The Greater Houston Partnership’s Tech Policy Advisory Committee explored how policy, infrastructure and workforce development intersect to drive innovation and regional economic opportunity in a recent meeting.
Chaired by Jose Espinel, Regional Senior Vice President at Comcast, the committee brings together leaders from across sectors to shape the policies and systems that enable a competitive digital economy.
“AI is happening today,” said Espinel during a fireside chat with members. “More than 90% of students and 80% of companies are already using it. Businesses that don’t get on board will fall behind.”
What the Committee Is Focused On
In 2025, the Tech Policy Advisory Committee is focused on helping Houston compete at the intersection of innovation and infrastructure. Priorities include:
- AI & Emerging Tech Policy: Staying ahead of shifting national priorities, including the Trump Administration’s AI Action Plan, which emphasizes global competitiveness, infrastructure investment, and accelerating AI innovation.
- Digital Infrastructure: Supporting policies that accelerate investment in AI-ready networks, edge computing, and data centers.
- Cybersecurity Readiness: Promoting secure, resilient systems to keep pace with the growing cyber risks driven by AI.
- Broadband Access & Digital Opportunity: Aligning with the Partnership’s economic mobility goals through expanded broadband access, affordability, and digital literacy programs.
Why Digital Opportunity Matters
“Digital opportunity is about more than access. It’s about affordability, and it’s about skills.”
Comcast’s work in this space includes:
- Expanding service to under connected areas throughout the Greater Houston Region, such as Thompsons, Hempstead, and Splendora, along with a brand-new footprint in Bryan-College Station.
- Offering the ‘Internet Essentials’ plans for low-income families.
- Expanding existing national network of 24 million Wi-Fi hotspots and offering free access at community Lift Zones powered by Comcast.
- Partnering with Compudot to equip students and workers with the digital skills needed to thrive in an AI-enabled economy.
“We’re not just laying cables—we’re investing in people. And we need every sector to care about digital literacy if we want to grow Houston’s economy,” Espinel added.
What We Heard from the Committee
Alongside the fireside chat, members engaged in robust dialogue on national AI policy and the state of Houston’s tech ecosystem:
- Federal Outlook: Ryan Hagemann of IBM briefed the committee on the Administration’s AI strategy, including its competitiveness lens, export focus, and infrastructure priorities.
- Local Landscape: The Partnership’s Noah Fons shared trends on Houston’s tech growth—from rising VC investment and startup incubators to the need for a stronger software talent pipeline.
While Houston leads in corporate tech presence and digital infrastructure, challenges persist in early-stage investment and tech culture perception.
“We need the business community at the table to align infrastructure, innovation, and opportunity,” said Espinel. “This committee is how we do that—together.”
Ready to Get Involved?
The Partnership invites you to join the Tech Policy Advisory Committee and help shape the systems powering Houston’s digital future. Contact the member engagement team at [email protected] to get started.