The future is bright: Texas Futures and the value of Coalitions

Climate Success Chat #49 - Jan 23, 2026

Two weeks ago, I shared a compilation of predictions for what will happen in 2026. Looking forward, I’m genuinely optimistic about the ability of communities and coalitions to come together to drive towards the future we want to see. It’s these connections that allow us to cultivate ideas, plans, and make progress even when facing headwinds.

The climate crisis demands urgent action, but it also demands collaboration. That’s why I’m particularly excited about the Texas Futures Coalition, the culmination of multiple efforts in Austin to support people in Texas who believe that innovation and new systems will bring sustainability, economic prosperity, and better lives. We also believe that Texas will be a hub for this work. This coalition has been building the Austin climate innovation community for over two years, springing off recurring events organized by the founding team. For example, the monthly Climate Innovation meetups organized by Jacob Borgeson and Jeff Blickman were some of the first local events I attended as I ramped up my involvement in the climate community in Austin.

This was the most recent meetup focused on “Rethinking the Things We Touch Everyday”

Texas Futures Summit (March 11-12, 2026)

The Coalition’s flagship event will bring together 1,000+ attendees for two days of workshops, panels, startup pitches, and interactive demos across Energy, Food & Ag, Materials, AI, and Culture. Taking place at Palm Venture Studios during SXSW week, the Summit features private dinners, reverse investor pitches, and hands-on demos. We’re actively seeking sponsors, speakers, and volunteers. Register on Luma to secure your spot for March 11-12 in Austin. If you’re interested in speaking, showcasing your innovation, or sponsoring, fill out this form to connect with the team.

Other Texas Groups Building Momentum

PowerHouse Texas emerged after Winter Storm Uri to educate and cultivate energy policy leaders in the Texas Legislature. Working through their “radical center” approach, they train legislators and staff on energy innovation, security, and affordability, bridging partisan divides to ensure Texas has informed decision-makers who understand the full range of energy solutions available to our state. Through programs like the Energy Policy Fellowship, Energy Academy, and Texas Energy Tours, they’re building the bench of future energy leaders Texas needs. They just welcomed a new set of Advisory Council Members and are a great follow on LinkedIn to stay up to date on their work.

Another important coalition in Texas is Power Up Texas which has built an alliance of 100+ partners advocating for renewable energy. Texas added over 10,500 MW of clean power capacity in 2025, more than twice as much as the next state, California. This translates to more than 125,800 well-paying jobs and $157 billion invested across Texas, solidifying the state’s position as the national leader in renewable energy deployment. Despite funding setbacks due to the current federal administration’s attempt to rescind $156M committed through EPA’s Solar for All program, this coalition continues to work to educate and advocate for innovative, low-cost electricity generation in Texas.

National Coalition Models

Climate Reality Project (where I serve as the Austin chapter lead) recently came together with Climate Changemakers, bringing together over 2 million trained activists and volunteers across all 50 states. The merger, announced in September 2025, combines Climate Reality’s global Leadership Corps trainings with Climate Changemakers’ “Hour of Action“ model. Their weekly one-hour coworking sessions that make advocacy accessible for busy people.

Another group that is active in Austin and nationwide is Citizens’ Climate Lobby. They operate 350+ US-based local chapters training volunteers to build bipartisan climate solutions. Volunteers meet with congressional offices monthly, building trusted relationships that transcend partisan divides. In 2025, they helped secure strong bipartisan votes for the Fix Our Forests Act in both the House (279-141) and Senate Agriculture Committee, advanced conversations on energy permitting reform, and advocated for the Foreign Pollution Fee Act. Proof that progress can still be made even when climate lies are being promoted by our president.

Join Us at the Texas Futures Summit or Join Your Own Local Coalition

What excites me most about these coalitions is how they bring together so many unique talents and backgrounds. Whether it’s Texas Futures Coalition positioning our state as an innovation leader or Citizens’ Climate Lobby building consensus across hundreds of communities, collaborative action creates lasting change. Join us at the Texas Futures Summit in March or find a local event or group near you. The future is bright when communities come together.