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Economic Development

This division of the Mayor's Office, under the responsibility of the Mayor's Chief Development Officer, develops, implements and manages citywide policies and procedures for economic development programs such as Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ) and tax abatements in addition to other tax incentive programs. Other tax incentive programs might be funded through accelerated capital improvements plan action or special district financing such as special assessment financing, or in-city municipal utility districts. The City could also consider beneficial land exchanges, right of way abandonment, or below-market financing or leases on public property that could provide mutual benefit to the City and the proposed development. Any offer of such an incentive would be reviewed case-by-case to determine eligibility and compliance with all applicable laws.

Economic Development Division

The Economic Development Division is dedicated to promoting City initiatives and economic tools to business owners interested in relocating or expanding their companies in the City of Houston. This division coordinates a myriad of economic development incentives with businesses worldwide. We seek to help qualified companies grow their business through expansion in our City. Our strategy involves building on the City's strengths to promote existing businesses and retain jobs; to facilitate business expansion; and recruit new businesses and related employment to the City. Because business recruitment is very competitive, we partner with the State of Texas Office of Economic Development, Harris County, the Greater Houston Partnership, the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, and a multitude of other economic development organizations to ensure your company utilizes the appropriate incentives to help grow your business in Houston. Please call us -- we look forward to helping you!

380 Agreements • Enterprise Zones • Historic Site Tax Exemption • Industrial Districts • Tax Abatements

Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZs)

Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZs) are special zones created by City Council to attract new investment to an area. TIRZs help finance the cost of redevelopment and encourage development in an area that would otherwise not attract sufficient market development in a timely manner. Taxes attributable to new improvements (tax increments) are set-aside in a fund to finance public improvements within the boundaries of the zone ... More ...

Links to TIRZ Meeting Agendas

1. St. George Place • 2. Midtown • 3. Main Square / Market Square • 4. Village Enclaves • 5. Memorial Heights • 6. Eastside • 7. OST / Almeda • 8. Gulfgate • 9. South Post Oak • 10. Lake Houston • 11. Greater Greenspoint • 12. City Park • 13. Old Sixth Ward • 14. Fourth Ward • 15. East Downtown • 16. Uptown • 17. Memorial City • 18. Fifth Ward • 19. Upper Kirby • 20. Southwest Houston • 21. Hardy / Near Northside • 22. Leland Woods • 23. Harrisburg • 24. Greater Houston • 25. Hiram Clarke / Ft. Bend Houston

Links to TIRZ Documents and Budgets 

1. St. George Place • 2. Midtown • 3. Main Square / Market Square • 4. Village Enclaves • 5. Memorial Heights • 6. Eastside • 7. OST / Almeda • 8. Gulfgate • 9. South Post Oak • 10. Lake Houston • 11. Greater Greenspoint • 12. City Park • 13. Old Sixth Ward • 14. Fourth Ward • 15. East Downtown • 16. Uptown • 17. Memorial City • 18. Fifth Ward • 19. Upper Kirby • 20. Southwest Houston • 21. Hardy / Near Northside • 22. Leland Woods • 23. Harrisburg • 24. Greater Houston • 25. Hiram Clarke / Ft. Bend Houston

Other Links

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Contact Economic Development

Gwendolyn "Gwen" Tillotson
gwendolyn.tillotson@houstontx.gov
Deputy Director
832.393.0937 

Jennifer Curley
jennifer.curley@houstontx.gov
Senior Staff Analyst
832.393.0981