Houston Area Future Event Includes Discussion on Brazoria County’s Growth

The Greater Houston Partnership hosted its annual Future of the Houston Region event, focusing on Brazoria County because of its “rapid expansion, vibrant communities and strategic economic benefits,” according to a GHP brochure.

The essential

The event was moderated by GHP President and CEO Steve Kean and featured four panelists, including Pearland Mayor Kevin Cole; Carol Nelson, Alvin ISD superintendent; Phyllis Saathoff, executive director and CEO of Port Freeport; and Patti Worfe Mills, president and CEO of the Brazoria County Economic Development Alliance.

Panelists discussed topics such as growing job sectors across the country, industrial growth and educational programs as well as the need to invest in infrastructure to acclimate to a growing state.

Cole, for example, recognized Texas’ upcoming growth and highlighted its impact on the Greater Houston area. He stressed the importance of investing in infrastructure, as millions more are expected to live in the region in the years to come.

“From local roads, Highway 288 further south, sewer plants, fire stations, more firefighters and police, police stations, sidewalks, trails, parks – it’s all part of our importance to our future,” Cole said.

Nelson said it’s important to invest in education because public school districts are the biggest contributors to growing the local workforce.

“Education is where it’s at, and if we don’t invest in this area, we’re all going to lose,” Nelson said. Children need to know how to solve problems and think critically, and if you teach them these skills, they will adapt to the jobs they face.

What they said

Mills said he has seen strong growth in the life sciences sector, with six life sciences companies in Pearland. She believes Pearland’s location makes life sciences employees want to reside there.

“Pearland has had incredible success in the life sciences group,” Mills said. “We all know that whether it’s advanced manufacturing or life sciences, they all want to be together, they want to be in the same region, and because of where Pearland is located, they absolutely have a real advantage being close to the ring road. . (and the) medical center.

Saathoff said that even if there is an overall change in the environment, the demand for carbon will continue to exist, meaning the region’s industries, such as resin production, should not be affected.

Also note

Brazoria County was also recognized for the fact that construction is the largest employment sector with more than 18,600 workers, according to the brochure.

Brazoria County is also expected to create more than 6,880 jobs over the next three years, according to the flyer.