Research underway for the latest edition of Invest: Houston

Writer: Andrea Teran

Key points:

• Houston’s economy remains resilient, with strong industrial leasing, port activity, and steady population growth despite macro headwinds.

• Job growth is moderating in 2026, with gains led by healthcare, construction, and public services as energy and manufacturing recalibrate.

• Invest: Houston 3rd Edition will examine how diversification, infrastructure investment, and collaboration are shaping the region’s next phase.

February 2026 — The Greater Houston region, recognized for its global energy leadership, diversified industrial base, expanding tech presence, and major research universities, continues to evolve as national and global trends reshape economic landscapes. Local policymakers, investors, and business leaders are recalibrating strategies to strengthen resilience, promote equity, and enhance long‑term competitiveness.

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Now in development, the third edition of Invest: Houston will feature exclusive interviews with more than 200 influential voices across business, government, and education, along with caa’s signature sector-by-sector economic analysis tailored to the Houston region.

“Houston’s strength is rooted in its diversity — of people, industries, and ideas,” said Abby Lindenberg, founder and CEO of caa. “This edition will capture how the region is navigating demographic change, energy transitions, and infrastructure investment with clear-eyed optimism and collaboration.”

Momentum holds across key sectors

Despite macroeconomic headwinds, Houston’s industrial market remains strong. According to Colliers, 7.7 million square feet of new leases were signed in mid-2025, with net absorption hitting 2.1 million square feet. Construction volume jumped 84% year over year — a sign of continued demand for logistics and manufacturing space.

Port Houston also saw growth. Total public terminal tonnage reached 53.07 million short tons in 2024, up from 50.3 million in 2023. Containerized cargo rose 7.5% year over year, with gains in steel and other general cargo categories tied to construction activity.

The labor market showed mixed trends. The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas reported a 1.0% annualized job growth for the quarter ending September 2025. Unemployment held at 4.6%, with average hourly earnings rising to $36.44 — a 5.9% increase year over year.

Explore more from our Houston coverage:

Houston remains among top US construction markets

Houston leaders push tech-driven sustainable growth

How Houston schools are building future-ready talent

Population growth reinforces regional appeal

Houston continues to attract new residents. Between July 2023 and July 2024, the city added more than 43,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau — one of the largest numeric increases among major U.S. cities. The broader metro area now totals nearly 6.9 million residents, a 1.3% increase year over year, as reported by marcrotrends.

Outlook: Slower, targeted growth ahead

The Greater Houston Partnership projects the metro will add roughly 30,900 net new jobs in 2026, led by healthcare, construction, and public services. Job losses are expected in oil and gas, manufacturing, and administrative support as sectors adapt to changing market dynamics.

Invest: Houston 3rd Edition will explore these and other themes through in‑depth analysis and exclusive stakeholder insights, examining what’s next for the region’s economy and how investors, innovators, and policymakers are shaping Houston’s trajectory.

About caa & Invest: Houston

caa is an integrated media platform that produces in-depth business intelligence through its annual print and digital economic reviews, high-impact conferences and events, and top-level interviews via its video platform, Invest:Insights.

Invest: Houston 3rd Edition is an in-depth economic review of the key issues facing the greater region, featuring exclusive insights from more than 200 economic leaders, sector insiders, elected officials, and institutional heads. The publication aims to 1) equip local, national, and international investors with comprehensive insights on the region and 2) promote Houston as a competitive, innovative, and collaborative place to do business.

The report conducts a deep dive into the top economic sectors in the region, including real estate, construction, infrastructure, banking and finance, legal, healthcare, education, and tourism. The publication analyzes the leading challenges facing the market and uncovers emerging opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

The caa team is currently connecting with stakeholders across the region to gather perspectives and analysis that will define this year’s edition. Invest: Houston is a unique opportunity for the business community to share its story with a national and global audience.

For more information, contact:

Jerrica DuBois

Senior Editor

[email protected]

Want more? Read the Invest: Houston report.