FAQs
What is Opportunity Houston℠?
Opportunity Houston℠ is an aggressive five-year marketing program that will generate leads for economic development organizations throughout the 10-county region. These leads will allow our region to compete globally in the clusters that have been identified as key sectors for growth in a report by economist Dr. Ray Perryman. Opportunity Houston℠ is a direct result of the Partnership's 10-year Strategic Plan, which aims to develop high-impact, high-yield prospects that will contribute to job growth and capital investment in the targeted clusters.
What industries are the Greater Houston Partnership targeting?
Using an econometrics study by The Perryman Group that identified the Houston region's key sectors for growth, the Partnership and its regional allies will immediately focus efforts on companies that fall within those sectors including:
Who will benefit from Opportunity Houston℠?
This program encompasses the 10-county Houston region, including Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto and Waller counties. While the Houston Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) already competes on a global basis, to continue to grow, we must work hand-in-hand as one united region.
How is Opportunity Houston℠ funded?
Opportunity Houston℠ is funded through public and private investments by businesses, organizations and individuals that share a common goal of promoting positive economic development and job creation in the 10-county region.
How will Opportunity Houston℠ money be used?
Opportunity Houston℠ will allow the Partnership to be proactive in generating qualified prospects to relocate, expand and/or retain. With these funds, for the first time, Partnership employees will be empowered with the necessary tools to vigorously pursue leads. Programs the Partnership could employ include:
Who will oversee Opportunity Houston℠?
The Partnership's Executive Board of Directors will oversee the program and ensure that its potential is effectively converted into reality. Over the course of the five-year program, the Partnership will provide quarterly reports to investors. Upon completion, the Partnership will institute an independent audit of the program to measure its effectiveness.
Why now?
Cities go to bed at night thinking of ways to take away assets from our world-class city. We need to vigorously pursue leads to grow jobs within the clusters that have been identified as our strengths. The Houston region is currently experiencing phenomenal growth. Continued prosperity, even in economic downturns, will be driven by net job creation and new capital generated. Opportunity Houston℠ is the Greater Houston Partnership's tool to help ensure and plan for the Houston region's continued economic growth. We must act now - during the good times - to secure further development for our region.
Is Opportunity Houston℠ just for "big business"?
No. History indicates that small- to medium-size businesses have the most significant growth potential. Similar economic development initiatives in other cities show that every dollar counts, and collectively, small- to medium-size businesses were the driving force towards success. The Partnership encourages small- to medium-size businesses and individuals to embrace the Opportunity Houston℠ initiative.
Will the money raised be used to fund current day-to-day operations at the Greater Houston Partnership?
No. Opportunity Houston℠ funds will not be used to support day-to-day operations, administrative planning, overhead costs, or hiring of additional staffing.
How long will Opportunity Houston℠ last?
Opportunity Houston℠ is an aggressive five-year marketing program. Research by The Perryman Group suggests that such a program is necessary to support the Partnership's 10-year Strategic Plan, in which time Opportunity Houston℠ will contribute to:
When will the campaign for Opportunity Houston℠ end?
The goal is to have all investments confirmed by April 1, 2007.
