Our firm has been involved in developing and growing the Texas economy, from the early days of oil and gas, through the emergence of research and technology as new diverse foundations of the Texas economy. We have been actively engaged in developing State policies - tax policies and incentives, public education policies, and laws governing cities - that are crucial to the success of enterprises that produce jobs and revenue for Texas and communities throughout Texas.

Our economic development credentials are grounded in our extensive experience in governmental relations and legislative work; our work for local governmental entities, including school districts; our corporate and business transactions work; our electric energy regulatory and transactional work and our stature as a law firm with a proven commitment to developing the Texas economy.

Our capabilities and experience include:

• Advise businesses on the availability and applicability of economic development incentives, including the Texas Enterprise Fund, Texas Emerging Technology Fund, Texas Enterprise Zone Program, Texas Skills Development Fund, Texas Capital Fund, and local property tax abatements and value limitations. Analyze and recommend incentives in the context of overall tax strategy.
• Represent businesses in applying for and negotiating incentives with cities, counties, school districts, and the State of Texas. Develop and draft contracts that capture terms of incentive agreements.
• Negotiate maximum property tax abatement and value limitation allowed by law, including negotiations for a $2 billion energy facility in Texas.
• Negotiate retail and wholesale power agreements, cogeneration agreements, and incentive agreements for clients involved in alternative and diversified energy resource industries. Extensive regulatory experience before the Public Utility Commission in certification, construction and transmission, and generation, including representation in CREZ proceedings to expand the State’s transmission infrastructure.
• Represent clients on environmental, regulatory and compliance requirements that affect the feasibility and costs of projects.
• Represent a broad range of target industries for the State in economic development including oil and gas, alternative energy resources, electric transmission, technology, and research and development.
• Represent clients on either side of the equation: economic development projects; corporations and new business ventures, and local governments (city, county, school districts).

Publications in this Area:

• Texas Improves Film Incentive Program - January, 2010
• Senate Bill 1515 Opens “Events Trust Fund” Opportunities to Smaller Communities - January, 2010
• Texas Economic Development Laws Under Scrutiny by Interim Committees - January, 2010