With COVID-19 infections continuing and barring the development and widespread distribution of a vaccine within the next three months, all signs point towards a 2021 state legislative session with restrictions on hearings, visitors and even bill filings. Despite the restrictions, a top priority for the Texas Legislature should be continuing the state’s most important economic development legislation – Chapter 313. Creating Jobs and Economic Impact Chapter 313, also known as the Texas Economic Development Act, was created in 2001 as a way to offset Texas’ relatively high property tax rates, lure large-scale capital investment, and compete with other states and countries. Despite its reputation as a low-tax state, Texas property taxes on industrial facilities are the third highest in the nation and 65% above the national average. Industrial and manufacturing companies are high-demand and high-growth, with an average annual salary of $89,685. Nearly 235,000 people work in the manufacturing industry in just the Houston region. Over $119 billion in capital investments in Texas are tied to the Chapter 313 program, with billions more planned. Keeping these projects in Texas powers our state and regional economies.  How the Program Works The Chapter 313 program provides a 10-year school property tax limitation (the largest allocation of property taxes) on new facilities which might otherwise not have come to Texas without the incentive. The program requires oversight from school districts and the Texas Comptroller. Projects pay the full amount in city and county property and sales taxes, and after the 10-year limitation is up, pay the full property tax limitation. Meanwhile, employees are paid a high average salary and contribute to the local economy. Suppliers and service businesses catering to the employees also add to the economic growth.  Requiring Reauthorization This Session The Chapter 313 program is scheduled to expire in 2022. If it is not reauthorized, Texas will lose its most valuable tool to attract businesses which might otherwise go elsewhere. The Partnership is working closely with a coalition of chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, businesses and policy organizations to ensure this need is addressed during the 87th Legislative Session. We encourage everyone who wishes to see the Texas economy remain competitive join the coalition at https://keeptexasfirst.com. For more information about Texas economic development policy issues, please contact Steven Will (Manager, Public Policy). And learn more about why companies choose Houston.   

HOUSTON (September 24, 2020) – After conducting an extensive national search, the Greater Houston Partnership is pleased to announce the appointment of Katie Pryor as the organization’s new Chief Development Officer (CDO) and Senior Vice President of Membership Engagement.  Pryor previously served as the Executive Director and Senior Vice President of the Greater Houston Market for the American Heart Association. Prior to this position, she has served in several local and national fundraising positions for AHA and the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. “Katie brings a breadth of major corporate development leadership experience that will help her jump into the Partnership at a critical time for the organization," said Bob Harvey, president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership. “Like many other member organizations and non-profits, we are reinventing ourselves in the virtual space and Katie will champion those efforts.” In her new role, Pryor will oversee the Partnership’s Member Engagement Division, which includes membership acquisition and retention, events and programs, and capital campaign fundraising efforts. “I am thrilled to be stepping into this role to advance the Partnership’s mission through membership and key fundraising initiatives,” said Pryor. “It’s clear that Partnership members value the organization’s role in convening leaders to consider key issues impacting our region. I’m excited to join the organization at this critical time and I look forward to working with the Partnership’s Board of Directors, Executive Committee and our 1,100 member companies.” Pryor replaces Susan Asimakis, who is retiring after 21 year of service at the Partnership.  A native of Humble, Pryor is a graduate of Texas Tech University. She assumed her new role at the Partnership on September 21, 2020.  ### Greater Houston Partnership The Greater Houston Partnership works to make Houston one of the best places to live, work and build a business. As the economic development organization for the Houston region, the Partnership champions growth across 12 counties by bringing together business and civic-minded leaders who are dedicated to the area’s long-term success. Representing 1,100 member organizations and approximately one-fifth of the region’s workforce, the Partnership is the place business leaders come together to make an impact. Learn more at Houston.org. A.J. Mistretta Vice President, Communications          (c) 504-450-3516 | amistretta@houston.org Maggie Martin  Senior Manager, Communications          (c) 832-690-0206 | mmartin@houston.org