What we reported Greater Houston area employers cut 1 in 7 jobs across oil-related industries after the price of oil dropped from $105 per barrel in June 2014 to $35-$40 per barrel in December 2015, according to the Greater Houston Partnership. The oil industry slump caused a decline in sales tax revenue for the cities of Tomball and Magnolia in October 2015. However, energy industry experts expect the oil industry to stabilize in early 2017.

What’s next Despite continued losses in construction and oil field services, GHP projects a net gain of 29,700 new jobs to be created in 2017 in markets, such as health care, hospitality and education. Tomball and Magnolia officials predict growth will be slow in 2017.

This story is one update from The January Issue. View the full list of [8 things to look for in 2017] here.