Incentives & Tax Programs
The region’s taxing entities are proactive and competitive in attracting primary employers — companies that bring new revenue into the community through the creation of high-quality jobs. To support strategic investment, local entities may offer temporary tax abatements and other performance-based incentives for qualifying projects.
Incentive levels are tailored to each project and are based on capital investment, permanent job creation, wage levels, and industry type. All incentives are structured to ensure a measurable return on investment for the community.
In Texas, the incentive process begins at the local level, allowing communities to respond quickly and competitively. Available programs are outlined below.
LOCAL INCENTIVES
Texas Pace Authority
Texas PACE Authority (TPA) is a nonprofit organization that administers the Texas Property Assessed Clean Energy (TX-PACE) program on behalf of local governments across the state. TX-PACE is a state-enabled, locally adopted financing tool that allows commercial, industrial, agricultural, nonprofit, and multifamily property owners to access long-term, low-cost private financing for energy efficiency, water conservation, resiliency, and renewable energy improvements to their facilities, typically with little or no upfront capital. The program is voluntary and structured so that the cost of improvements is repaid through a voluntary property assessment tied to the property, not the owner, which can lower operating costs and support sustainable upgrades. Texas PACE Authority provides program administration, resources, training, tools, and a uniform “PACE in a Box” model to help jurisdictions implement TX-PACE efficiently and consistently.
Texas PACE Authority
📍 PO Box 200368, Austin, TX 78720-0368
📞 1-855-738-PACE (7223)
📧 admin@texaspaceauthority.org
🌐 www.texaspaceauthority.org
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #3 Incentives (Downtown) »
Established in 2008, TIRZ #3 supports redevelopment within the downtown district. The program is administered by the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District (DMD). FMI or to apply: Do Business | Downtown Corpus Christi (godowntowncc.com)
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #4 Incentives (North Beach)
TIRZ #4 spans along the Bayfront from Rincon Channel south to the USS Lexington, adjacent to the Texas State Aquarium, and west to the Port of Corpus Christi. FMI or to apply: https://www.corpuschristitx.gov/department-directory/economic-development/
Chapter 380 / 381 Agreements
(Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Chapters 380 & 381)
The City of Corpus Christi may consider economic incentives under Chapter 380, and Nueces and San Patricio Counties may consider incentives under Chapter 381 of the Texas Local Government Code.
These agreements are performance-based and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Incentives may support job creation, capital investment, infrastructure participation, or other economic development objectives.
For more information or to initiate discussions, please contact Randy Almaguer, CCREDC Compliance Officer, at ralmaguer@ccredc.com
Corpus Christi B Corporation (Type B)
The Type B Corporation dedicates a portion of local sales tax revenue to economic development within the Corpus Christi city limits, as authorized under Texas law.
Incentives may support:
- New facility construction
- Modernization or expansion or existing facilities
- Retention Projects
Incentives are performance-based and paid in arrears after investment and job creation milestones are met. Job creation, wage, and health insurance requirements apply
To apply or for more information about Type B funds, please contact Randy Almaguer, Compliance Officer of CCREDC at ralmaguer@ccredc.com.
Property Tax Abatements »
(Pursuant to Chapter 312 of the Texas Tax Code)
The City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, San Patricio County and Del Mar College maintain tax abatement policies designed to encourage capital investment and job creation.
- City of Corpus Christi: May provide up to 100% abatement during the construction period, subject to agreement
- Nueces and San Patricio Counties: May provide up to 100% abatement during construction period, followed by negotiated operational phase percentages.
- Del Mar College: May provide up to 100% abatement during construction, with operational phase abatements subject to agreement.
Construction must not begin prior to application approval. Annual compliance reporting is required.
Industrial District Agreement »
(Authorized under Texas Local Government Code §42.044)
Industrial District Agreements provide protection from annexation and certain municipal requirements in exchange for a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT).
This program is administered by the City of Corpus Christi in coordination with CCREDC.
For more information: industrialdistrict@cctexas.com
STATE & FEDERAL INCENTIVES
Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ 122) »
Administered by the Port of Corpus Christi. Offers customs duty deferral, reduction, or elimination for qualifying operations.
Contact:
Danielle Converse
danielle@pocca.com
(361) 885-6187
PortofCC.com
Federal Opportunity Zone
Provides federal capital gains tax incentives for long-term investments in designated Opportunity Zones.
For maps and regional opportunities: corpuschristiopportunities.com
Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF)
A discretionary “deal-closing” fund administered by the Governor’s Office for projects creating significant capital investment and high-quality jobs. Awards require approval by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House.
Texas Enterprise Zone Program (EZP)
The Texas Enterprise Zone Program (EZP) allows local communities to partner with the State of Texas to promote job creation and capital investment. Designated projects may qualify for state sales and use tax refunds based on investment and job creation commitments. Applications are accepted quarterly.
Texas Skills Development Fund
Provides workforce training grants in partnership with local colleges, including Del Mar College. Grants may support customized employee training programs.
School District Tax Limitation (Chapter 403 / JETI)
The Jobs, Energy, Technology & Innovation (JETI) program provides an eight-year limitation on the Maintenance & Operations (M&O) portion of a school district’s property tax rate for qualifying projects.
- Applies only to the M&O tax rate
- Debt service (I&S) taxes remain fully taxable
- Limitation percentages and value caps vary by school district and project type
- Agreements require minimum job creation and wage thresholds
- Comptroller review and approval required
Approved agreements commonly reflect negotiated limitation percentages (often structured around 50% in many cases), depending on statutory tier and district parameters.
The Freeport Exemption
Provides a full exemption on qualifying inventory detained in Texas for 175 days or fewer for manufacturing, processing, or storage.
Participating local entities include:
- Counties: San Patricio, Jim Wells
- Cities: Corpus Christi, Robstown
- School Districts: Agua Dulce, Ingleside, Robstown, West Oso
CONTACT
For more information regarding any of the programs listed above, please contact:
Randy Almaguer
Compliance Officer
Corpus Christi Regional EDC
ralmaguer@ccredc.com
(361) 882-7448