Greg Abbott on Monday launched the Texas Jobs Council, a new advisory board aimed at strengthening workforce development and preparing Texans for high-demand jobs, during its inaugural meeting at the Governor’s Mansion.
“Texas right now is the hottest state in America for business and labor opportunities,” Abbott said. “For us to maintain our dominance, business and labor are working together to meet the high demand for high-skilled labor … Today, we galvanized that partnership with the launch of the Texas Jobs Council.”
The council will advise state leaders on ways to expand workforce training and reduce regulatory barriers tied to employment and job development.
It is expected to deliver a final report in November 2026 with recommendations for executive action and proposed legislation ahead of the 90th Texas Legislature.
Abbott was joined at the meeting by business and labor leaders, including Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Joe Esparza and Texas Association of Business Interim President Megan Mauro.
“The Texas Jobs Council meeting marks a significant step in aligning Texas’ workforce development efforts with our expanding industries and thriving economy,” Esparza said. “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.”
The Texas Workforce Commission will support the council by providing administrative assistance, research and coordination with industry experts.
Council members include representatives from major trade organizations and labor unions across the state, such as the Texas Association of Manufacturers, Texas Oil and Gas Association, and multiple union groups representing construction, transportation and industrial workers.
The council will focus on identifying executive actions state agencies can implement immediately to reduce regulatory burdens, as well as developing broader policy and legislative recommendations to improve workforce training and meet employer demand.
Abbott said the initiative is intended to keep Texas competitive in business, job creation and workforce training while expanding career opportunities for future generations.
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