicks off in January, Harvey said economic development incentives, higher education and energy transition are likely to be among the issues on the organization’s legislative agenda. 

Harvey provided a brief update on the Partnership’s Houston Energy Transition Initiative, highlighting that four of the initiative’s working groups launched this spring. Those four working groups are focused on carbon capture use and storage, hydrogen, industry decarbonization and capital formation. A more robust update will come next week during the three-day Future of Global Energy conference June 28-30. 

Noting the rise in violent crime here in Houston and around the country as well as growing anxiety around public safety, Harvey said a spectrum of local stakeholders will need to come together to identify solutions. A lack of courtroom availability as well as staffing shortages have led to a backlog in cases and a high rate of repeat offenders awaiting trial. Harvey said the Partnership is working in collaboration with local officials to help identify ways the business community can be part of the solution. He said he expects some movement in this arena in coming weeks. 

Other topics of discussion included the region’s evolving innovation ecosystem, the Partnership’s racial equity work through One Houston Together and new workforce development efforts.  

To attend an upcoming President’s Address and other Partnership events, view our events page and sign up for notifications when new events are posted. 
 

Related News

Membership

New Partnership Members in June

7/2/24
The Greater Houston Partnership welcomed eight new member companies in June. 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 who joined in the month of June include: Avail Media: Avail Media is an award-winning, full-service digital and traditional media agency in Houston. Avail Media provides planning, buying, and promotional services for both traditional and digital media. Website.   Chord Energy: Chord Energy is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the exploration, development, production, and acquisition of crude oil, NGLs, and natural gas, with top-tier, sustainable assets located in the Bakken and Three Forks plays in North Dakota and Montana. Website.    Clean Energy Fund of Texas: The Clean Energy Fund of Texas Inc. is Texas’s first non-profit Green Bank. Clean Energy Fund of Texas is committed to reducing greenhouse gases and addressing equity by financing energy and water conservation, facilitating the creation of more renewable energy, and investing in other decarbonization strategies. Website.  Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP: As a global top 10 law practice, Eversheds Sutherland provides legal advice and solutions to an international client base which includes some of the world’s largest multinationals. Eversheds Sutherland opened its doors in the Houston market more than twenty years ago, in 2002, and are honored to serve many of the largest companies in the metro area. The teams of lawyers in Houston and around the world operate seamlessly to deliver the legal know-how and strategic alignment that clients need from their advisors to help further their business interests. Website.  Family Houston: Family Houston is a social services organization that provides individual and family counseling, substance abuse education, parent and family life education, school-based services, family and senior support, and HIV/AIDS support services. Website.   J Alan Kent Development: J Alan Kent Development is a real estate developer in Klein, Texas. Since 1993, J. Alan Kent has engendered the trust of civic and business leaders across America by identifying undeveloped tracts of land and turning them into vibrant residential communities. Website.    QBS: QBS Consulting is an industrial construction and real estate consulting company headquartered in Houston, Texas. Website.   Shala Wilson Photography: Shala Wilson Photography is a professional headshot & brand photographer in Houston, Texas. 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. 
Read More
Economic Development

Houston Remains Top Texas City in New National Ranking

6/27/24
Houston has once again topped the rankings of an annual list of America’s Best Cities, claiming first in the state and No. 10 in the nation, surpassing Dallas and Austin.  The report, compiled by international consulting firm Resonance, ranks cities with a population of more than 500,000 based on livability, lovability and prosperity. The Bayou City has consistently ranked high on Resonance’s list over the years, placing No. 9 in 2023 and No. 11 in 2022, drawing praise for its cultural diversity, award-winning restaurant scene, number of Fortune 500 companies and quality of life.  Houston’s population gains can be attributed to its quality of life and strong economy. According to a Greater Houston Partnership analysis, Houston added nearly 140,000 residents in 2023, marking the second highest population growth among U.S. metros.  “Austin may get the attention, but the promise of the Lone Star State drawing Californians and New Yorkers is quietly being fulfilled in Houston,” the report stated.  This year’s report again recognizes Houston as one of the most diverse cities in the nation, with one in four residents being foreign-born and over 145 languages spoken, earning it the No. 21 spot in the report’s Culture category. The report also highlights the city's wealth of international festivals, world-class museums and cultural centers, including the new Ismaili Center set to open next year.  Houston’s dining scene ranked fourth in the report’s restaurant subcategory, ahead of popular foodie destinations including San Francisco, Las Vegas and Miami. The city earned acclaim for its diverse blend of dishes, described in the report as “Southern Soul and barbecue with Mexican that’s then seasoned with global cuisine.” Earlier this year, 11 Houston restaurants and chefs were named semifinalists for the 2024 James Beard Awards.   The report also applauded Houston’s robust economy, ranking No. 3 in the country for the number of Fortune 500 companies and patents. Houston is home to 26 Fortune 500 companies, making it the third-largest hub for Fortune 500 headquarters in the nation. As a hub for business development and opportunity, Houston was also recently named the best city to grow a business, according to a new study by The RevOps Team.  Additionally, Resonance recognized the Bayou City for its leadership in the global energy transition, with an estimated $250 billion in potential investment in the region over the next 15 years, according to a recent McKinsey report. The report also highlighted Houston’s reputation as Space City, noting key facilities and investments such as the Houston Spaceport, which is anchored by NASA-contract-winning companies Axiom Space, Collins Aerospace and Intuitive Machines.  Learn more about living in Houston.  
Read More

Related Events

Membership

Membership 101

Learn more about the Partnership's work and how your organization can be an active member.   

Learn More
Learn More
Executive Partners