Texas is celebrating its 190th anniversary this year, marking a significant milestone in its history. As the state embarks on the final decade before its bicentennial, it also reflects on the inception of Texas 2036, a nonprofit organization founded a decade ago to enhance the lives and opportunities of all Texans. The convergence of these two events serves as a moment for both urgency and contemplation, prompting a need to think beyond immediate political cycles.
The data indicates that Texas will continue to experience substantial growth, with its population surpassing 31 million and its economy exceeding $2.7 trillion. Nearly one in ten Americans now resides in Texas, highlighting the state’s rising prominence on the national stage. Particularly in North Texas, corporate relocations and infrastructure investments underscore both the potential and challenges associated with this rapid expansion.
Reflecting on the past decade, Texas has seen an influx of families, a surge in job opportunities, and a notable increase in investments. Yet, this growth has not come without challenges. Water resources are becoming increasingly scarce, infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with demand, and many students are graduating without clear career pathways in high-demand fields. Additionally, healthcare costs continue to rise for working families, raising concerns about the sustainability of this growth.
The primary challenge is not simply the growth itself, but whether the state is adequately prepared to ensure that all Texans can benefit from the opportunities it presents. There are concerns that shortcomings in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and housing could hinder the ambitions of many residents. In response, Texas 2036 has emerged as a nonpartisan, data-driven organization focused on addressing these critical issues early on. Its mission is to ask essential questions, ground decisions in reliable evidence, and collaborate with leaders across various sectors to find practical solutions.
Looking ahead, projections suggest that Texas could exceed 35 million residents by 2036. Consequently, the demand for essential services is expected to rise significantly. Factors such as advancements in artificial intelligence, housing affordability, and access to childcare will influence economic competitiveness and individual opportunities. Attracting people and businesses is just the beginning; sustaining prosperity requires preparing Texans for success in an increasingly complex economy.
Future success will be measured in tangible ways, including children achieving literacy and numeracy at grade level, graduates earning postsecondary credentials that lead to strong wages, families securing stable health coverage, and communities supported by reliable infrastructure. Over the past decade, Texans have made strides in these areas. Voters have approved up to $20 billion in water infrastructure investments, and state lawmakers have restructured community college funding to align with workforce demands.
Moreover, policy leaders have expanded access to healthcare coverage, resulting in over 4 million Texans now enrolled in Affordable Care Act marketplace plans. These advancements illustrate that progress occurs when voters engage and elected officials prioritize effective governance over political considerations.
The credit for these achievements goes to individuals across different sectors and political affiliations who have chosen to act early rather than react late to challenges. Planning ahead ultimately proves less costly than addressing issues after they arise.
The next decade will be pivotal for Texas, determining whether the state merely expands in size or enhances its strength, competitiveness, and overall prosperity. Texas 2036 extends an invitation to leaders to engage in meaningful discussions and work collaboratively on solutions that will broaden opportunities for future generations.
With an abundance of talent and resources, Texas stands at a crucial juncture. This moment represents a significant opportunity for the state to shape its future. The actions taken today will leave a lasting impact, and history will judge how these opportunities are utilized.
