Brownsville is not a city but a unique blend of innovation and progress, with a strong focus on economic development and growth. it stands as the final frontier of the Rio Grande Valley.
Thanks to its unique combination of natural resources, infrastructure and incentives, Brownsville’s potential as a hub for industry and commerce is not just a possibility but a promise.
One key driver of the economic growth is its youthful and dynamic workforce. With an average age of 29 the city's workforce is not just young, but is also highly skilled and eager to contribute to the local economy. The ‘We Grow Our Own 2.0’ initiative launched by GBIC aims to bridge the workforce gap by connecting industry partners with this local talent. This initiative has partnered with institutions like the Workforce Solutions and the Texas Workforce Commission to offer training and up-skilling to ensure that the local workers have the skills they need to succeed in this modern workforce.
In addition to its workforce, Brownsville also boasts a range of infrastructure and amenities that make it an attractive location for businesses. The city’s one stop shop for water, wastewater, energy, and utilities - the PUB or Brownsville Public Utilities Board - is a major draw for companies looking to establish operations in this area. This unique utility setup streamlines the operations and reduces the cost, and making it easier (for a business) to get up and start running quickly.
Brownsville also offers a range of incentives to attract and retain businesses. The city's Jobs Creation Incentive Fund and the Job Training Incentive Fund provides financial support for companies that create new jobs or invest in workforce development. The Chapter 380 and Chapter 381 economic development programs offer additional incentives, including tax breaks and infrastructure support to businesses that locate or expand in this area.
At the state and federal level, Brownsville has access to various incentives designed to support economic development. The Texas Enterprise Fund, for example, awards deal closing grants to companies considering a new project when one Texas site competes with another from out of state. The Texas Enterprise Zone Program is a state sales and user tax refund program designed to encourage private investment and job creation in an economically depressed area. The Recruit Texas program works through public community or technical colleges or universities and provides intensive and rapid response to, and support services for, employers expanding or relocating operations to Texas.
Brownsville is not just a city but a canvas of potential growth and development with a strong focus on innovation, infrastructure and incentives. It offers a unique combination of resources and opportunities. Whether you're a startup or an established business, Brownsville's future is bright, making it an attractive location for companies looking to establish or expand operations in this region.
The city's potential for growth and development is a reason for optimism and hope, and the Greater Brownsville incentive Corporation, or GBIC, continues to promote economic growth in the southern most region of Texas. It's clear that the city is not just growing but growing smart. It is committed to empowering a young and skilled workforce, ensuring a bright future for the city.
This commitment should reassure you about the city's future. With its unique combination of natural resources, infrastructure and incentives, Brownsville is well positioned to become a central hub for industry and commerce in the years to come.
Editor's Note: The above commentary was provided by Dr. Joe Hinojosa, vice chairman of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, at a recent Rio Grande Valley Partnership "Commercialization and Investment Tour" event. The reception at which he spoke was held at GBIC's offices on East St. Charles Street in Brownsville.
