1973
Arab oil embargo quadruples oil prices in 90 days, fueling Houston’s 1973-1981 economic boom.
1978
Voters approve and fund Metropolitan Transit Authority.
1982
Employment peaks at 1,583,400 in March before onset of recession.
1983
155 office buildings completed in 12 months.
1983
Voters approve creation of Harris County Toll Road Authority.
1986
An estimated 1.3 million people turn out in Downtown Houston April 5, 1986 to see French composer Jean-Michel Jarre's "Rendez-vous Houston: A City in Concert."
1987
Trough of recession in January; net recession loss of 221,900 jobs.
1987
Wortham Center, home to Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera, opens.
1987
The George R. Brown Convention Center opens on 11 blocks on the east end of downtown. The center would be expanded in 2001 to 1.8 million square feet.
1989
Houston Chamber of Commerce, Houston Economic Development Council and Houston World Trade Association combine to form Greater Houston Partnership.
1990
Houston economic recovery complete; April job count above March 1982 level.
1990
Houston hosts 16th annual Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations.
1991
Houston City Council mandates first zoning regulations.
1992
Republican National Convention held in Houston.