The Greater San Antonio Chamber recently hosted a private meeting between Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and local business leaders to discuss the state’s economic outlook and major policy issues.
The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including the state of Texas’ economy, the influx of capital into the state, decreasing insurance costs, the rising cost of college tuition, the state’s significant investment in The Alamo, and more.
In talking about the strength of the economy, Lt. Gov. Patrick used the term “Y’all Street” to illustrate how well-positioned the state is to compete with Wall Street. Texas has emerged as a major center for financial services and capital markets, with Nasdaq Texas making its debut in March, followed by the Texas Stock Exchange’s full production trading launch in July.
“There’s no stronger economy on the planet than Texas,” said Lt. Gov. Patrick.
According to the Texas Comptroller’s office, Texas’ GDP reached approximately $2.9 trillion in 2025, making it the eighth-largest economy in the world. Its total trade value has climbed to approximately $1.1 trillion, up nearly 68 percent since 2020. Additionally, Texas added more jobs than any other state, with 165,600 new jobs created over the year through July 2026.
During the meeting, Lt. Gov. Patrick shared his personal connection to San Antonio. “I love San Antonio. It’s the first city I ever came to visit in Texas,” he said.
In 1979, he visited San Antonio to cover a Spurs playoff game and visited the Alamo for the first time. That trip sparked his love of Texas, and a few months later he moved to Houston after accepting a position as a sports anchor with KHOU-TV.
That initial trip to the Alamo sparked a lifelong passion for preserving the history of the shrine. Lt. Gov. Patrick has been a major force behind the state’s investment in the Alamo’s transformation. The state has contributed more than $400 million of the total $700-million cost to restore the historic site, recapture its original battlefield footprint and create a world-class museum and visitor center.
“It’s going to be the greatest thing that’s ever happened in San Antonio,” he said.
Kevin Dinnin, Greater San Antonio Chamber Chair and President & CEO of FirstDay Foundation, thanked the Lt. Governor for his leadership of the state, his commitment to investing in the Alamo’s redevelopment, and his compassion for his fellow Texans.
Other meeting participants included leaders of companies that are supporting the Greater Chamber at the highest membership level and as such, are part of the Premier Investors Council. This leadership group meets regularly to discuss issues of importance to the business community, advise chamber leadership on policy positions, and help strengthen the economic interests of the community.