Overview
TIRZ stands for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone — a special district where property tax growth is captured and reinvested into the district rather than going to the city's general fund. Houston has 27 active TIRZ zones. They fund streetscapes, drainage, parks, affordable housing, and infrastructure improvements in targeted areas.
Each TIRZ has its own board that meets regularly and makes spending decisions. These meetings are public.
Source: City of Houston TIRZ Program; Texas Tax Code Chapter 311
The Framework
Key Ideas
How a TIRZ works:
- A zone is designated by City Council
- The property values in the zone are frozen at a 'base year'
- As property values grow above that base, the increment (the growth in tax revenue) goes to the TIRZ instead of the general fund
- The TIRZ board decides how to spend that money within the zone
What TIRZ funds pay for: Roads, sidewalks, drainage, parks, affordable housing, public facilities, environmental remediation, and utility improvements within the zone.
Why this matters: TIRZ boards make real spending decisions about your neighborhood infrastructure. If you live in a TIRZ zone, this board controls millions of dollars that affect your streets, your parks, and your property values.
Source: City of Houston; Texas Tax Code Ch. 311
Put It Into Practice
Practice
- Check if you live in a TIRZ at houstontx.gov/ecodev/tirz
- Find your TIRZ board's meeting schedule on the city website or by calling 832-393-0600
- Attend meetings — most meet monthly or quarterly. Public comment is available.
- Ask your Council Member which TIRZ projects are planned for your area
Resources
About the source
- Houston TIRZ program: houstontx.gov/ecodev/tirz
- Economic Development: 832-393-0600
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