President POV
Texas is the best state for business, a title it’s held for two decades. The state’s dynamic, innovative spirit has made it a hub for businesses and talent, earning it a reputation as the headquarters of headquarters and a model for economic growth. As the 89th Legislative Session unfolds in Austin, Texas has a pivotal opportunity to build on this momentum—advancing policies that not only attract investment and job creation but also sustain long-term economic leadership.
Greater San Antonio is a testament to how sound state-level policies fuel regional success. Last year was our strongest in recent years, continuing to build back stronger since the pandemic. Our team closed 2024 with over 5,000 new jobs and $1.7 billion in capital investment. In fact, San Antonio secured one of the State’s largest office projects for the year with Guidehouse’s expansion. We also saw significant investment in advanced manufacturing and welcomed new businesses in target industries including cybersecurity and life sciences. Additionally, San Antonio is leading in both job growth and weekly earnings, proving that our pro-business environment and strategic workforce investments create real, measurable impact. By maintaining this forward-thinking approach, Texas can continue fostering prosperity across its regions.
That is why we are partnering with our colleagues in the San Antonio-Austin megaregion to sustain this trajectory. Together with Opportunity Austin, the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, and the Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership, we have outlined key legislative priorities that will keep our region globally competitive for continued job-producing investments. By aligning on these pillars, we are speaking in a unified voice on what will strengthen our communities and support continued economic success.
Economic Development Programs
Texas has long been favored by businesses due to its tax structure and strong state support for business expansion. To maintain this advantage, key funding sources should be replenished, including the JETI (Jobs, Energy, Technology & Innovation) Act, preserve Chapter 380/381, the Texas Enterprise Fund and the reauthorization of the Texas research and development tax credit. Continued support is also needed for Governor Abbott’s economic development strategy, which includes maintaining existing global trade offices and establishing new ones in emerging markets where activity is increasing.
Transportation & Digital Infrastructure
The San Antonio-Austin megaregion is the fastest-growing in the nation, with its communities consistently ranking among the top destinations for new residents. This rapid growth underscores the need for efficient transportation solutions to support the movement of people and goods. To address this, we advocate for policies and investments that alleviate congestion along Interstate 35 and State Highways 46 and 130.
Growth is also accelerating along the region’s southern edge, as more businesses and residents are drawn to San Antonio’s south side. To enhance connectivity, the proposed South Texas Parkway—an east-west state roadway—would link Interstates 35 and 37, improving mobility across the area. Spanning 15 miles, this thoroughfare would improve access to major job hubs such as Toyota and International, as well as key institutions like Texas A&M University-San Antonio and the forthcoming University Health Palo Alto Hospital and VIDA Clinic.
Across the megaregion, as new areas are developed, the demand for broadband connectivity continues to rise. State grants will be essential in accelerating broadband expansion to underserved communities, ensuring equitable access to digital infrastructure.
Workforce Readiness
As the premier destination for business, Texas must ensure it has a ready and skilled workforce. Workforce development is economic development—they are inseparable. Preparing the next generation of talent starts early. By investing in early childhood development, Career and Technical Education and programs such as the Skills Development Fund, we are preparing a future-ready workforce. We support continued outcomes-based funding for community colleges and programs such as the Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund. Locally, we will continue to facilitate industry-education alignment and expand access to work-based learning opportunities.
Power & Water
The need for increased power generation and reliable water sources is a nationwide issue, and it is especially urgent in Texas' fastest-growing region. As we attract companies with unique resource needs, we must ensure our power infrastructure supports their growth. We advocate for a commitment to increased investment in power generation and expedited buildout timelines.
Our region—and Texas as a whole—is experiencing tremendous momentum as businesses continue to choose the Lone Star State. We must preserve and expand the policies and programs that have made Texas the best state for business. By prioritizing strategic investments in workforce development, transportation and digital infrastructure, power generation, and economic development programs, we can ensure Texas and the megaregion remain globally competitive, securing job-producing investments that will create a stronger future for our people.
Greater Together,
Jenna Saucedo-Herrera
Regional Updates
Investor Spotlight: Tri-Starr Talent
Tri-Starr Talent is a workforce solutions firm that has been a key part of the San Antonio community for 40 years. Originally focused on the manufacturing sector, Tri-Starr has expanded its expertise to serve a variety of industries, including Technology, Engineering, Clerical, and Administrative.
Over the years, the firm has successfully connected companies with top talent, helping them navigate workforce challenges and fueling the region's growth. Discover how Tri-Starr continues to shape the future of talent acquisition in San Antonio in this month’s Investor Spotlight.
Regional Highlight: Atascosa
Tri-Starr Talent is a workforce solutions firm that has been a key part of the San Antonio community for 40 years. Originally focused on the manufacturing sector, Tri-Starr has expanded its expertise to serve a variety of industries, including Technology, Engineering, Clerical, and Administrative.
Over the years, the firm has successfully connected companies with top talent, helping them navigate workforce challenges and fueling the region's growth. Discover how Tri-Starr continues to shape the future of talent acquisition in San Antonio in this month’s Investor Spotlight.
In the News
CPS spending nears $2.5 billion as utility plans whopping 60% increase for generation, transmission: CPS Energy is planning to increase spending on power transmission and generation projects by a whopping 60% this year, pushing the city-owned utility’s capital budget to $1.5 billion as it works to keep up with growing demand in San Antonio and across Texas.
What would it take to “unscramble” the North American auto manufacturing supply chain?: San Antonio is where North American free trade was established and what opened the door to the region’s manufacturing success. Unscrambling 30-plus years of cross-border supply chains would be more complicated than we think.
Planned UTSA merger gets major national boost: The American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching have designated UT Health San Antonio as a Research 1 (R1) institution, a distinction earned by fewer than 5% of U.S. colleges.
SA airport preps for new flights amid historic demand: San Antonio International Airport (SAT) set a record-breaking milestone in 2024, handling nearly 11.1 million passengers—the first time it has surpassed 11 million.
Why Greg Abbott is eyeing San Antonio as the site of Texas’ Cyber Command: San Antonio’s cybersecurity industry received a significant boost as Gov. Greg Abbott prioritized the creation of a Texas Cyber Command this legislative session. He selected San Antonio for its dense concentration of cybersecurity experts.
First-of-its-kind manufacturing facility could be coming to San Antonio area: ECOR Global Inc. plans to build the first U.S. facility for converting agricultural and urban waste into commercial panels near San Antonio. The $200 million, 360,000-square-foot plant at Mission Rail Park in Elmendorf will employ about 150 people.
Texas Biomed embarks on $210M expansion: Texas Biomedical Research Institute is launching a $210 million expansion of its West San Antonio campus to build on its role in combating Covid-19 and other infectious diseases.
First Look: Toyota’s $531M SA expansion raises stakes: The construction comes amid a rebrand for what the company is now calling its Toyota Texas campus. The $531 million manufacturing facility, a stand-alone structure on the South San Antonio campus, will span 500,000 square feet and extend the company’s Alamo City operations.
Port San Antonio reveals plans for area’s first ‘air taxi’ routes: Flying cars could be crisscrossing San Antonio’s skies within the next decade as Port San Antonio advances its vision of becoming a hub for next-generation air transport.
Spurs forward gives $250K to Alamo Promise, a scholarship used mostly by Black and Hispanic students: San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes donated $250,000 to the Alamo Promise program, a “last-dollar” scholarship supporting graduating seniors in Bexar County.