Greater Houston Partnership Statement on Houston ISD “The improvements in student achievement in the first two years of reforms in Houston ISD are nothing short of extraordinary, and we celebrate the students for their hard work to achieve these outcomes. Both the board and administration should be commended for vision and leadership, but the real gratitude should go to the principals, teachers, and staff who have put the changes into practice; elevating expectations and improving the academic trajectories of the students in schools the district had failed for many years. Commissioner Morath is right to extend the period of reform to ensure these improvements take hold long-term, significantly impacting generations of students. We also extend sincere gratitude to the four outgoing board members who have admirably led the district under sometimes trying circumstances. And we commend the four newly appointed board members who have answered the call to serve students and keep the district on a positive trajectory. The next two years will be a pivotal time for the district, and we are eager to work with the refreshed board and administration to make the most of a generational opportunity to improve student success.”   MEDIA CONTACT: Brina Morales                                                 Sr. Director, Communications     bmorales@houston.org

As the 89th Texas Legislative Session concludes, several key policy measures aligned with the Greater Houston Partnership’s priorities were advanced. With 1 in 4 Texas jobs based in the Houston metro, a nearly $650+ billion regional GDP, and more than 1.2 million students enrolled in regional public education institutions, Houston plays an outsized role in shaping the future of our state. Legislative decisions made in Austin ripple through our 12-county region impacting infrastructure, education, innovation and the workforce that powers Texas. Guided by our Executive Priorities, Water Infrastructure, Education, and Workforce Development, and powered by our elected officials, members and partners, the Partnership worked throughout the session to advocate for policies that will strengthen the greater Houston region and the state. Executive Priority Wins Water Infrastructure A generational investment in Texas’ water future, anchored by a proposed constitutional amendment to dedicate $1 billion annually over the next 20 years, was one of the session’s biggest wins. $265 million+ secured for Houston-area water and flood mitigation projects, including $100 million for the Lynchburg Pump Station. The creation of a new Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District to fund ongoing operations A dedicated fund for the Gulf Coast Protection District to continue delivering $550 million for projects to make the coastline and ship channel more resilient Public Education This session delivered the largest infusion of new programmatic funding in more than a decade.  $195 million+ for Houston ISD under a new school finance formula and pay raises for Texas teachers. Higher Education Houston’s institutions saw record-breaking support in recognition of their role in talent development, research, and medical innovation. $2.1 billion+ for Houston area four-year colleges and universities.  Workforce Development With a growing emphasis on applied learning and employer-aligned training, Texas made strong investments in talent development. HB 120 + HB 20 + SB 1786 expanded access to school-to-career programs and career-focused science pathways, and continued the work at community and junior colleges to deliver more credentials of value Investing in What’s Next The Partnership also supported forward-looking policies that position Houston and Texas for long-term growth: $3 billion to launch the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute (DRPIT). $715 million in funding for nuclear energy, semiconductors, and emerging industries. These wins were only possible through deep collaboration, among our coalition partners, elected officials, business and community leaders, and the engaged members of the Partnership. Together, we’ve demonstrated how a united voice for Houston helps drive results that benefit all Texans. We are grateful for the leadership of our regional delegation and statewide champions who delivered these critical investments. Click here to download the 89th Texas Legislative Session Summary. For a full rundown of bills the Partnership tracked throughout session, click here.