Greater Houston Partnership

METRO, the City of Houston and Evolve Houston are expanding their microtransit partnership to bring on-demand, electric vehicle service to Second Ward, Third Ward and downtown Houston. This initiative connects riders to transit centers, rail stations and key destinations, providing sustainable and efficient transportation options across Houston. ⭐Learn more: https://ow.ly/OwiV50UsQ1N

Thanks to HETI members and partners we made incredible strides in 2024 but the work continues. Collaboration is key to solving the energy dual challenge: more energy with fewer emissions - and Houston continues to lead the way. Together, we’ll shape an energy-abundant, low-carbon future and solidify Houston as the global energy leader. Let’s keep the momentum going in 2025! ⚡ Read the full 2024 Year in Review: https://lnkd.in/g9dbj2P7

Greentown Labs appoints Bobby Tudor as board chair, supported by a $4M investment to strengthen its role in advancing the energy transition and climate tech innovation. ➡️Read more: https://ow.ly/C1ts50UtzGK

California-based startup incubator and accelerator Plug and Play Tech Center is set to open a new location in Sugar Land next year! Plug and Play aims to drive innovation in the region through its comprehensive approach combining startup accelerators, corporate innovation programs and venture capital to support entrepreneurs and established businesses. ➡️Read more: https://ow.ly/7Bhy50Up61A

Houston Methodist and Rice University are teaming up to revolutionize health care through the new Digital Health Institute. This initiative will focus on researching digital health technologies and training and educating health care leaders. ➡️Learn more: https://ow.ly/XiSV50Uuw6K

The Woodlands continues to set the bar for office leasing success, with Hughes Landing and surrounding developments attracting seven new tenants in Q4 2024. The area boasts a 90% leased rate, outpacing Houston’s 75%, as companies prioritize top-tier workspaces with integrated lifestyle amenities. ➡️Read more: https://ow.ly/CbAL50Utrrt

"UpSkill Houston’s commitment to data-driven action and continuous improvement will certainly serve as an inspiration for other communities." – Matt Sigelman, President of The Burning Glass Institute. By aligning skills-first training with regional priorities, this partnership is unlocking opportunities for workers and addressing employers' most critical needs. ➡️Learn more: https://ow.ly/FlTi50Utyxy

Greater Houston Partnership Board Member Alex Lopez Negrete has been inducted into the American Advertising Federation Advertising Hall of Fame, the industry's highest honor for innovation and community impact. ➡️Learn more: https://ow.ly/R3s350Utz7j

Sales and use taxes in the 122 Houston-area cities totaled $1.68 billion during the first ten months of ’24, up 1.8% from ’23. Adjusted for inflation, however, collections are down 0.8%. ➡️View sales tax report: https://ow.ly/Ne6O50UsC2T

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Greater Houston Partnership’s Houston Region Economic Outlook! Partnership Chief Economist Patrick Jankowski shared his final forecast ahead of his well-deserved retirement, projecting major job growth for Houston in 2025. Special thanks to our panelists: →Stan Chapman, EVP & COO, Natural Gas Pipelines, TC Energy →Mary Beth Gracy, Houston Office Managing Director, Accenture →Dan Bellow, President, JLL 📸View all photos: https://ow.ly/C59B50Us9b0 🌟View report: https://ow.ly/Bq0G50Us9b1