The City of Harlingen currently has three active TIRZ, each established to support strategic growth and infrastructure investment across the community.

The program provides financial assistance up to $10,000 for improvements to eligible commercial businesses or property owners for eligible renovation costs that have occurred or will occur from October 1, 2024, through August 31, 2025, subject to the terms of the grant and final approval from the Board of Directors and the City Commission.

The program provides up to $1,500 in matching funds for small businesses expanding their production capabilities through strategic marketing efforts. This initiative aims to enhance business visibility, improve customer engagement, boost sales, strengthen brand recognition, and foster economic growth within Harlingen, Texas.

Qualifying businesses considering locate in Harlingen have the opportunity to apply for a property tax abatement on new value created as a result of a large industrial project. 

Available to projects that create over 50 full-time jobs.

Available for specific off-site improvements for qualified projects.

For qualified projects, HEDC may subsidize a portion or all of the cost of the land for a greenfield development. These types of grants are usually for large industrial projects with big job creation numbers.

Section 11.251 of the Tax Code provides for a freeport exemption applying to goods, wares, ores and merchandise other than oil, gas and petroleum products (defined as liquid and gaseous materials immediately derived from refining petroleum or natural gas) and to aircraft or repair parts used by a certificated air carrier.

HEDC can assist in the cost of applying for state funding programs such as the Enterprise Fund, Enterprise Zone Project, or Chapter 313 impact studies for qualified projects.

The City of Harlingen and the State of Texas both offer great incentives for expanding and relocating business.

HEDC may be willing to develop new programs for qualified businesses subject to meeting statutory requirements.

Chapter 380 of the Texas Local Government Code allows Harlingen to offer a range of incentives for economic development, including the ability to rebate some of the city's portion of the 1.0% sales and use tax collected from business entities located in the jurisdiction.

HEDC may participate in job training programs by providing matching grants for Texas Workforce Commission programs.

The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) has partnered with PeopleFund to launch a revolving loan fund that will provide $2 million in loan capital for eligible small businesses located within the Harlingen city limits.