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Houston in the News

What are major media outlets saying about Houston? The conversation about H-Town has evolved in recent years as awareness of the city's tremendous quality of life, emerging tech and innovation scene and other attributes has grown. The Partnership is working to expand the conversation around these key attributes that will help advance the region's economic growth. Read some of the recent stories about the nation's most diverse major city and the Partnership's efforts to steer its prosperity.

Fossil fuels built Houston into an energy capital. Can it lead the clean energy transition?

There's a new kind of energy in town to advance the transition to an energy-abundant, low-carbon future.

Houston metro area among the nation's top destinations for new corporate projects, report says

When it comes to landing corporate developments, Houston is among the top destinations in the country.

Houston ranks in top 10 for best housing markets for stability and growth, new report shows

The greater Houston housing market ranks among nation’s the top metropolitan areas in terms of growth and stability, according to a recent report by SmartAsset.

HPE Houston campus.jpg

Houston tech ecosystem ranks as No. 5 in the world for emerging startup hubs

In a new report from Startup Genome and the Global Entrepreneurship Network, Houston ranks fifth among the world’s top 100 emerging ecosystems for startups. Last year, the groups’ report put Houston at No. 19 in the same category.

Houston could become ‘epicenter of global clean hydrogen hub,’ report says

The region contains all the ingredients for a clean hydrogen market — clean power access, electricity-guzzling industries, and the existing network of production and pipelines — on a scale large enough to make Houston “the epicenter of a global clean hydrogen hub” that extends across Texas and the U.S. Gulf Coast, the Center for Houston’s Future laid out in a report released May 23.

Report: How Houston could gain, lose jobs in a clean energy transition

As the "energy capital of the world," Houston's overall employment is significantly impacted by the energy industry. New research is shedding light on how Houston's economy could be impacted if the city doesn't lean into an energy transition to become the energy capital of the future.

Inflation Reduction Act accelerates clean energy transition in the Houston area

The energy transition has accelerated in the Houston area in the past year as companies expand their presence in the region and plan new projects for solar, wind, hydrogen and carbon capture technologies.

The flurry of activity can be attributed to the region's place as the center of the U.S. energy industry and the existing infrastructure for transporting, refining and storing energy. But also playing a part in the uptick in activity has been the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and the incentives it created for clean energy projects.

Report: Houston ranks in the top 10 life sciences markets in the U.S.

In assessing Houston’s strength in life sciences, CommercialCafe says that “the resilient Texas powerhouse was lifted by the wave of emerging life sciences clusters across the U.S.” Two major projects are helping Houston maintain that powerhouse status. The Texas Medical Center (TMC) last year unveiled TMC3, a 37-acre, roughly 6 million-square-foot life sciences campus, and Houston-based Hines recently topped out the 270,000-square-foot first phase of the 53-acre Levit Green life sciences district next to TMC.

TMC3 Aerial July 2022

Exxon to Move HQ to Houston, Merge Refining and Chemicals

Exxon Mobil Corp. will relocate its corporate headquarters to the Houston area from suburban Dallas and combine its chemical and refining divisions in a major shake-up aimed at reducing costs.

The City of the Future: Walkable, mid-sized and built for flexible work

Houston is using their assets and sharing that expertise to attract more development. The secondary intent is to become less of a high-traffic metro and more walkable by connecting this development to downtown.

Dear Austinites, you have permission to move to an affordable, weird city: Houston

You want live music? How about the world-class Houston Grand Opera, the symphony at Jones Hall, and Opera in the Heights? And if you’d prefer something more familiar to Austin sensibilities—a schlubby guy doing Oasis covers on his acoustic guitar, for example—may I suggest Hopdoddy Burger Bar in Rice Village? Moreover, Houston can claim genres of music almost totally lacking in Austin—think DJ Screw, or Paul Wall and the Southern rap spawned by Swisha House. Also, Beyoncé. 

Downtown Houston

fDi’s Global Cities of the Future 2021/22 — overall winners

Houston came in at No. 19 on 2021/22 fDi list, which ranks major global cities based on foreign direct investment. That’s up from No. 24 when the ranking was published in 2018/19. Houston was only one of two U.S. cities among the top 20 on the latest list, with New York ranking seventh. 

Intuitive Machines opens $40M production center at Houston Spaceport ahead of moon mission

Houston-based Intuitive Machines has completed its Lunar Operations and Production Center and is preparing to send its first lunar lander product to Florida in support of a NASA mission.

Houston's economic fate no longer solely tied to oil and gas, Moody's report says

Houston remains the energy capital of the country, but a new Moody Analytics report indicates the Bayou City has diversified its industry portfolio enough to no longer rely solely on oil and gas.

Chevron's offer to pay for staff to move to Houston signals growing focus on Texas

Chevron isn’t requiring employees to move to Texas, but its offer to cover employees’ relocation is another sign that Houston is a primary center of operations for the oil major.

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Economic Development

George R. Brown Convention Center’s $2 Billion Transformation Project

3/10/25
The George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) is set to undergo a major transformation that will reimagine downtown Houston into a pedestrian-friendly convention and entertainment district.  Mayor John Whitmire and Houston First Corporation recently unveiled a master plan for the project, marking the first substantial renovation since 2016, which opened the building to Discovery Green and created the Avenida Houston Plaza.   The $2 billion project aims to bolster Houston’s position as a global hub for sports, entertainment and tourism, an especially timely investment as the city prepares to host FIFA World Cup matches in 2026 and the Republican National Convention in 2028.   Phase One  Click to expand The first phase of development includes a 700,000-square-foot building, GRB Houston South, which will serve as a key connector between downtown and Houston’s East End. The building will include two exhibit halls, a multipurpose hall opening to the new Central Plaza, an atrium flex hall, ground-level retail and dining spaces and what is set to be the largest ballroom in Texas.  Click to expand Additionally, the Avenida Plaza will be extended south to connect Discovery Green with the new Central Plaza, creating an expanded gathering space for large-scale events and community activities.  “This project is truly transformative for downtown Houston, a lasting legacy that will solidify our position as a top-tier convention and entertainment destination,” said Mayor Whitmire in a press release. “Most importantly, we are creating a space that will build community, foster connection, and shape the future of Houston.”  Click to expand The project's design is inspired by Houston’s bayous and natural prairie landscape. Along with its nature-inspired elements, the building will use eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, including rainwater collection and water-saving features, to minimize its environmental impact and strengthen the city's sustainability efforts.  The groundbreaking project will be funded by a portion of the state’s hotel tax revenue, made possible by Senate Bill 1057, which passed in 2023.  The Need for Expanded Infrastructure  With Houston’s hospitality and tourism industry rapidly expanding, the demand for expanded infrastructure has never been greater. In 2024, the city welcomed more than 54 million visitors, an increase of six percent from 2023 and nearly 10 percent since 2019, according to Houston First.  Click to expand “It is imperative for us to stay competitive and meet the needs of our meetings and convention customers,” said Michael Heckman, President and CEO of Houston First, in the same release. “This project will not only accomplish that but will "establish a gathering space that will be the epicenter for entertainment, sports, and city-wide events, accentuating our ability to capitalize on Houston's unique offerings.”  GRB Houston South is scheduled to open in May 2028, with the full project expected to be completed by 2038.  Discover more about living in Houston. 
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Economic Development

Texas Leads in Business Growth, Houston Remains at the Forefront

3/10/25
Texas has secured its 13th consecutive Governor's Cup for 2024, as awarded by Site Selection Magazine. This accolade recognizes the state with the highest number of qualified capital investment projects, underscoring Texas's sustained appeal to businesses and investors alike. Houston remains a key player in this success story, ranking third among U.S. metropolitan areas for attracting new business ventures.   The Governor's Cup evaluates states based on private-sector projects that meet specific criteria: a minimum investment of $1 million, the creation of 20 or more jobs or new construction spanning at least 20,000 square feet. In 2024, Texas reported an impressive 1,368 such projects, marking an increase of 114 from the previous year and doubling the count of the second-place state, Illinois, which logged 664 projects.   The Houston region’s 435 projects secured the third spot among top U.S. metros for attracting new business, an uptick from 413 projects in 2022.  “We are excited to see for the 13th consecutive year Texas continues to lead the U.S. in economic growth and Houston is helping lead the way as a preferred global destination for new jobs and capital investment.” Greater Houston Partnership Senior Vice President of Economic Development Craig Rhodes said. “Companies continue to recognize the overall ease of doing business in the Houston region.  We know speed to market is critical in today’s economy and Houston has all the right ingredients; quality workforce, robust infrastructure, and a wealth of real estate options to help companies succeed.”    Apple’s $500 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing in Houston and Tesla’s expansion to Waller County earmark the region’s growing role in advanced manufacturing, digital technology and innovation. These moves also reflect a broader trend of tech companies relocating or expanding in Texas.  Factors such as a friendlier tax and regulatory environment and a burgeoning talent pool have made Texas, and Houston in particular, attractive destinations for tech giants seeking growth and operational efficiency.   To continue this economic growth, Governor Greg Abbott has unveiled a new five-year strategic plan. This economic plan is designed to attract large, capital-intensive projects in critical sectors such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences and biotechnology, as well as energy evolution.  “Texas is a national leader in population growth, job creation, technology and innovation, and overall economic expansion,” said Governor Abbott. “Entrepreneurs and businesses choose Texas because of our unmatched business friendly policies, low taxes, and highly skilled workforce. With this statewide economic development strategic plan, we will cement Texas as a global economic powerhouse. I thank the economic development organizations and businesses across Texas who work tirelessly to ensure that economic prosperity reaches every Texas family and every Texas business. Working together, we will build an even stronger, more prosperous Texas for generations.”  Grow your business in Houston. 
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Economic Development

State of Education

The Greater Houston Partnership invites you to the State of Education on Friday, May 9 at the Marriott Marquis. The success of our region relies on a thriving education system providing…

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Executive Partners