Houston Economic Development Committee to Review Main Street Promenade and Tax Abatements Today

City Officials Convene for Key Economic Development Session

The Houston City Council’s Committee on Economic Development is scheduled to meet today, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, to deliberate on several initiatives aimed at revitalizing the downtown area and incentivizing local business growth. The session, chaired by Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum and Vice Chair Fred Flickinger, is set to begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Anna Russell Council Chamber at City Hall.

Main Street Promenade and Outdoor Dining Guidelines

A primary focus of today’s agenda is the presentation of the Main Street Promenade Outdoor Dining Design Guidelines. Cassie Hoeprich, the Director of Planning and Economic Development for Downtown Houston+, will present the proposal to committee members. This project is part of a broader effort to transform portions of Main Street into a more pedestrian-friendly environment that supports vibrant outdoor dining and retail activity. The proposed guidelines are expected to establish a unified aesthetic and safety standard for businesses looking to expand their footprint onto the promenade, ensuring that the area remains accessible and attractive to both residents and visitors.

Tax Abatement Proposals and Business Incentives

Following the discussion on the promenade, the committee will review a new Tax Abatement Proposal presented by Andrew Busker, a Senior Staff Analyst from the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. This proposal aligns with the administration’s stated goals of fostering a competitive business environment without placing an undue burden on local taxpayers. The committee will examine how these abatements might be leveraged to attract new industries to the city and encourage existing businesses to expand their operations within Houston’s city limits.

Public Engagement and Governance

In addition to the formal presentations, the meeting will include a period for public comments. Residents and business owners who signed up prior to the session will have the opportunity to address the committee regarding these economic initiatives. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, allowing committee members to participate either in person or virtually, while the proceedings are broadcast live to the public. Today's session follows Mayor John Whitmire’s recent State of the City address, where he emphasized a vision for a stronger Houston built through collaboration, public safety, and strategic infrastructure investment.

• Meeting Time: 2:00 P.M.
• Location: Anna Russell Council Chamber, 901 Bagby Street
• Agenda Items: Main Street Promenade Design, Tax Abatement Proposal, and Public Comment