Houston First says it benefited from Beryl, gives update on convention center renovation

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Nobody wants a natural disaster to come to Houston, but ABC13 learned Tuesday morning that at least one city agency benefited from Hurricane Beryl in 2024.

That discovery came as members of Houston First's leadership team presented its upcoming budget forecast to members of the city council earlier today.

Houston First, which takes in and manages taxpayer dollars generated by tourism, said it made more money than expected in 2024 because local residents and outside crews were forced to stay in hotels after Beryl.

Nobody said that was a good thing, but it did illustrate that the numbers presented to council members today aren't set in stone.

The agency projects it will make a slight profit in 2026, a year with major events like the World Cup and World Baseball Classic coming to Houston.

The agency also says it expects to bring in $258.5 million in revenue in the upcoming year.

That's against the $257 million it expects to spend, implying the agency forecasts $1.5 million profit in 2026.

Houston First's leadership also provided an update on the status of the multi-year renovation of the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Houston First manages that facility.

The organization said it has already paid out around $160 million to contractors taking part in the $2 billion project.

Houston First has said the entire project will be completed in 2038.

In addition to the George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston First also operates properties such as Hilton Americas-Houston and Miller Outdoor Theatre.

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