Deep in the Hearts of Texans

The "Texas Miracle" refers to the period of strong economic growth and job creation in Texas, particularly during the early 2000s and extending into the 2010s. This term is often used to describe the state's robust economic performance, which outpaced much of the rest of the United States. Key features of the Texas Miracle include:

1. Job Creation: Texas saw substantial job growth, with the state adding more jobs than any other state during certain periods.

2. Population Growth: There was a significant increase in population, both from natural growth and from migration, as people moved to Texas for job opportunities.

3. Business-Friendly Environment: Policies such as low taxes, minimal regulation, and incentives for businesses were cited as factors contributing to the economic boom.

4. Diverse Economy:  While historically reliant on oil and gas, the Texas economy diversified into technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and other sectors.

5. Real Estate Development: The housing market in Texas remained relatively affordable compared to other states, facilitating both residential and commercial development.

Critics of the Texas Miracle point out issues such as income inequality, underinvestment in public services, and environmental concerns. Nonetheless, the term is used to highlight the economic successes and the policies that some believe contributed to Texas's prosperity during this period.

Several challenges and threats could potentially cause the Texas Miracle to stall, impacting the state's economic growth and job creation. Key challenges include:

Housing Affordability and Availability

1. Housing Shortage: A significant shortage of affordable housing can drive up costs, making it difficult for workers to live near their jobs. This can lead to longer commutes and reduced quality of life, ultimately impacting workforce availability and productivity.

2. Gentrification: Rapid development can lead to the displacement of long-time residents and communities, creating socio-economic divides and potential social unrest.

Infrastructure and Transportation

3. Infrastructure Strain: Rapid population growth can put immense pressure on existing infrastructure, including roads, public transportation, and utilities. Inadequate infrastructure can lead to congestion, increased commute times, and reduced economic efficiency.

4. Energy Grid Reliability: Texas has faced issues with the reliability of its power grid, as seen during the 2021 winter storm. Continued problems with energy supply and reliability can deter businesses and residents.

Economic Diversification and Dependency

5. Economic Dependence on Specific Sectors: While Texas has diversified its economy, it still relies heavily on the oil and gas sector. Fluctuations in oil prices or shifts towards renewable energy can impact the state's economic stability.

6. Technological Disruption: Rapid technological advancements can disrupt existing industries and labor markets, requiring significant retraining and adaptation.

Labor Market and Education

7. Skill Gaps: The fast-evolving job market requires a highly skilled workforce. Shortages in key skills can hinder economic growth, making it essential to invest in education and training.

8. Income Inequality: Growing income inequality can lead to social and economic tensions, reducing overall economic stability and growth.

Environmental and Regulatory Challenges

9. Environmental Concerns:  Issues such as water scarcity, pollution, and climate change impacts can affect living conditions and economic activities, particularly in industries reliant on natural resources.

10. Regulatory Changes: Shifts in state or federal regulations, including changes in tax policies, business regulations, or trade policies, can impact business operations and economic growth.

Healthcare and Social Services

11. Healthcare Access:: Inadequate healthcare infrastructure and access can affect workforce health and productivity, increasing absenteeism and reducing economic output.

12. Social Services: Insufficient social services, including education, childcare, and public safety, can reduce quality of life and make the state less attractive to businesses and workers.

Political and Social Stability

13. Political Uncertainty: Political instability or significant policy changes can create an uncertain business environment, discouraging investment.

14. Social Unrest: Rising social tensions or civil unrest can disrupt economic activities and deter businesses and residents.

Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts from state and local governments, the private sector, and community organizations. Investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and housing, coupled with policies that promote economic diversification and environmental sustainability, will be crucial to sustaining the Texas Miracle.

Creating a comprehensive housing plan to support the Texas Miracle and accommodate the state’s tremendous growth requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are key strategies Texas could implement:

1. Increase Housing Supply

- Zoning Reforms: Implement zoning reforms to allow for higher density housing, mixed-use developments, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to increase the supply of housing.

- Streamline Permitting: Simplify and expedite the permitting process to reduce construction delays and costs, encouraging more housing development.

2. Promote Affordable Housing

- Incentives for Developers:  Offer tax incentives, grants, or low-interest loans to developers who build affordable and workforce housing.

- Inclusionary Zoning: Require a percentage of new developments to be designated as affordable housing, ensuring that growth includes homes for various income levels.

- Public-Private Partnerships: Foster partnerships between the government and private sector to develop affordable housing projects.

3. Utilize State Land

- Develop on State-Owned Land: Identify and utilize underused state-owned land for affordable housing projects, reducing land acquisition costs.

- Land Banking: Create a state land bank to acquire and hold land for future affordable housing developments.

4. Support Housing for Essential Workers

- Workforce Housing Programs: Establish programs specifically aimed at providing affordable housing for essential workers such as teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders.

- Employer-Assisted Housing:  Encourage large employers to participate in housing assistance programs, offering down payment assistance or rental subsidies for their employees.

5. Address Homelessness

- Comprehensive Homeless Services: Expand services and support for the homeless population, including transitional housing, mental health services, and job training programs.

- Permanent Supportive Housing:  Invest in permanent supportive housing solutions that provide long-term housing stability and support services.

6. Enhance Housing Finance Options

- Expand State Housing Programs: Increase funding and support for state housing programs like the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) to provide more resources for low-income and first-time homebuyers.

- Tax Credit Programs: Utilize and expand Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to incentivize the development of affordable rental housing.

7. Invest in Infrastructure

- Transportation and Infrastructure Development: Invest in public transportation and infrastructure improvements to connect affordable housing with employment centers, reducing commute times and improving quality of life.

- Utility Upgrades: Ensure that new housing developments have access to modern utilities and services, including water, electricity, and internet.

8. Encourage Sustainable Development

- Green Building Practices:  Promote sustainable building practices and energy-efficient homes to reduce long-term costs for residents and environmental impact.

- Resilient Housing:  Develop housing that is resilient to natural disasters, particularly in areas prone to flooding, hurricanes, or extreme heat.

9. Community Engagement and Planning

- Local Collaboration: Work with local governments, community organizations, and residents to identify specific housing needs and tailor solutions accordingly.

- Comprehensive Planning:  Develop long-term regional and statewide housing plans that align with economic growth projections and demographic changes.

10. Monitor and Adjust Policies

- Data-Driven Decision Making: Use data and research to monitor housing trends, measure the effectiveness of policies, and make adjustments as needed.

- Policy Flexibility: Ensure that housing policies are flexible enough to adapt to changing economic conditions and housing market dynamics.

Implementation and Coordination

- State Housing Task Force: Establish a task force composed of government officials, industry experts, and community leaders to oversee and coordinate the implementation of the housing plan.

- Legislative Support: Work with state legislators to pass necessary laws and secure funding for housing initiatives.

By taking a holistic and proactive approach, Texas can create a housing plan that supports continued economic growth, addresses the needs of its diverse population, and ensures that the benefits of the Texas Miracle are widely shared.

The largest public and private employers in Texas are significant contributors to the economy, spanning various industries. Here are some of the notable employers in both categories:

Largest Public Employers:

Government Agencies

1. Federal Government:

  - Total federal employment in Texas is estimated to be around 200,000 employees, including those at military bases and various federal agencies.

2. State of Texas:

  - The state government employs approximately 350,000 people across various departments and agencies.

Educational Institutions

3. University of Texas System:

  - The UT System employs over 100,000 people across its multiple campuses and health institutions.

4. Texas A&M University System::

  - The Texas A&M System employs around 50,000 people, including faculty, staff, and researchers at its various campuses and facilities.

5. Texas Tech University System:

  - The Texas Tech University System employs roughly 20,000 people across its campuses and health science centers.

Local Government Entities

6. City of Houston:

  - The City of Houston employs approximately 22,000 people.

7. City of San Antonio::

  - The City of San Antonio employs about 13,000 people.

8. City of Dallas:

  - The City of Dallas employs roughly 13,000 people.

School Districts

9. Houston Independent School District (HISD:

  - HISD employs around 27,000 people, including teachers, administrators, and support staff.

10. Dallas Independent School District (DISD):

   - DISD employs approximately 22,000 people.

11. Austin Independent School District (AISD):

   - AISD employs about 12,000 people.

Health Systems

12. Harris Health System:

   - Harris Health System employs around 9,000 people.

13. Parkland Health & Hospital System:

   - Parkland Health & Hospital System employs about 12,000 people.

These numbers are estimates and can fluctuate based on budget changes, policy adjustments, and other factors.

Largest Private Employers:

The largest private employers in Texas span various industries, including retail, healthcare, technology, and energy. Here are some of the largest private employers in Texas and their estimated number of employees:

Retail

1. Walmart:

  - Walmart is the largest private employer in Texas, with approximately 170,000 employees across its stores, distribution centers, and offices.

2. H-E-B:

  - H-E-B, a major grocery retailer in Texas, employs around 137,000 people.

Healthcare

3. Texas Health Resources:

  - Texas Health Resources is one of the largest faith-based, nonprofit health systems in Texas, with around 24,000 employees.

4. Baylor Scott & White Health:

  - Baylor Scott & White Health employs approximately 49,000 people, making it one of the largest healthcare systems in the state.

Technology

5. Dell Technologies:

  - Dell Technologies, headquartered in Round Rock, Texas, employs about 13,000 people in Texas.

6. AT&T: 

  - AT&T, headquartered in Dallas, employs around 35,000 people in Texas.

Energy

7. ExxonMobil:

  - ExxonMobil, with its headquarters in Irving, Texas, employs around 12,000 people in Texas.

8. Shell Oil Company:

  - Shell, with significant operations in Houston, employs approximately 11,000 people in Texas.

Airlines

9. American Airlines Group::

  - American Airlines, headquartered in Fort Worth, employs around 31,000 people in Texas.

10. Southwest Airlines:

   - Southwest Airlines, headquartered in Dallas, employs about 20,000 people in Texas.

Food and Beverage

11. McDonald’s:

   - McDonald’s, with numerous locations across the state, employs approximately 30,000 people in Texas.

Technology and Services

12. Amazon:

   - Amazon has been rapidly expanding in Texas, employing around 30,000 people across its fulfillment centers, corporate offices, and other facilities.

13. Tesla:

   - Tesla, with its Gigafactory Texas near Austin, employs around 10,000 people and continues to grow.

These estimates provide a snapshot of employment numbers, which can vary due to factors such as company growth, restructuring, and changes in business operations.