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H-GAC and the GCEDD host workshops on Economic Development for communities across the region. Check back here for upcoming events or to download information about past events.
Bringing Back Main Street Roundtables and Workshops
This roundtable and workshop series provides tips small cities and towns can use to create an economically-vibrant Main Street, featuring presentations by experts from throughout Texas.
EDA American Rescue Plan Act Grants
Gulf Coast Economic Development District and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) provided information about funding opportunities through the EDA American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants program and how to prepare an application for the Investing in America’s Communities challenges. The webinar was led by Jason Wilson, Economic Development Representative for the EDA Austin Regional Office, and Jillian Donatto, Senior Planner at the Houston-Galveston Area Council.
Broadband Planning
Whether it’s for business, education, or personal use, high-speed internet service, or broadband, is increasingly critical infrastructure for cities and residents. H-GAC’s Regional Broadband Initiative supports expanding access to high-speed internet and increasing adoption of internet service or devices in the 13-county Houston-Galveston region.
Broadband Planning Website Launch Event
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On May 13, 2021 H-GAC launched a new broadband planning website.
The site will help communities understand where residents lack access to high-speed internet and where the adoption of existing internet is limited.
The site includes eligibility maps and detailed information on federal grants and loan programs for broadband expansion.
At the event, expert speakers from CTC Technology and Energy, Connected Nation, and NRTC Rural Utilities Cooperative introduced current federal funding sources and potential partners for local governments. The City of Dayton shared the story of their new municipally owned broadband network: DayNet.
Presentations
Heather Mills, Vice President Grant & Funding Strategies, CTC Technology and Energy
Charles Spann, Director, Engineering & Technical Services, Connected Nation
Greg Santoro, SVP Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer, NRTC Rural Utilities Coop
Theo Melancon, City Manager, City of Dayton
Economic Development Administration CARES Act
In 2020, the Economic Development Administration provided $268 million in grant funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to support job creation and bolster economic recovery.
H-GAC EDA CARES Act Grant Webinar
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At H-GAC's webinar on June 18, 2020, with the U.S. Economic Development Administration, participants learned how their communities could access this grant funding for economic recovery.
Presentations
Opportunity Zones
Opportunity Zones are a tax incentive created in 2017 to spur investment in designated low-income census tracts. Taxpayers can reduce or eliminate capital gains through qualified investments in businesses or real estate within an Opportunity Zone. Attracting investments to the region’s Opportunity Zones will speed the long-term economic recovery of our communities.
Opportunity Zones Summit
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H-GAC, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and the International Economic Development hosted an Opportunity Zones Summit on August 19, 2019.
Summit participants:
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Learned about the rules and regulations governing Opportunity Zones
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Learned to identify criteria for potential Opportunity Zone projects in their community
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Learned what Opportunity Zones investors are seeking
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Learned how to develop a prospectus and market their project to investors