Texas and Houston have once again earned top accolades for economic development from Site Selection Magazine, highlighting the region’s attractiveness for business. A survey of business executives also affirmed Texas as the top state for business climate, with Houston listed as one of the “places to grow fast.”   These rankings are based on the perspectives of corporate decision makers. Criteria for the rankings included the executive survey, 2023 Governor’s Cup rankings, Inc. 5000 companies, total and per capita economic development projects as well as various other Conway Data rankings. In addition to the rankings, a survey of site selectors yielded a list of most important criteria, naming utilities, workforce skills, land and building prices and ease of permitting and regulation.  The study gave special notice to Chevron’s recent headquarters relocation to Houston, its low-carbon and ammonia production plant in Baytown and the company’s success working with the Texas General Land Office for the largest offshore carbon dioxide storage lease in the U.S. These examples of business expansion reflect the region’s business-friendly environment.  Texas earned the top state for business climate and top state for FTZ impact, with the Port of Houston being named the seventh-ranked foreign trade zone out of nearly 300 nationally. Texas ranked number one in merchandise received and exports, coming at the top of the list for warehouse and distribution exports and production activity. Much of Texas’s acumen can be traced to Houston, the top exporting metro in the United States – more goods are exported from the Houston metro than New York and Los Angeles combined.  “The evidence is clear that Texas is a top destination for business, and Houston’s business climate stands as a leader attracting new foreign and domestic investments,” Partnership SVP of Economic Development Craig Rhodes said. “We have the essential foundation for any business to succeed, backed by our robust infrastructure, regulatory environment, a skilled workforce, and a deep understanding of company needs. Here in Houston, we offer an exceptional platform for businesses to thrive and make a meaningful impact both domestically and internationally.”  This news further underscores Houston as a top destination for foreign trade and investment, along with the 2023 Financial Times-Nikkei ranking as the top U.S. city for foreign investment. With the nation’s busiest port by tonnage, a welcoming culture and regulatory environment, an ambitious workforce and favorable real estate pricing, Houston serves as fertile ground for business to thrive.  To read further on what makes Greater Houston a top destination for business, visit our Economic Development page. 

People are moving to Texas, and businesses are building new facilities. That rapid growth is straining resources, particularly water. According to a new report, Texas must invest $154 billion over the next 50 years in new water supply and infrastructure—critical needs to support the state’s expanding population and booming industries. The report from Texas 2036, a nonpartisan public policy think tank, highlights the urgency of this investment. Without reliable water infrastructure, Texas could face the loss of a million jobs and more than $160 billion in economic impact over the next five decades. The report underscores a stark reality: a comprehensive, sustainable funding strategy for water is necessary to keep Texas economically resilient and competitive. Investment Needs The 2022 Texas Water Plan and US EPA initially estimated that Texas would need $132 billion in water infrastructure investments over the next 50 years. However, Texas 2036 has adjusted this figure for inflation, raising the projected cost to $154 billion. While state and federal programs—such as the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) and the newly established Texas Water Fund—are expected to provide around $40-45 billion in financial support over the coming decades, a significant long-term funding gap persists.   Click to expand Texas 2036 graphic showing cost estimate for water infrastructure needs Dual Challenges According to the report, Texas faces two challenges. First, the state must develop a broad, diversified water supply portfolio to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population and economy while strengthening resilience to future droughts. The water supply gap poses additional risks to the state’s electricity generation, as low water levels during droughts could limit power from natural gas, nuclear and coal plants. Second, aging and deteriorating drinking water and wastewater systems. Over the past five years, nearly 3,000 boil water notices have been issued annually, leaving communities without reliable water service.  Impact on Industries A severe, prolonged drought would have widespread effects on industries across Texas. Manufacturing, a key driver of the state’s economy, is one example.  The top five manufacturing regions—Dallas-Fort Worth, the Greater Houston area, East Texas (Beaumont, Tyler, Lufkin), Central Texas (College Station, Temple, Waco), and South Central Texas (San Antonio, Victoria)—together account for 82% of the state’s manufacturing GDP and 77% of its manufacturing jobs. According to research from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, within the next 20 years, these regions could face nearly $20.8 billion in lost manufacturing GDP and over 116,000 job losses due to water shortages during a drought of record. The potential economic fallout underscores the need for immediate and strategic investments in water infrastructure to safeguard key industries and the communities that rely on them. Advocacy at the Capitol  Water infrastructure is one of the executive priorities for the Greater Houston Partnership for the 89th Texas Legislative Session. These priorities serve as a roadmap for the upcoming session, highlighting key areas of interest for the business community. The Partnership supports increased funding for the Texas Water Fund, preferably establishing a dedicated funding stream to ensure long-term, sustainable investments in the state’s water resources.   Learn more about how the Partnership advances strong policy that fosters long-term growth and upward economic mobility for the region.