RECOMMENDATION
(Summary) A motion to set a public hearing date for December 9, 2020, regarding proposed amendments to the City’s tax abatement ordinance relating to green stormwater infrastructure and LEED projects.
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:
Pursuant to Chapter 312 of the Texas Tax Code, the City has created the City of Houston Tax Abatement Program, which is codified in Article IV, Chapter 44 of the City Code (Tax Abatement Ordinance).
Pursuant to Texas Tax Code Section 312.002(c-1), before City Council can consider the adoption, amendment, repeal, or reauthorization of the City’s tax abatement guidelines and criteria, which are codified in the Tax Abatement Ordinance, City Council must hold a public hearing regarding the proposed adoption, amendment, repeal, or reauthorization at which members of the public are given the opportunity to be heard. Pursuant to a series of recommendations to encourage green development in the private sector and a City Council budget amendment passed in June 2020, the proposed amendments to the Tax Abatement Ordinance will establish a green stormwater infrastructure tax abatement and make modifications to the LEED tax abatement program.
The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development recommends that City Council adopt a motion to establish a public hearing date of December 9, 2020, to satisfy the public hearing requirement for amendment of the Tax Abatement Ordinance. An ordinance amending the Tax Abatement Ordinance will be presented to City Council for consideration at a subsequent City Council meeting.
_____________________________________
Andy Icken, Chief Development Officer