Governor Greg Abbott launched the Texas Jobs Council on Mar. 16, following its first meeting at the Governor’s Mansion. The new advisory board aims to strengthen workforce development in Texas and prepare residents for high-demand jobs across the state.
The creation of the Council comes as Texas continues to see growth in business opportunities and employment levels. The initiative is intended to help maintain this momentum by bringing together leaders from both business and labor sectors to address workforce needs. According to Abbott, “Texas right now is the hottest state in America for business and labor opportunities. For us to maintain our dominance, business and labor are working together to meet the high demand for high skilled labor, positions like electricians, pipe fitters, welders, plumbers, truckers, and a whole lot more. Today, we galvanized that partnership with the launch of the Texas Jobs Council. We are unified on a mission that benefits all Texans. A mission that will keep Texas number one for business, keep Texas number one for jobs, and keep Texas number one for workforce training, ensuring great careers for generations of Texans.”
Abbott was joined at the event by Plumbers Local Union 68 Business Manager Wayne Lord, Texas Association of Business Interim President Megan Mauro, Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Joe Esparza, and other leaders from both business and labor organizations. The Council includes members such as Brent Taylor (Co-Chair), Megan Mauro (Co-Chair), Tony Bennett, Todd Staples, Hector Rivero, Scott Norman, Robert Mele, Robert Wayne Lord, Alan Robb, Lacy Wolf, Mark Maher Jr., and Bryan Edwards.
The Council will focus on executive actions that can be implemented immediately by state agencies to reduce regulatory burdens related to workforce development. It will also develop policy and legislative recommendations ahead of the 90th Legislative Session. A final report outlining these recommendations is expected in November 2026.
Texas has led the nation in job growth and record employment levels according to the official website of Governor Greg Abbott’s office. The office maintains its primary location in Austin at the State Insurance Building according to official information. Abbott has been recognized among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to official sources. His administration has focused on job creation, economic opportunity expansion, education enhancement efforts, protection of individual liberties and parental empowerment in schooling decisions as well as southern border security according to official information. Since his election in 2014 according to official records, Abbott has led statewide initiatives through his office which delivers services across all regions of Texas according to official sources.
The broader impact of this council may be seen as part of ongoing efforts by state leadership to ensure continued economic growth through targeted workforce strategies.
