economy

Local Economic Development Programs

The State of Texas provides a number of local economic Development programs for Texas communities. The Data Analysis and Transparency Division (DAT) provides detailed information about these programs, serving as a turnkey information source for improving government efficiency and achieving economic growth. We specialize in subjects including:

  • tax programs and incentive support;
  • job creation initiatives;
  • economic impact analysis;
  • financial transparency;
  • limiting financial exposure and;
  • budgeting efficiencies.

Spring 2021 Economic Development Webinars

These videos are to be used for informational purposes only. Continuing education (CE) credit for these topics will be available only for live events and participation.

Chapter 312 Tax Abatements and Reinvestment Zones
This presentation reviews

  • The required steps for creating a reinvestment zone before an abatement is approved
  • The criteria for creating a reinvestment zone
  • The purpose of an abatement: how it should work and what forms must be submitted

Chapter 311 Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZs)
This webinar discusses

  • Tax increment financing (TIF) as an economic development tool local governments can use to pay for improvements that will draw private investment to their areas
  • How TIF differs from abatements
  • How TIF redirects a portion of future ad valorem taxes within a defined geographic area
  • The criteria and steps for creating a TIRZ
  • Potential financing options for proposed public project improvements
  • Forms that must be submitted

Municipal Development Districts (MDDs) and Economic Development Corporations (EDCs)
The Development Corporation Act of 1979 enables communities to finance new and expanded business enterprises through economic development corporations (EDCs). The presentation outlines

  • The characteristics of Type A and Type B EDCs
  • How cities are authorized to adopt a sales tax to fund the corporations
  • Projects EDCs are allowed to undertake
  • How cities may hold an election to create an MDD, adopt a sales tax to fund it and use those funds for projects like convention centers, civic centers and auditoriums

Local & State Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Programs
This webinar presentation discusses

  • How the local hotel occupancy tax promotes tourism and the convention and hotel industry
  • Who must charge this tax and how to implement it
  • What exemptions exist
  • How the tax is remitted and how revenue from this tax is to be used

Chapter 313 Value Limitation Agreements
A Chapter 313 agreement is an appraised value limitation agreement with a taxpayer who agrees to build or install property and create jobs in exchange for a 10-year limitation on the taxable property value for school district maintenance and operations (M&O) tax purposes. The presentation provides a high-level overview.

Public Improvement Districts (PIDs)
This brief presentation discusses how a PID is a legal mechanism for property owners in a defined geographic area to jointly plan and establish a sustainable funding source that can pay for service to improve their area.

New Abatement Legislation Notice

Recently enacted House Bill 3143 Relating to the Property Redevelopment and Tax Abatement Act, went into effect Sept. 1, 2019 and it may impact you. This legislation added additional public notice, hearing and reporting requirements for certain tax abatement agreements. Details and proper procedures on how to handle these requirements are available on our economic development page.

Need Help?

For additional information, contact the Data Analysis and Transparency Division via email or at 844-519-5672, ext. 6-9231.