From the Chroncile: Partnership is taking a longer-term view

Next week in 2306 we'll start discussing the Jesse Jones book and use it - in part - to look at how elites in cities try to enhance their economic development. Part of the point is that some cities do this better than others, and Houston with Jones guidance in the early 20th Century, did it unusually well.

Current economic elites - those who control the Greater Houston Partnership - in Houston attempt to do the same, and here's an item from the Houston Chronicle describing their most recent concerns.

They argue that past accomplishments include developing the Port of Houston, building the first domed stadium, establishing the Texas Medical Center, and luring NASA.

Now:

The Greater Houston Partnership plans to take a longer-term and more visionary approach to the issues facing Houston, leaders of the business group said Thursday.

Outgoing chairman Tony Chase told 1,000 members during the partnership's annual luncheon that as he and others reviewed last year's accomplishments - including its support for bond referendums for Houston's public schools and community college system and for international travel from Hobby Airport - they pondered whether the group was having an appropriate effect on the biggest civic issues.

"It took some soul-searching, but, ultimately, we concluded that we were not," Chase said.

No real specifics, but plenty of reports can be found on their website - it might be worth looking through later this semester.