The Texas Miracle, Data Centers, and the Future of Business in Texas w/Megan Mauro
Podcast: Texas TalksPublished On: Thu Mar 05 2026
Description: Is the “Texas Miracle” still alive — and what does it take to keep Texas competitive in 2026 and beyond? In this episode of Texas Talks, Megan Mauro, Interim President and CEO of the Texas Association of Business (TAB), joins Brad Swail to break down the state of the Texas economy. As the state chamber of commerce representing businesses of every size and industry, TAB sits at the center of Texas’ pro-growth policy debates. Mauro explains how Texas maintains its reputation as a top business destination — from no personal or corporate income tax to regulatory consistency and recent property tax relief for small businesses. She discusses HB 9’s business personal property tax exemption increase, why consistency across Texas’ 254 counties matters, and how the Legislature is approaching affordability and housing challenges. The conversation also dives into: Why Texas is the 7th largest economy in the world Attracting corporate headquarters while protecting small businesses The importance of USMCA for Texas trade Workforce alignment between industry and education Childcare as a workforce issue Why data centers and AI are both economic and national security priorities Texas’ “all of the above and below” energy strategy Mauro makes the case that a thriving business climate isn’t just about corporations — it’s about livelihoods, job creation, and ensuring Texas families can continue building the American dream. As the 90th Texas Legislature approaches, this episode explores what policies will shape the next chapter of the Texas economy. 00:00 — Introduction and Megan Mauro’s background 01:12 — What the Texas Association of Business does 03:13 — Light regulation and pro-business principles 04:35 — The Texas Miracle and economic growth 06:29 — Why industry diversity matters in Texas 10:01 — Data centers, AI, and national security 14:53 — Tech policy and regulatory consistency 18:47 — Balancing legacy industries with innovation 21:01 — Property tax reform and small business relief 27:10 — Affordability and housing challenges 29:21 — Energy policy and grid reliability 30:59 — Advocacy in Washington and USMCA 34:45 — Workforce development and childcare solutions 38:37 — TAB Foundation and education initiatives Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks Follow us on social mediaX: @Texas_DispatchInstagram: thetexasdispatchLinkedIn: The Texas DispatchTikTok: texas_talks_podcast Find more at The Texas DispatchYour source for state news, policy, and investigative journalism.https://thetexasdispatch.com
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