EAST HARRIS COUNTY — Harris Countys policy of offering Tax Abatements for those seeking assistance in building green took center stage last week at a conference that updated attendees on economic opportunities.
The conference, hosted jointly by Precinct Two Commissioner Sylvia R. Garcia, The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, the Baytown – West Chambers County EDF and the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, also focused on the establishment of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ).
Having recently voted to allow Tax Abatements for developers who want to build to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, I wanted to ensure we get the word out to east Harris County that we can help offset the additional cost of doing the ‘right thing’ environmentally, said Garcia.
Addressing membership and other invited guests from each of the co-hosts at the event held at San Jacinto Colleges Pasadena campus, Harris Countys Director of Community Services David Turkel outlined the opportunities for a variety of partnerships with county government.
Turkel briefly explained how the LEED program offers a variety of levels based architectural and design elements. He also spoke about the costs associated with LEED design that may be offset with a ten-year Tax Abatement offered by the County.
The group also learned more about how and why the county participates in TIRZ programs. There are a total of 25 in Harris County as a whole including those with municipality-only participation.
Harris County currently has active participation in nine TIRZs. Another four TIRZs have come to the conclusion of Harris County participation.
