Texas Jobs Council Inaugural Meeting

TX TWC News

Published March 16th, 2026

Detected March 16th, 2026

Summary

Governor Greg Abbott hosted the inaugural meeting of the Texas Jobs Council, a new initiative to bolster the state's workforce and align development efforts with industry needs. The Texas Workforce Commission will provide administrative support and research for the Council.

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What changed

Governor Greg Abbott has launched the Texas Jobs Council and hosted its inaugural meeting on March 16, 2026. The Council aims to support the state's workforce by identifying executive actions to reduce regulatory burdens and developing policy recommendations for the Governor and Legislature. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will provide administrative assistance, research, and expert connections to the Council.

This initiative signals a focus on aligning workforce development with industry demands and economic growth in Texas. While no immediate compliance actions are mandated for regulated entities, the Council's work may lead to future policy or legislative changes affecting regulatory burdens. Businesses and labor leaders are involved in shaping these recommendations, indicating a collaborative approach to workforce strategy.

Source document (simplified)

Governor Abbott Holds Inaugural Texas Jobs Council Meeting

Press Releases March 16, 2026 AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today hosted the inaugural Texas Jobs Council meeting at the Governor’s Mansion, marking a significant step in bolstering the state’s workforce and ensuring Texans are equipped for high-demand careers. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will play a crucial role in supporting the Council by providing administrative assistance, conducting relevant research, and facilitating connections with subject matter experts.

"Texas right now is the hottest state in America for business and labor opportunities," said Governor Abbott. "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."

“The Texas Jobs Council meeting marks a significant step in aligning Texas' workforce development efforts with our expanding industries and thriving economy,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “These strategic partnerships will strengthen our collective efforts to move at the speed of business and craft actionable recommendations that build pathways to prosperity for Texans.”

For the Council’s inaugural meeting, Governor Abbott was joined by TWC Chairman Joe Esparza, TWC Executive Director Steve Pier, and other business and labor leaders.

The Council will focus on:

Executive actions that can be implemented immediately by state agencies to reduce regulatory burdens and red tape surrounding workforce development
Policy and legislative recommendations to be presented to the Governor and Legislature ahead of the 90th Legislative Session Learn more about the Texas Jobs Council here.

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Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers, families, and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and its services in coordination with its network of local workforce development boards, call 800-628-5115 or visit https://twc.texas.gov/. Subscribe to email updates to receive notifications about TWC programs and services.