Texas celebrated its 190th anniversary on December 29, 2023, marking a pivotal moment as the state enters the final decade before its bicentennial. This year also represents a decade since the establishment of Texas 2036, a nonprofit organization focused on enhancing the lives and opportunities of all Texans. This confluence of anniversaries urges a reflection on the future while emphasizing the urgency of addressing the state’s evolving challenges.
As Texas continues to grow, the question remains: will opportunity expand alongside it? With a population exceeding 31 million and an economy surpassing $2.7 trillion, Texas is experiencing rapid growth, outpacing most large states in the nation. The North Texas region, in particular, is witnessing a surge in corporate relocations, workforce expansions, and infrastructure investments. This growth comes with both promise and pressure, indicating a need for careful planning and strategic solutions.
Over the past decade, the state has faced significant challenges alongside its growth. Water supplies have become strained, infrastructure has struggled to keep pace, and many students have graduated without clear pathways to high-demand careers. Rising healthcare costs have added to the burden on working families. The central challenge is not merely managing growth but ensuring that all Texans can confidently pursue their ambitions and dreams.
Texas 2036 was created to address these challenges through a data-driven and nonpartisan approach. The organization aims to ask difficult questions and ground decisions in reliable evidence while collaborating with leaders across various sectors, including business, education, and public service. With projections indicating that Texas’s population could exceed 35 million by 2036, the demand for services will continue to rise.
Several factors, including advancements in artificial intelligence, housing affordability, and access to affordable childcare, will shape the state’s economic competitiveness and individual opportunities. Attracting new residents and businesses is just the beginning; sustaining prosperity requires a commitment to equipping Texans for success in an increasingly complex economy.
Success will be measured through tangible outcomes: children achieving literacy and numeracy at grade level, graduates earning postsecondary credentials leading to sustainable wages, families securing stable health coverage, and communities benefiting from reliable water, energy, and transportation systems.
In recent years, Texans have made notable strides. Voters approved up to $20 billion in water infrastructure investments, and state lawmakers have restructured community college funding to align with workforce demands. Additionally, policy leaders have expanded health coverage access, resulting in over 4 million Texans now enrolled in Affordable Care Act marketplace plans. These achievements highlight the importance of civic engagement and responsible governance, demonstrating that progress occurs when voters are actively involved and elected officials prioritize impactful policies over political motives.
The next ten years will be crucial in determining whether Texas simply becomes larger or truly grows stronger and more equitable. Leaders are encouraged to engage in meaningful discussions about the future and collaborate on practical solutions that expand opportunities for the next generation.
With the right talent, resources, and experience, Texas stands at a critical juncture. As the state reflects on its past and anticipates its future, the choices made in this decade will be pivotal. History will ultimately judge how Texas responds to this unique moment of opportunity.
Tom Luce serves as the founder and chairman emeritus of Texas 2036, while David Leebron is the president and CEO of the organization. Their leadership underscores the collaborative effort needed to navigate the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead for Texas.
