HOUSTON (Dec. 12, 2024) — The Greater Houston Partnership has released its forecast for job growth in the Metro Houston area, forecasting the creation of 71,200 jobs in 2025.  The sectors expected to experience the greatest gains, in order, are:  Health care Construction Professional and technical services Government Restaurants and bars Click to expand Houston is projected to finish 2025 with over 3.5 million payroll jobs, setting a record for the region. Several factors support this growth, including the ongoing expansion of the U.S. economy, the continued decline in interest rates, increasing consumer confidence, and a steady influx of domestic and foreign companies establishing operations in Houston.  Additionally, a deep backlog of construction projects and local income and population growth contribute to the positive outlook for job creation. “Over the past two decades, Houston has experienced several recessions, devastating weather events and the COVID-19 pandemic, but despite these events, the Houston region’s economy has remained competitive,” Partnership Chief Economist Patrick Jankowski said. “Houston’s GDP has grown 70 percent after adjusting for inflation, and that growth is proof that our resilient economy will encourage continued growth for years to come.” According to the forecast, every sector except information is expected to experience job growth next year. The information sector has struggled for years, losing jobs in 12 out of the last 20 years, largely due to technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences.  The Houston region created 60,000 jobs in the 12 months ending October 2024. The region should end the year with 58,000 jobs. The national outlook is also looking positive. The probability of a recession over the next 12 months sits at 26 percent, according to The Wall Street Journal’s October survey of prominent business economists.  A sector-by-sector breakdown of the jobs forecast and the factors impacting each industry can be found in the full report. ### Media Contact    Brina Morales                                                 Director, Communications     bmorales@houston.org      

William P. Hobby Airport has officially broken ground on its $470 million expansion project aimed at enhancing the passenger experience.  The project will expand and modernize the airport’s West Concourse, originally built by Southwest Airlines in 2015. Planned upgrades include seven new gates, an advanced baggage-handling system, additional baggage claim carousels, and an overhead canopy along the departure curb to protect passengers from inclement weather while connecting the terminal to the parking garage.  “This expansion isn’t just about adding more gates—it’s about enhancing every aspect of the passenger experience,” said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, in a statement. “As North America’s first and only 5-Star Skytrax airport, it’s essential for Hobby Airport to offer facilities and services that match our world-class reputation. Partnering with Southwest Airlines on this project allows us to create a truly remarkable experience for all travelers.”  Click to expand Southwest Airlines remains a major player at Hobby Airport, accounting for over 90 percent of its flights in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Earlier this year, Southwest halted operations at Houston’s larger George Bush Intercontinental Airport to focus its Houston operations solely at Hobby.  “Since our first year of service in 1971, we’ve operated nonstop at Hobby Airport. It’s a cornerstone market for us, serving as a base for our flight crews and as a gateway city to our international service,” said Steve Sisneros, Vice President of Airport Affairs at Southwest Airlines, in a statement. “This expansion marks an exciting time for our future here, allowing us to grow our service and reach even more customers.”  Click to expand Slated for completion in 2027, the expansion will also support future growth as both Hobby and Bush airports continue to see record-breaking passenger numbers, welcoming 60.1 million travelers last year, an increase of six million from 2022.   Bush Airport is also undergoing its own expansion, having recently unveiled the new international Terminal D, which adds 160,000 square feet to its facilities. The project features six new gates, space for 16 dining concepts, and enhanced amenities such as a mother’s room, sensory room, children’s play area, upgraded restrooms, lounge seating and art installations.  Learn more about Houston’s airports at the Partnership’s State of the Airports event on Dec. 5, 2024.