Welcome Letters

GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT

s Governor of Texas, I am pleased to extend greetings to readers of Here is Houston. Whether you are relocating your business, planning a corporate gathering, or simply rediscovering the Bayou City, I invite you to explore all the possibilities this great Texas city has to offer.

With our business-friendly climate and spirit of innovation, Texas boasts the strongest economy in the United States and the 12th largest economy in the world. We are a state with low taxes and reasonable regulations, and a nationwide leader in economic growth and job creation.

Houston is an essential component of our thriving economy. Home to a world-class workforce, cutting-edge medical research, premier art museums, thrilling professional sports, outstanding universities, and friendly and diverse neighbors, this dynamic city is one of the Lone Star State’s finest. The Port of Houston and accessibility of the area’s airport and highway systems also make the Houston area an undeniable leader in international trade opportunities.

As you may know, the road I traveled to become Texas’ governor took me through Houston — my very first election was as a judge in the 129th District Court.

Whether you are moving here to grow your business, pursue career opportunities, attend school, or enjoy your retirement, I know Houston’s legendary charm will provide a wonderful experience.

First Lady Cecilia Abbott joins me in sending best wishes and welcoming you to explore the great City of Houston.

HARRIS COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO

You have joined more than four million others who make Harris County their home, making it the third most populous county in the nation, with more residents than 24 states. As Harris County Judge, it is my pleasure to welcome you.

I invite you to enjoy our museums, libraries, theater district, shopping malls, sports teams and amazing restaurants that are the result of the cultural diversity of our residents. You will find your new neighbors to be friendly, genuine and quick to lend a hand. Our can-do attitude is contagious.

Harris County is a special place. All of us in county government are glad you are here.

Sincerely,

MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER

Greetings. You are going to love living in Houston. We are the most diverse city in the nation — a city with an entrepreneurial spirit and a city where you can achieve your dreams.

Houston is still the Energy Capital of the World, but our economy has diversified over the years to include technology, medicine, and manufacturing and shipping.

Whether it’s our world-class restaurants, theaters, museums, shopping, thrilling sports teams, or the new Independence Plaza at the Johnson Space Center which houses the world’s first and only replica of the space shuttle/carrier, Houston has it all. Together, these qualities create the ideal city in which to live, work and play.

Here is Houston can be an invaluable source of information as you prepare for your relocation. It showcases every aspect of living and working in the city of Houston.

We look forward to having you as a Houstonian!

Sincerely,

BOB HARVEY, PRESIDENT & CEO, GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP

From its founding in 1836 by two brothers at the confluence of Buffalo and White Oak Bayous, Houston has valued and cultivated risk takers and big dreamers. Just think about some of our extraordinary achievements: the Port of Houston, a deepwater port built 50 miles from the Gulf — now the nation’s largest foreign tonnage port; the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world and the birthplace of such innovations as the artificial heart — now a leader in cancer research and treatment, genetics and children’s health; and, of course, Johnson Space Center, home to NASA’s manned spacecraft efforts, now working to put humans back on the moon.

All of this speaks to a basic truth: Houston is a city of opportunity for both businesses and hard-working individuals with a “can-do” attitude. Nearly one-in-four of the region’s 7 million residents is foreign-born, and more than 145 languages are spoken here, making this the most diverse city in the nation. That extraordinary diversity feeds into our culture, our food, our celebrations and our way of life. Our low cost of living has also helped us attract one of the youngest and most educated workforces in the nation.

When you combine that population with our strong international, cultural and trade ties, plus a significant number of multinational Fortune 500 companies, you understand why Houston is a great global city. For many years, we were competing with Denver, Atlanta or Dallas. But today Houston is competing and connecting with Shanghai, London, New York, Dubai and Beijing, all great global cities.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking urban charm or an engineer looking for a family-friendly community, you’ll no doubt find it here, along with world-class arts, culture, dining and amenities.

Welcome to Houston!