Houston runs 26 Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones — called TIRZs — that take a portion of rising property tax revenue and spend it locally on roads, drainage, parks, and more. Appointed boards make those spending decisions at public meetings you are welcome to attend. This guide walks you through what happens at a TIRZ board meeting and how to make your voice count.
At a TIRZ meeting, an appointed board votes on capital projects (road rebuilds, drainage upgrades, streetscaping), development incentives, affordable housing programs, annual budgets, and construction contracts. Most boards meet monthly. Meetings are free, open to the public, and usually run one to two hours. Locations vary — some meet at City Hall, others at community centers inside the zone.
Start by finding out whether you live inside a TIRZ. A map is available at houstontx.gov/ecodev/tirz.html. Once you know your zone, look up its meeting schedule on the Houston Granicus portal at houston.granicus.com or your TIRZ's own website. Read the agenda before you go so you know what the board will discuss. At the meeting, state your name and address when you give public comment — mentioning that you live within the zone carries real weight. Be specific: name the street or project you care about and say clearly what you are asking the board to do. Bringing a few neighbors multiplies your impact. After the meeting, follow up with your City Council Member if you have concerns about board appointments or spending priorities.
No fixed date
Not location-specific
TIRZ spending often overlaps with other city priorities. If you have already called 311 about a drainage or road problem without results, a TIRZ meeting may be a more direct route — especially if the issue falls inside your zone. Your City Council Member also plays a role: they appoint TIRZ board members and can help escalate concerns about spending priorities.
TIRZ boards control serious money — sometimes tens of millions of dollars — that goes toward the infrastructure in your neighborhood. Because these meetings are small and low-profile, showing up gives you far more influence than you might expect. If a road, drainage ditch, or park near you needs attention, this may be the most direct path to getting it fixed.
