Publications | The Perryman Group
4 Years Later
Column Published in syndication March 20, 2024

Unlike most weeks in my frenetic schedule of projects, deadlines, speeches, and meetings, I remember that one well - Monday speech in Lubbock; flight to Dallas for afternoon meeting; all-day testimony in Dallas on Tuesday; Wednesday meeting in DC; Longview speech on Thursday; late afternoon flight for reception at our home. That was a pretty typical week, but it was followed by a year of being almost constantly at home with virtual work and all of the analysis, task forces, and other factors which accompany game-changing events. It was quite an adjustment from normally being on the road 250-300 days per year.

Burned!
Column Published in syndication March 13, 2024

Recent wildfires in the Texas panhandle have burned well over a million acres, causing tragic loss of life and devastating local communities. In addition, the fires have destroyed livestock and grazing land in this region which is crucial to the US beef industry.

An Even Dozen
Column Published in syndication March 06, 2024

For the 12th year in a row, Texas attracted the lion's share of major corporate locations and expansions in the US, winning Site Selection magazine's coveted "Governor's Cup" yet again for 2023. The Cup is awarded to the state with the most projects involving a capital investment of at least $1 million, 20 or more new jobs, or 20,000 square feet of new construction. Site Selection also recognized Texas as having the nation's best business climate in November.

Global Growth
Column Published in syndication February 28, 2024

I often tend to focus on the US economy. Let's explore some context by examining how other countries are faring. Rates of expansion around the world vary significantly, and a few points about current patterns are noteworthy.

Workforce Expansion
Column Published in syndication February 21, 2024

Maintaining a dynamic economy requires a constant flow of talented and skilled workers. With US long-term demographic patterns working against us, it's clear that it will be crucial to attract workers from other areas. While one imperative component of this effort must involve immigration from other countries, a significant additional factor that helps to define regional performance is movement from state to state.

Soaring Shelter Spending
Column Published in syndication February 14, 2024

The substantial and rapid increase in the price of housing, whether rented or purchased, has significant implications for millions of households. Wages have been trending upward of late, but with increases in the cost of many items even as overall inflation moderates, many people continue to struggle. The spike in home and apartment prices, which represent the largest expenditure category for most families, is posing difficulties throughout the country. Let's take a brief look.

Mexican Trade
Column Published in syndication February 07, 2024

As the migrant crisis engulfs the border and the politics become increasingly complex and counterproductive, it is useful to remember the economic significance of our relationship with our southern neighbor. Let's briefly explore.

An Unrefreshing Pause
Column Published in syndication January 31, 2024

A moratorium was recently issued on permits for new liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities. Although the reasons were purportedly related to climate change, the reality is that slowing the development of this market is actually deleterious for the environment, not to mention the global economy, human sustainability, and geopolitical stability.

Troubled Waters
Column Published in syndication January 24, 2024

Tensions are running high in the Red Sea. Houthi rebels based in Yemen have been targeting cargo ships, firing missiles at vessels bearing flags of a variety of nations. Their goal appears to be to widen the conflict in the Middle East while simultaneously putting pressure on Europe.

People and Places
Column Published in syndication January 17, 2024

New population estimates have been released, and once again Texas gained far more residents than any other state. The US population increased by a little more than 1.6 million people during the 12 months ending in July 2023. That's a rise of just 0.5%, but it's better than the 0.4% increase in 2022 or 2021's 0.2% gain. Migration was up, and there was a drop in deaths (though they remain well above pre-COVID levels).