The leading expert on the regional economics of the Houston metropolitan area is Dr. Barton Smith, University of Houston professor of economics and director of the UH Institute for Regional Forecasting. This Chronicle article reports on Dr. Smith’s latest report, whose seasonal adjustment model of the Houston economy which predicts an annualized rate of job growth of 2.6 % that, if sustained for the next six months, would translate into about 50,000 jobs. That is the best job growth rate in Houston since 2000.
Twice a year, Dr. Smith gives an oral presentation over lunch regarding the state of the Houston economy at one of the Reliant Park hotel ballrooms. If you are interested in Houston economics or business, and you have not attended one of Dr. Smith’s talks, you should make a point to attend one soon. Dr. Smith is a special talent, one of the many professionals who make Houston an enjoyable place to live.