Texas Economy in Focus

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Texas Rising Fall 2012
A new look for Fall 2012

Economic Development Corporation Report – Fiscal 2010-2011
November 2012

Required Plug-ins:

Statutory Resources

Local Government Code, Chapter 380

Local Government Code, Chapter 381

Other Resources

Office of Attorney General's Economic Development Handbook

Need Help?

For additional information, contact a regional representative in the Comptroller’s Economic Development and Analysis Division at (800) 531-5441, ext. 3-4679, or at (512) 463-4679.

Special Assessments and Other Incentives

Chapter 380/381 Economic Development Agreements

Municipality Agreements

Chapter 380 of the Local Government Code authorizes municipalities to offer incentives designed to promote economic development such as commercial and retail projects. Specifically, it provides for offering loans and grants of city funds or services at little or no cost to promote state and local economic development and to stimulate business and commercial activity.

In order to provide a grant or loan, a city must establish a program to implement the incentives. Before proceeding, cities must review their city charters or local policies that may restrict a city's ability provide a load or grant.

County Agreements

Chapter 381 of the Local Government Code allows counties to provide incentives encouraging developers to build in their jurisdictions. A county may administer and develop a program to make loans and grants of public money to promote state or local economic development and to stimulate, encourage, and develop business location and commercial activity in the county.

The county also may develop and administer a program for entering into a tax abatement agreement. This tool allows counties to negotiate directly with developers and businesses.