Brownsville, Cameron County expand downtown development zone as riverfront proposal remains pending

The City of Brownsville and Cameron County have expanded a downtown tax increment reinvestment zone as officials prepare for potential redevelopment along the city’s riverfront — though no formal project proposal has been submitted.

City and county officials said March 4 they are still awaiting a complete development proposal from LandGrant Development, a real estate advisory and development firm that has previously expressed interest in redeveloping property along the Brownsville riverfront. 

“At this time, however, both the City and County are awaiting a formal written request and a complete development proposal from LandGrant Development,” according to a joint statement from the city and county. 

Officials said that while communication has occurred with the development team, neither entity has received finalized materials outlining project details, financing plans, or potential public-private partnership terms. 

As a result, there is currently no development agreement under review and no official project details that can be confirmed, the statement said. 

Expanded development zone

The announcement follows the recent expansion of Downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 3, which now stretches from Sam Perl Boulevard to the Gladys Porter Zoo.

Tax increment reinvestment zones, commonly known as TIRZ districts, allow cities and counties to capture future increases in property tax revenue within a defined area and reinvest that revenue into infrastructure and redevelopment projects.

Brownsville and Cameron County said the expanded zone is intended to support long-term investment in downtown and create a framework for funding public improvements and redevelopment initiatives.

The two entities have agreed to collaborate on infrastructure and public improvement projects within the zone’s boundaries as part of broader downtown development efforts. 

Riverfront interest

LandGrant Development has expressed interest in redeveloping property along the Brownsville riverfront for more than a decade, according to the city.

The developer previously indicated that inclusion within a downtown TIRZ would be an important component of the project’s financial structure. 

With the recent expansion of TIRZ No. 3 and Cameron County’s participation in the district, such inclusion could now be considered should a formal development proposal be submitted, officials said.

City leaders also said the expansion aligns with the city’s upcoming Downtown Renaissance Master Plan, which focuses on downtown revitalization, housing, mobility, historic preservation, and economic development. 

Officials said additional details would be made public if and when a complete proposal is submitted for review.