Incentives
The City of Rockdale offers business development incentives to prospective businesses including property tax abatements, Chapter 380 sales tax incentive agreements, and negotiated city permits and fees.
Municipal Development District
The Rockdale Municipal Development District may assist in the acquisition of land or construction expenses associated with a new business venture that creates primary jobs.
Facade and Infrastructure Improvement Incentive Program
The Rockdale Municipal Development District has implemented a city-wide facade and Infrastructure improvement incentive program for businesses. The Municipal Development District will match eligible facade improvement projects on a dollar-for-dollar basis, up to $10,000.00.
Program Goals;
- Revitalize and improve the appearance of Rockdale buildings to positively impact the aesthetics, marketability, and perception of the City of Rockdale and its ETJ
- Serve as a catalyst for continued private sector investment through visible improvements
- Offer the private sector an incentive program to invest in Rockdale buildings
A copy of the program including program description, program goals, eligible applicants, eligible costs and improvements, design requirements, funding availability, and application form can be downloaded here.
Chapter 380 Agreements
Chapter 380 of the Texas Local Government Code allows Texas municipalities to provide a grant or a loan of city funds or services to promote economic development. A Chapter 380 development agreement bypasses the need for upfront government incentives and kicks in only when a project is operating, thereby avoiding the prospect of a failed development taking incentive dollars.
Under a Chapter 380 agreement, a developer and taxing body negotiate a contract to provide sales tax incentives in return for the project meeting performance benchmarks. The agreement should help the business offset some costs associated with construction and infrastructure.
Projects will be evaluated individually. The maximum sales tax rebate granted, by law, will be 50%. The rebate must be put into approved infrastructure improvements on the property.
For a copy of the Chapter 380 application form in Word format, email citysecretary@rockdalecityhall.com and a copy will be emailed to you. A pdf version of the application form can be downloaded from this website.
Under a Chapter 380 agreement, a developer and taxing body negotiate a contract to provide sales tax incentives in return for the project meeting performance benchmarks. The agreement should help the business offset some costs associated with construction and infrastructure.
Projects will be evaluated individually. The maximum sales tax rebate granted, by law, will be 50%. The rebate must be put into approved infrastructure improvements on the property.
For a copy of the Chapter 380 application form in Word format, email citysecretary@rockdalecityhall.com and a copy will be emailed to you. A pdf version of the application form can be downloaded from this website.
Tax Abatement
On February 11, 2013 the City Council adopted an ordinance establishing guidelines, criteria and rprocedures governing tax abatement agreements. Download a copyof the guidelines, criteria and procedures.
To download an application click here.
Expedited Development Process
The City of Rockdale can expedite permit applications, plats or re-plats and governing body approval to assist businesses which are expanding or are considering locating to Rockdale.
Texas Department of Agriculture Grants
The Texas Department of Agriculture has a variety of grants and services available that can assist with new businesses and existing businesses.
Texas Emerging Technology Fund
The Texas Emerging Technology Fund provides grants for research at Texas universities, assist companies with new technology and expedite innovative products into the marketplace.
Texas Enterprise Fund
The Texas Enterprise Fund provide incentives to companies which are also considering viable locations out-of-state. The fund is used only as a final incentive tool where a single Texas site is competing with another viable out-of-state option. Additionally, the TEF will only be considered to help close a deal that already has significant local support behind it from a prospective Texas community.
Texas PACE Program
TX-PACE is an innovative financing program that incentivizes owners of commercial (including nonprofit, retail, healthcare and hospitality), industrial (including manufacturing and agricultural), and multifamily residential properties (with five or more dwelling units) to obtain low-cost, long-term financing for water conservation, energy-efficiency, renewable, and resilience retrofits.
- TX-PACE programs enable owners to lower their operating costs and use the savings to pay for eligible projects.
- Owners gain access to private, affordable, long-term (typically 10-20 years) financing that is not available through traditional funding avenues.
The PACE Act authorizes municipalities and counties in Texas to work with private sector lenders and property owners to finance qualified improvements using contractual assessments (similar to a sidewalk or sewer assessment) voluntarily imposed on the property by the owner. In exchange for funds provided by a private lender to pay for the improvements, the property owner voluntarily requests that the local government place an assessment secured with a senior lien on the property until the assessment is paid in full.
To learn more about Texas PACE program or submit an application, please contact Texas PACE Authority via email or phone at 1-855-738-PACE (7223) or visit their Website for additional information.
