Commissioners court backs nonbinding MOU to keep Houston Texans facilities in northwest Harris County

The Commissioners Court unanimously directed the Office of County Administration to execute a nonbinding memorandum of understanding with the Houston Texans and the Howard Hughes Corporation, a motion described by sponsors as an effort to "keep our Texans here at home" and spur major economic development in northwest Harris County. Commissioners Briones and Ramsey said the partnership would prioritize local jobs, apprenticeships and infrastructure and create a county services hub in a fast-growing corridor.

Commissioner Briones told the court the project "will create good paying jobs" and tied public funding to county policies on worker wages and safety. Commissioner Ellis cautioned that incentives and abatements must be handled consistently across projects, but supported moving the aspirational MOU forward. The court voted to instruct OCA to continue negotiations and return with a definitive agreement consistent with the MOU’s framework.

Supporters said the MOU aims to catalyze long-term private investment and targeted county services; critics in prior public comment sessions urged careful review of abatement terms. Commissioners asked staff to ensure interoffice representation in negotiations and to return with details before any binding commitments.