Prior to the adoption of Section 52-a, Article III, Texas Constitution in 1987, counties were prohibited from using public funds for economic development. Thereafter, the legislature approved Chapter 312, Tax Code for tax abatement agreements and Chapter 381, Local Government Code for general economic development grants and loans in 1987. These statutes have been the subject of … [Read more...] about Evaluation of Economic Development Programs
Economic Development
The Effects of Revenue Caps and Inflation on Tax Abatements
Since 1987, Section 51-a, Article III, of the Texas Constitution and Chapter 312, Tax Code have authorized counties to engage in economic development through tax abatement agreements. The purpose of these agreements is to encourage additional investment and employment within the county. Tax abatement agreements waive the property taxes on new investment for all or a percentage … [Read more...] about The Effects of Revenue Caps and Inflation on Tax Abatements
Calhoun County Lands Cutting-Edge Nuclear Project
During a conference presentation in Vietnam last year, a representative of the World Nuclear Association in London was describing small modular reactor (SMR) development when he paused, recalled Kenneth Lee Peddicord, Ph.D., P.E., who attended the conference. SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors, as defined by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). “As the speaker … [Read more...] about Calhoun County Lands Cutting-Edge Nuclear Project
Partnership Pays Dividends
Pecos County, EDC Continue to Lure Businesses, Grow Local Economy
One year ago, Pecos County Judge Joe Shuster was named County Official of the Year by the West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association. Shortly after, state lawmakers honored Shuster with the adoption of House Resolution 1142, echoing the West Texas Association in its description of Shuster as a public servant who has gone “above and beyond in his service to county … [Read more...] about Partnership Pays Dividends
Economic Development Tools Help Counties Lure Businesses
By Julie Anderson Editor Perfection can be hard to come by, so when a California couple described Athens as “a perfect place” to “truly grow” their business, it was music to many ears. What did it take to be “perfect,” to lure a company that would create jobs and expand the tax base? The answer is proactive partnership. Throughout the last year, Henderson County … [Read more...] about Economic Development Tools Help Counties Lure Businesses