Economic Development
1100 East Monroe Street, Brownsville, TX 78520, Suite 105
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
504 SBA LOAN PROGRAM
Ramiro Aleman, Economic Development Director
(956) 550-1370
Ramiro.Aleman@co.cameron.tx.us
Daniela Sosa, BLDC/SBA 504 Loan Program Director
(956) 546-4020
Daniela.Sosa@co.cameron.tx.us
Lea Salazar, Economic Development Office Specialist
(956) 544-0828
Lea.Salazar01@co.cameron.tx.us
Economic Tools & Incentives
We Offer
Abatement
Reinvestment Zone
(TIRZ)
Exemption
Zones
Agreements
State Economic
Incentives
SBA 504 Loan Program; Co-Lender Financing to facilitate the acquisition of capital assets for small businesses
CAMERON COUNTY DEMOGRAPHICS
2024 Population Estimate
428,509
(2023 Growth rate of 0.42%)
| 1. Brownsville | 191,774 |
| 2. Harlingen | 71,482 |
| 3. San Benito | 24,491 |
| 4. Los Frenos | 8,305 |
| 5. La Feria | 6,774 |
| 6. Port Isabel | 5,306 |
| 7. Primera | 5,194 |
| 8. Laguna Vista | 3,179 |
| 9. Combes | 3,043 |
| 10. Rancho Viejo | 2,875 |
| 11. Santa Rosa | 2,357 |
| 12. Rio Hondo | 2,333 |
| 13. South Padre Island | 2,039 |
| 14. Palm Valley | 1,256 |
| 15. Los Indios | 1,058 |
| 16. Indian Lake | 878 |
| 17. Bayview | 566 |
| Unincorporated | 94,776 |
Sources: https://datacommons.org/ https://worldpopulationreview.com/
Tax Abatement Agreements
A tax abatement is a local agreement between a taxpayer and a taxing unit that exempts all or part of the increase in the value of the real property and/or tangible personal property from taxation for a period not to exceed 10 years. Chapter 312 of the
Texas tax code created the ability for Texas jurisdictions to offer this incentive to developers.
Cameron County is an Economically Distressed County (EDC). The Texas Administrative Code Title 10, Part 5, Chapter 176, allows economic incentives by local governments within EDC to induce private investment for the creation and retention of high-quality jobs. Thus, the entire county is designated as an Enterprise Zone.
Criteria to be qualified as an EDC:
1.Poverty rate above 15.4%*
2.At least 25.4% of adult population does not have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate*
3.Unemployment rate remained above 4.9% during the preceding five years**
*Based upon latest U.S. Census
**Based upon Texas Workforce Commission
Cameron County (2024)
- Poverty Rate 22.6%*
- 29.1% of persons age 25 years+ are without High School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate*
- Unemployment Rates: 5.4% (2023), 5.7% (2022), 8.0% (2021), 10.1% (2020), and 5.5% (2019)**
Active Tax Abatement Agreements
| Company Name | Type | Contract Number | Date Entered | Base Year | Incentive Period | Jobs | Investment | Pilot Payment |
| Space Exploration Technologies Corp. | Aerospace | 2014C08285 | 8/22/2014 | 2014 | 2016-2025 | 300 | $85,000,000 | N/A |
| Cameron Wind I, LLC
**IKEA |
Windfarm | 2014C12435 (Amended) 2017C03088** |
12/30/2014 | 2014 | 2015-2024 | 10 | $167,743,733 | $100,000 |
| SATA Group | Manufacturing | 2016C03038 | 7/16/2015 | 2016 | 2017-2026 | 275 + 200 Construction | $15,000,000 | N/A |
| Rio Grande LNG Train 1&2
(Next Decade) |
LNG Export | 2017C10291 (Amended) 2024C03074 |
10/03/2017 | 2018 | 2028-2037 | 175 + (5,000 contruction*) | $4,752,777,000 | $2,130,000 |
| Rio Grande LNG Train 3
(Next Decade) |
LNG Export | 2017C10292 (Amended) 2024C03075 |
10/03/2017 | 2018 | 2029-2038 | 25 | $1,895,521,000 | $750,000 |
| Rio Grande LNG Trains 4&5
(Next Decade) |
LNG Export | 2017C10293 (Amended) 2024C03076 & 2024C03077 |
10/03/2017 | 2018 | 2030-2039 | 30 | $3,790,500,000 | $800,000 (Train 4) & $570,000 (Train 5) |
| Rayos Del Sol Solar Project, LLC | Solar | 2019C01031 (Amended) 2020C11393 | 1/22/2019 | 2019 | 2021-2030 | 2 | $162,325,000 | 125,000 |
| Palmas Wind, LLC | Windfarm | 2019C04124 | 4/16/2019 | 2019 | 2022-2031 | 4 + (250 Construction*) | $154,425,440 | 150,000 |
| Monte Alto Windpower, LLC | Windfarm | 2019C10355 (Amended) 2020C11392 |
9/17/2019 | 2019 | 2022-2031 | 6 | $77,000,000 | 75,000 |
| La Chalupa, LLC | Windfarm | 2019C11437 | 11/26/2019 | 2020 | 2022-2031 | 4 | $215,000,000 | 200,000 |
| Texas LNG Brownsville | LNG Export | 2024C03111 | 6/4/2024 | 2024 | 2027-2036 | 100 + 1,500 Construction* | $100,000,000 | 1,500,000 first 2 years, 2,700,000 following 8 years |
*Estimate, not part of the agreement
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone
A tax increment reinvestment zone (T.I.R.Z.) is a political subdivision of a municipality or county in the state of Texas created to implement tax increment financing. They may be initiated by the city or county or by petition of owners whose total holdings in the zone consist of a majority of the appraised property value. Tax Code Chapter 311 governs tax increment financing.
The following steps are involved in the creation of a TIRZ:
1. Property owners possessing 50% or more of the appraised value of a district may submit a petition to the county, city, or town requesting a TIRZ be set up, or the city or county may decide to create one.
2. A specific lifetime for the TIRZ is determined.
3. A TIRZ may only be city-initiated if less than 10% of its land area consists of residential area.
4. For the purposes of existing tax-collecting entities (water districts, counties, etc.) the assessed values of properties within the new TIRZ are frozen. It is assumed that property values will increase over the lifetime of the TIRZ; the property taxes collected on this increase constitute the “increment”.
5. Local taxing authorities besides the creating organization negotiate for how much of the tax increment they will donate to the fund instead of keeping for themselves.
6. The municipality or county passes an ordinance establishing a governing board for the TIRZ and the zone as a legal entity itself. The board then meets to create a budget for the lifetime of the zone, establishing what projects it will undertake and how they will be financed. This plan is passed as another ordinance.
Cameron County has entered into participation agreements with cities of Brownsville, Harlingen, San Benito, Los Fresnos, Port Isabel, South Padre Island, and La Feria.
BROWNSVILLE:
City of Brownsville, “Santander” TIRZ #1, Passed City Commission October 5, 2004, passed County Commissioner’s Court December 21, 2004. Term began January 1, 2006. Term length – 15 years. County is participating at a 100% of new value. Total projected county contributions $3,068,659. County collections through 2019, $922,545. Located in the Morrison Road – Laredo Road area. Project includes road improvements, landscaping, Hike & Bike Trails, fencing and development costs.
City of Brownsville, “Amigoland” TIRZ#2, Cameron County did not participate
City of Brownsville, “Downtown” TIRZ#3, Cameron County did not participate
City of Brownsville, “Madeira Espiritu Santo” TIRZ#4, Passed City Commission on December 8, 2020. The County approved the Interlocal Agreement 2021C071 on March 30, 2021, with TIRZ participation of 60% M&O tax revenues from increment value increases. Term of the Agreement is 30 years. The project is roughly 1,330 acres located on the south east portion beginning at the intersection of Highway 100 and US Highway 77/83. The project is seeking approximately $57.5 million from county revenues to representing 35.5% of the funds to build an Arena, University complex, roads, trails, green spaces, parking and other public infrastructure.
HARLINGEN:
City of Harlingen “Loop 499” TIRZ#1, approved by City Commission on June 21, 2006. Approved by County Commissioners on July 19, 2012. Term for 15 years ending December 31, 2027. County participation is 100% of tax on increase value. Total estimated revenues $49,092,000 with maximum county participation capped at $9,862,00. Projects promised improvements included road upgrades of Washington Ave, Montezuma Road, 7th Street, Crosset Road, Rio Hondo Road, Grimes Road, Bob Youker Road and related sewer lines, drainage to include in-line water valves and fire hydrants. Amended on October 10, 2023, by the Commissioners’ Court to include the boundaries of Grimes Road.
City of Harlingen “FM 509” TIRZ#2, approved by the City Commission on June 21, 2006. Approved by the County Commissioners Court on July 19, 2012. Term is 15-years ending December 31, 2027. Participation is 100% of tax of increased value. Total projected contributions is $38,832,000 with the maximum county increment contribution totaling $7,448,000. Projects include Hale Ave, Whelen Rd., Turner Rd., Theme Rd., Nixon Rd. reconstruction, water line installation and upgrades, fire hydrants, sewer lines, force mains, and accompanying design and appurtenances.
City of Harlingen “West Spur 54” TIRZ#3, approved by the City Commission on June 21, 2006. Approved by the County Commissioners Court on July 19, 2012. Term is 15-years ending December 31, 2027. Participation is 100% of tax of increased value. Total projected contributions is $24,340,000 with the maximum county increment contribution totaling $4,710,000. Projects include land purchased for the Harlingen Convention Center, Road improvements to Teege Ave, Brazil Rd., Palm Crt., Tucker Rd., water line improvements and extensions, fire hydrants, and sewer improvements to Chester Park Rd., Rudd Rd., Teege Ave., Spur 54, Lincoln Ave., Bothwell Rd., and Midlane Drive including design costs and sewer appurtenances.
SAN BENITO TIRZ #1
Approved by City Commission on January 13, 2009. Approved by County Commissioners on July 9, 2009, Contract Nbr. 2009C07255. Term for 14 years ending September 1, 2023. County participation is 100% of tax on increase value. Total estimated revenues $9,538,000 with maximum county participation capped at $4,308,930. Parcels included are not contiguous being spread all over the city. Projects include Land Acquisition & Parking Improvements, Utility Relocations, Sewer System Enhancements, Street Reconstruction, Right of Way Acquisition, New Arterial & Collector Streets, Historic Preservation, Drainage Improvements, Municipal Fire Station, Municipal Museum, Airport Property Improvements, Sewer and Water Distribution Enhancements, Park Improvements, Economic Development Incentives totaling $48,250,000
LOS FRESNOS TIRZ #1
Approved by City Commission on December 17, 2013. Approved by County Commissioners on May 8, 2014, Contract Number 2014C05185. Term for 15 years ending December 31, 2029. County participation is 100% of tax on increase value. Total estimated revenues $8,447,935 with maximum county participation capped at $2,508,430. Projects include Street Extensions Commercial Development, Waterline Extensions Commercial Development, Matching Funds State and Federal Programs, Street Extensions & New Street Construction, Multifamily Construction, Sewer System Improvements, Water System Improvements, Park Construction and Improvements, Street Reconstruction Including Whipple Road and Henderson Road, and Drainage Improvements all totaling $34,733,367
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND TIRZ #1
Approved by City Commission on January 13, 2013. Approved by County Commissioners on May 8, 2016, Contract Nbr. 2016C03068. Term for 11 years ending December 31, 2026. County participation is 75% of tax on increase value. Total estimated revenues $8,207,478 with maximum county participation capped at $3,908,271. Projects include Padre Boulevard, Sidewalks, Drainage, Landscaping, Medians, and Utilities all totaling $12,500,000
LA FERIA TIRZ #1
Approved by City Commission on March 25, 2008. Approved by County Commissioners on May 6, 2008, Contract Nbr. 2008C05150. Term for 29 years ending December 31, 2036. County participation is 50% of tax on increase value. Total estimated revenues $26,990,018 with maximum county participation capped at $5,294,078. Projects include Land Acquisition, Sewer Plant expansion, sewer line extension, drainage improvements, Economic Development Incentives, Destination Recreational Facilities, Regional Parks, Swimming Facilities, Public Safety Facilities, Municipal Facilities, Educational/Job-training Facilities and Residential Development Incentives all totaling $51,450,000.
PORT ISABEL TIRZ PIPID#1
Approved by City Commission on February 15, 2012. Approved by County Commissioners on December 20, 2012, Contract Nbr. 2012C12544. Term for 15 years ending December 31, 2027. County participation is 100% of tax on increase value. Total estimated revenues $8,329,049 with maximum county participation capped at $2,632,475. Projects include construction of Boulevard Port Road to Hwy 48, Street, Water, and Sewer Extensions, Multi-Family Property Acquisition, Streetscape Hwy 100, Public Housing Enhancements, and Public Facilities totaling $13,375,000.
PORT ISABEL TIRZ #1 (Modern Venice)
Approved by City Commission on August 16, 2011. Approved by County Commissioners on July 11, 2017 Contract Nbr. 2017. Term for 26 years ending December 31, 2042. County participation is 75% of tax on increase value. Total estimated revenues $16,739,067 with maximum county participation capped at $4,995,893. Projects include construction of seawalls, streets, tide breakwater structure, dredging, sewer lines and lift station, engineering, water lines, street landscaping, and paving totaling $16,945,000.
SBA 504 LOAN PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The SBA 504 Loan Program offers affordable, long-term financing to help small businesses grow through the purchase, construction, or improvement of fixed assets like commercial real estate and equipment. This program is ideal for expanding or modernizing operations while preserving cash flow. In 2024, the SBA guaranteed approximately $6.6 billion in 504 loans.
How It Works
The SBA 504 Loan is a partnership between three parties:
- Conventional Lender: Funds 50% of the project.
- Certified Development Company (CDC): Provides up to 40% (e.g., Business Development Fund of Texas).
- Borrower: Contributes 10% down (15% for startups or special-purpose properties).
Key Features
- Fixed-Rate Financing: Competitive, long-term fixed rates.
- Loan Limits: Borrow up to $5.5 million for eligible projects.
- Eligible Uses: Real estate purchase or construction, equipment acquisition, facility upgrades, or adding energy-efficient improvements.
- Restrictions: Funds cannot be used for working capital or inventory.
Ready to grow your business? Contact us to learn how the SBA 504 Loan Program can help you achieve your goals!
CAMERON COUNTY ECONOMIC ASSETS
LOCATION
Cameron County is located at the tip of Texas, bordering Mexico to the South, and the Gulf of Mexico to the East. This is the heart of North American Supply Chain for numerous industries, with Cameron County Ports of Entry moving over $21 billion value in trade*. The location on the Rio Grande Delta offers unique opportunities for businesses and people alike, from Aerospace, Manufacturing and Transportation, to Tourism and Agriculture. The area is known for its rich history and unique culture, which combines the American and Mexican traditions and flavors.
CLIMATE
Cameron County Climate varies from humid Subtropical Climate on the coast, to Semi-arid Climate further inland. Winters are short and mild. Sunny days average 227 a year (U.S. avg. is 205).
COST OF LIVING
Cameron County Cost of Living Index is 74.9, 100 being the U.S. Average. This Index is based on the Cost of Housing, Food, Childcare, Transportation, Healthcare, Taxes, and Other Necessities. Median cost for a home is 51.3 % less than the National Average, and rent for a two-bedroom apartment is 37.8% more affordable than the National Average.**
WORKFORCE
Cameron County workforce is young, growing and eager to work. 2023 Census Bureau Estimate for Median Age of the Cameron County Population was 33. In 2023 the Unemployment Rate was 5.4%.
CROSSINGS
There are five (5) International Bridges connecting Cameron County with Mexico. Three (3) of them, including the one (1) railway crossing, cover commercial transportations. All these crossings are with close proximity to Foreign Trade Zone No. 62, administered by the Port of Brownsville. This Foreign Trade Zone Ranks Number 2 in the U.S. for Value of Exports with more than $8.2 billion in exported goods in 2022, an increase from the $5.2 billion reported in 2021***.
SEA PORTS
Port of Brownsville – The only deep-water port on U.S.-Mexico border – and two Intra-coastal Canal Ports at Port of Harlingen and Port Isabel-San Benito Navigation District.
AIRPORTS
There are three long-runway airports; Commercial Airports Valley International (9,400 ft.) and Brownsville/South Padre Island International (7,399 ft), and the Cameron County General Aviation Airport located just north of Laguna Vista (8,001 ft).
ECONOMIC INCENTIVES
Freeport Tax Exemptions (Sections 11.251, 11.437 and 11.253, Tax Code and Article 8, Sec. 1-j of the Texas Constitution), Tax Abatements (Tax Code Chapter 312), Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (Tax Code, Chapter 311), 16 Opportunity Zones(Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017) and Foreign Trade Zone #62 ((19 U.S.C. 81a-81u), and (15 CFR part 400)).
Sources:
* https://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot/gov/trade-transportation-activities.pdf
**https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/county/texas/Cameron
*** https://www.portofbrownsville.com/a-magnet-for-trade-foreign-trade-zone-no-62-eclipses-10-billion-in-combined-value-of-exported-and-imported-goods/
