Incentives

GBIC administers a ¼ cent sales tax dedicated to economic development, offering customized incentive packages to support job creation, capital investment, and strategic industry growth. Incentives may include:

• Cash grants tied to performance milestones
• Infrastructure support for site readiness and utility improvements
• Workforce training assistance in partnership with local colleges and agencies
• Permitting and fast-track development coordination
• Site selection and relocation support

GBIC works closely with businesses to tailor incentive agreements that align with project goals and community impact.

The City of Brownsville offers additional tools to support business development, including:

• Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ): Financing mechanisms that reinvest a portion of property tax revenue to fund public improvements within designated zones.
• Tax Abatement Agreements: Temporary reductions or exemptions in property taxes to encourage investment.
• Opportunity Zones: Federal tax incentives for investments in designated low-income areas, promoting economic development and job creation.

Cameron County provides county-level incentives to attract and retain businesses:

• Tax Abatement Programs: Property tax reductions for qualifying projects that meet investment and job creation criteria.
• Chapter 381 Agreements: Performance-based financial incentives for businesses that contribute to the county’s economic development goals.
• Freeport Tax Exemptions: Property tax exemptions on goods-in-transit, benefiting companies involved in logistics and distribution.

The TEF is a performance-based financial incentive program for companies considering a new project in Texas that would create significant capital investment and employment opportunities. Projects must be competitive with out-of-state options. Notably, SpaceX received a $2.3 million TEF grant to establish its launch facility near Brownsville.

The EZP offers state sales and use tax refunds to businesses that invest in economically distressed areas and create or retain jobs. Brownsville has designated enterprise zones, making projects in these areas eligible for substantial tax benefits.

Administered by the Texas Workforce Commission, this fund provides grants to community and technical colleges for customized job training programs. Businesses can collaborate with local institutions to develop tailored training for their workforce needs.

Brownsville’s FTZ #62 allows companies to defer, reduce, or eliminate customs duties on imported goods. This is particularly beneficial for manufacturers and distributors engaged in international trade.