Education | June 2, 2025

Greater Houston Partnership Statement on HISD

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.

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Education | May 23, 2025

Greater Houston Partnership Statement on Texas School Finance Legislation

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Economic Development | May 1, 2025

Report: Houston’s Global Strengths Position Region to Navigate Trade Uncertainty

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Education | June 2, 2025

Greater Houston Partnership Statement on HISD

Education | May 23, 2025

Greater Houston Partnership Statement on Texas School Finance Legislation

HOUSTON (May 23, 2025)—Leaders in the Texas House and Senate reached an agreement on House Bill 2 to expand funding for Texas public schools on Thursday. Among many advances, this legislation increases public education funding by $8.5 billion, provides $4.2 billion for teacher and staff pay increases, and allocates nearly $2 billion towards early childhood education.

Economic Development | May 1, 2025

Report: Houston’s Global Strengths Position Region to Navigate Trade Uncertainty

HOUSTON (May 1, 2025)—As evolving trade policies and geopolitical tensions create economic uncertainty in 2025, Houston enters the year with a strong foundation. According to the Greater Houston Partnership’s newly released 2025 Global Houston report, the region led the U.S. in exports last year – shipping $180.9 billion in goods, more than any other metro area.

Headquarters | March 5, 2025

Statement on the Passing of Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner

Statement Attributable to Steve Kean, President and CEO, Greater Houston Partnership The Greater Houston Partnership mourns the loss of Congressman Sylvester Turner. For many years, we knew him as Representative Turner and then, Mr. Mayor. Regardless of his title, everyone knew he represented Houston with unrivaled passion and energy. He tirelessly promoted Houston across the U.S. and around the world, and the Partnership was pleased to join him in trade missions across multiple continents to create opportunity for Houston. As this relentless advocate for Houston finally finds rest, we express our deepest condolences to his daughter, Ashley, and her family, along with those who knew and loved him.

Economy | March 4, 2025

Greater Houston Partnership Statement on Tariffs Against Mexico, Canada

Statement Attributable to Steve Kean, President and CEO, Greater Houston Partnership "Mexico and Canada are among Houston’s top trading partners, and our region’s economy is inextricably tied to the global economy. The Greater Houston Partnership has long supported free trade as a driver of economic growth and opportunity. While the full impact of these tariffs remains uncertain, we remain hopeful for a swift, favorable resolution that supports Houston businesses and strengthens our region’s economic future."

Economic Development | January 31, 2025

Greater Houston Partnership Unveils New Five-Year Strategic Framework

HOUSTON (January 31, 2025) – The Greater Houston Partnership announced the launch of its new five-year strategic framework, Houston Next: Advancing Opportunity, during its Annual Meeting. This comprehensive plan builds upon the organization’s work to position Houston as a world-class hub for economic growth, innovation, and quality of life.

Talent/Workforce | December 16, 2024

Greater Houston Partnership Names Rafael Alvarez as New Leader of UpSkill Houston

HOUSTON (Dec. 16, 2024) — The Greater Houston Partnership has announced Rafael “Rafa” Alvarez as the organization’s new Senior Vice President of Regional Workforce Development, leading the nationally acclaimed UpSkill Houston initiative. Alvarez, a Forbes-recognized social entrepreneur and founder of Genesys Works, brings a proven track record in workforce development and a deep commitment to creating opportunities that bridge skills training and industry.

Education | August 28, 2024

Greater Houston Partnership Announces Support for Houston ISD’s Proposed Bond

HOUSTON (Aug. 28, 2024) – The Greater Houston Partnership is announcing its support for the proposed $4.4 billion bond as approved by the Houston Independent School District (HISD) Board of Managers. With nearly 200,000 students and families served each year, HISD is the largest school district in Texas and the eighth largest in the nation. The Partnership recognizes the importance of a strong public education system in creating economic opportunities for all Houstonians.

Economy | May 2, 2024

Report: Houston’s Global Economy Thrives, Setting New Records

HOUSTON (May 2, 2024)— All metrics indicate Houston’s global economy is positioned for continued success, according to the Greater Houston Partnership’s 2024 Global Houston report. The report, which provides an analysis of the global economy and its tie to the Houston region, illustrates how Houston’s international activity in 2023 continued to set records:

Economic Development | May 1, 2024

Greater Houston Partnership Announces Craig Rhodes to Lead Economic Development Efforts

HOUSTON (May 1, 2024) – The Greater Houston Partnership has promoted Craig Rhodes, an 18-year economic development veteran, as its new Senior Vice President, Economic Development. Rhodes has been with the Partnership for 12 years, most recently as Vice President, Regional Economic Development.

Energy | March 19, 2024

Greater Houston Partnership Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Argonne National Laboratory

(HOUSTON) – The Greater Houston Partnership, through its Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI), and Argonne National Laboratory have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to leverage Houston’s top research institutions, energy and industrial leadership, infrastructure, and technical expertise to catalyze the development of commercial-scale solutions for the energy transition.

Headquarters | December 5, 2023

Partnership Announces New Leadership Structure, Promotions

HOUSTON – The Greater Houston Partnership today announced several organizational changes in the first week of its new president and CEO, Steve Kean, who assumed the role on December 1. All current leaders in the organization will remain, with several elevations to a new executive leadership team, and some changes to reporting relationships.