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 City has historically utilized Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ) as a powerful vehicle to develop and redevelop qualified projects based on City goals and objectives.

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.

Equip Harlingen is a small business matching grant program offered by the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation that provides up to Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000) for new equipment purchases for businesses that are looking to expand their production capabilities.

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 US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration has programs available to HEDC that could help offset costs associated with new projects creating manufacturing jobs and increasing private investment. HEDC has been willing to help companies through these programs.

An Opportunity Zone is an economically-distressed community where private investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for capital gain tax incentives. Harlingen has several census tracts designated as opportunity zones.

Economic Development & Diversification In-State Tuition for Employees is a program that allows employees—and those employees’ family members—of a qualified business considering a relocation or expansion of its operations in the State of Texas to pay in-state tuition rates at public institutions of higher education in the state without first establishing residency.

Established by the 74th Legislature in 1995, The Skills Development Fund was designed to better utilize the public community and technical college system in Texas as well as other training organizations and have them partner with businesses throughout the state (with priority on small businesses) to train workers to meet the labor needs of employers and the regional labor market.