Commission approves first reading to create Estrella Reinvestment Zone covering master-planned community

The Brownsville City Commission on July 7 approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 2026-1809 to create the Estrella Reinvestment Zone, a proposed master-planned community north of the toll road that city staff said would include housing, commercial space, schools, parks and more than 30 miles of trails.

City staff described the project as a roughly 898-acre component of the zone, with the ordinance text describing approximately 1,021.48 acres, and said build-out could generate a multi‑billion‑dollar taxable base. The TIRZ proposal seeks a 30‑year tax increment arrangement at 50% of incremental tax for the zone, which staff estimated would yield a significant portion of project infrastructure funding.

“We anticipate a taxable value of over $2 billion at full build-up,” the staff presenter said, describing planned amenities including a community center, lakes, sports fields and a network of hike‑and‑bike trails that would tie into the Palo Alto Battlefield trail.

Supporters on the dais stressed the expected economic benefits and job creation tied to the development. Commission discussion focused on the usual next steps for a petition‑created TIRZ, including the required board composition; staff clarified the developer-related composition of the initial board, county and legislative representative seats, and that most board actions would still come to the commission for approval.

After closing the public hearing, the commission moved and seconded the ordinance first reading and voted to approve the measure. The motion carried on the record as 5–0.

The ordinance establishes the Reinvestment Zone’s boundaries, creates a board of directors for the zone and creates the tax increment fund; it also sets an effective start and a termination date for the zone. Because the item was approved on first reading, further hearings or final readings remain on the commission calendar as required by city procedure.