Coalition Building Across Industries: Strategies and best practices for uniting business sectors to advance coastal infrastructure projects.

Effective coalition building is essential for advancing public infrastructure projects along the Texas Gulf Coast. Collaborative efforts among private sector companies, local governments, and community stakeholders create a unified voice advocating for transparent financing and efficient project delivery. Strengthening these partnerships increases influence at both state and federal levels, enabling smoother regulatory navigation and improved funding access.

Moderator: Chad Burke, President and CEO of the Economic Alliance

Panelist:

• Brian Freedman, President of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

• Jim Keith, Principal and Vice President, Freese and Nichols, Inc.

• Alex Papastrat, Dow

• Roger Rees, Galveston Port Director

Coastal Texas Project Update: In-depth insights into the latest developments, milestones, and future plans for this critical regional infrastructure initiative.

Texas Gulf Coast infrastructure projects present unique challenges and opportunities. Key initiatives include port expansions, hurricane protection systems, and transportation improvements that support economic growth.

Moderator: Nicole Sunstrum, Partner at Capitol Law & Consulting Group

Panelist:

• Toni Addison, USACE

• Coalter Baker, Executive Director, Gulf Coast Protection District

• Allen Sims, General Manager, Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7

• Tony Williams, Senior Director of Planning, Coastal Resources at Texas General Land Office

State and Federal Policy Briefing: Comprehensive overview of current legislative and regulatory landscapes impacting infrastructure financing and construction at both state and national levels.

Understanding and influencing state and federal policies is vital for infrastructure development. Discussing policies that promote streamlined regulatory processes, transparent cost assessments, and innovative public-private partnerships, ensuring that infrastructure investments are fiscally responsible and benefit the broader community. 

Moderator: Colin Parrish, Partner, Statehouse Consultants

Panelist:

• Robert Howden, Senior Advisor & the Director of Legislative Affairs for Texas Governor Greg Abbott

• Texas State Representative Dennis Paul, District 129

• The Honorable Larry Taylor, Vice President, MoakCasey

Navigating Regulatory and Environmental Processes: Discussions focused on navigating environmental regulations, ensuring compliance, and promoting sustainable infrastructure development. 

Navigating regulatory frameworks and addressing environmental concerns that remain complex aspects of Texas Gulf Coast infrastructure projects.

Moderator: Amy Skicki, President and CEO, Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership

Panelist:

• Ron Ellis, Chief of Staff to Director Brady Franks, Texas Water Development Board

• Savannah Horton, Coastal Ecologist, TPWD

• Kelly Keel, Executive Director, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

• Ryan Vise, Director External Relations, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

• Reem Zoun, Assistant Deputy Executive Administrator, Texas Water Development Board

Building for Tomorrow - Future Workforce Needs: Leaders from higher education and the private sector discuss career path opportunities and future workforce needs.

Building for tomorrow in Coastal Texas means investing in infrastructure projects that support economic growth while developing a skilled future workforce equipped to sustain and innovate in a changing environment.

Moderator: Michel Bechtel, Board President, Gulf Coast Protection District

Panelist:

• Steve Kean, President and CEO, Greater Houston Partnership

• Jessie Pegueros, Recruiting Manager, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

• Skylar Smith, Senior Talen Acquisition Advisor, Kiewit