Houston Daily

A recent report from the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs indicates that many residents in the Greater Houston area are concerned about the rising cost of living, job security, and how artificial intelligence (AI) may affect employment.

The findings come from the second wave of responses to the Survey on Public Attitudes and Community Engagement City Panel (SPACE City Panel), a research project that tracks opinions among roughly 5,000 residents across nine counties. The survey was conducted between August 11 and September 4.

According to the report, about one-third of householders are currently seeking new jobs. Of those looking for work, 72% are already employed. Researchers attribute this trend mainly to increasing expenses in the region. "Most people are not seeking jobs because they are getting unemployed; I think the explanation is mostly because of the rising cost of living," said Agustin Vallejo, lead researcher on the report and research assistant professor at the Hobby School. "The main reason is the inflation — they want something better in terms of salary."

Rising costs were cited as a top economic challenge by 85.6% of respondents, with wage stagnation and limited job availability also ranking high among concerns. These issues appear to be felt more strongly among Black and Hispanic communities in Houston.

Pablo Pinto, director of the Center for Public Policy (CPP) and professor at the Hobby School, suggested that population growth in Houston has increased demand for housing, which could be contributing to these challenges.

Nearly half (48%) of respondents expressed concern that AI could replace some or all aspects of their current jobs. Those with lower levels of education were especially likely to feel their roles were at risk due to automation. The survey also found that workers whose companies have experienced layoffs are more likely to look for new opportunities even if they have not lost their own positions—a reaction researchers linked to general uncertainty in workplaces.

"Both employers and employees have something to learn about the use of artificial intelligence," Vallejo said. "They should always be trying to think, ‘How can this tool improve my performance?’"

Based on these results, researchers recommend several policy measures: local governments should expand support for working families through affordable housing programs, childcare assistance, relief related to cost-of-living increases, and transportation cost reductions; employers should invest in training workers—especially regarding adaptation to AI tools; individuals should learn more about AI capabilities and limitations as labor markets change.

The full report is available on the Hobby School website. Additional reports from this quarter will address climate issues and household finances.