PUBLIC POLICY EVENTS

The Houston region’s future depends on close collaboration with our elected officials and regional allies. Each year, the Greater Houston partnership’s Public Policy division hosts dozens of networking and educational events where Members can mingle with the region’s lawmakers and where lawmakers can learn about issues on the regional radar.

These evens provide valuable insight for attendees. For a full description of each event, click on the links to the left.

State of the City

Held annually in January, this luncheon event is a chance for the mayor of Houston to outline his objectives for the city for the coming year. This is a key opportunity to network with Houston’s decision makers and business leaders.

State of the County

This luncheon forum is where the Harris County judge addresses the region’s business community and discusses his initiatives for the year ahead. Held annually, this is a chance for Members to learn more about what’s happening in the region and to network with key decision makers.

D.C. Lobby Trip

Held once per U.S. Congressional Session, this multi-day event is the opportunity for a Partnership delegation to travel to Washington, D.C. for meetings with national lawmakers. Past meetings have included discussions with members of the Cabinet and the presidential administration.

State of the Senate

Partnership Members get a first-hand account about what’s happening in the U.S. Senate at this annual event. The keynote speaker is one of Texas’ two senators, and the event offers the opportunity to discuss regional issues with some of the state’s most powerful lawmakers.

Super Summit

Hosted by the Partnership’s Emerging Business Council, this annual event is designed to help emerging businesses learn how to work more collaborative with established businesses. And excellent opportunity for learning and networking, this summit is one of the Partnership’s most popular events.

Congressional Summit

This full-day session brings together regional and national lawmakers to discuss key issues with Partnership Members. Topics include improving the region’s quality of place; increasing regional business development and working across partisan lines to assure continued regional success.

Annual Elected Officials Reception

This yearly event pays tribute to the region’s elected decision makers. It’s an opportunity for Partnership Members to network with the elected leadership and regional business leaders.

Political Outlook Luncheon

Held near the state of each Texas Legislature session, the panel discussion focuses on the important regional issues facing the Legislature and offers candid speculation on key decisions the Legislature will have to make. The event offers Members the chance to learn more about Texas’ political structure and to network with business and elected leaders.

Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon

Held at the close of each Texas Legislative session, this luncheon panel discussion focuses on work done by the Legislature. It provides a candid look at what went right, what went wrong, and what’s likely to be ahead for Texas’ lawmakers.

Local, State Delegation Legislative Dinner

This annual event is an opportunity for Texas lawmakers and Partnership members to conduct business in a casual setting. Designed as an opportunity to thank the elected officials for their work on behalf of the region, this is one of the Partnership’s most popular public policy events.

Congressional Breakfasts

These sessions are an opportunity for each of the region’s elected leaders to speak to Partnership Members. The informal breakfasts allow time for questions and answers with the region’s lawmakers and offer Members the chance to learn more about our elected leaders and their platforms.

Business Issues Luncheons

These events focus on a specific issues of importance to the region and give Member the chance to talk with experts on that issue. Past events have included sessions about carbon sequestration, the need for a highly skilled workforce and the importance of regional access to health care.

Environment Committee Breakfast

Hosted by the Partnership’s Clean Air or Water Issues committees, these breakfast meetings provide insight about how the region is meeting environmental goals. The sessions are a time for Members to learn more about important issues facing the region and to network with experts and decision makers.

Health Care Luncheon

Hosted by the Partnership’s Business Health Care and Homeland Security committees, these luncheons focus on how health care is good business sense and how Houston’s health care industry is working to improve homeland security preparation pertaining to health care.

Quality of Life Advisory Committee Breakfasts

This annual luncheon allows members to learn more about the efforts by the Partnerships; Quality of Life Advisory Committee. Topics include green space and other initiatives to enhance Houston’s quality of place.

Transportation and Infrastructure Luncheon

This event offers Partnership Members the chance to learn about improvements and initiatives surrounding the region’s transportation infrastructure. Whether discussing the addition of METRO services or building new highways and tollroads, the events are a way for Members to learn about important regional issues and network with experts and decision makers.

Horizons: A Public Works Seminar

This annual public works seminar is a half-day session featuring panel discussions and a luncheon keynote address. Seminar highlights include talk about Houston’s infrastructure, transportation and other public works initiatives. The event is an excellent networking opportunity for regional stakeholders and contractors providing building and networking services.

Houston Area Survey Luncheon

Noted Rice sociologist and demographer Stepehn Klineberg offers an in-depth and entertaining look at Houston's demographics and changes over the years. This annual luncheon coincides with Klineberg's annual demographic report on the region. Looking at everything from Houston's ethnic make-up to what its residents want to see improved, this event provides valuable insight on the Houston region.