Message from the CEO
The reporting period from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025 has been a year of powerful momentum for the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation and for our city. Brownsville is no longer just competing, it’s winning. With transformational announcements, new facilities under construction, and expanding opportunities for our workforce, our community is solidifying its position as one of the most dynamic economic growth stories in Texas... continue reading.
Gilberto Salinas
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Message from the Chairman
The wheels of economic development in Brownsville, Texas are turning rapidly. The Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation has strategically and intentionally positioned our city on the world stage. This past year has marked an important chapter for Brownsville, and as Chairman of the GBIC Board, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand the collaboration that fuels our progress. Let us not forget that together with our community partners, we can and will achieve great things... continue reading.
Ben Peña
Board of Directors Chairman
Board of Directors
Gerardo Gonzalez,
Vice Chairman
Francisco Orozco,
Treasurer
Anna Oquin,
Secretary
Ankjaer Jensen,
Board Member
Antonio M. Bernus,
Board Member
Dr. Joe Hinojosa,
Board Member
3,288
Jobs Created in 2025
31,798,800
Total Square Footage Under Development
$177,216,759
Investment Attraction
Big Investments and Business Wins
Strategic investments and landmark achievements that are transforming Brownsville's economic landscape
7,116
Jobs Committed to be Added in 2026
Target Industries by Investment
19 to 1
Capital Investment Leverage
(For every $1 GBIC spent, $19 was invested)
25
Count of
Businesses Retained
Linde
Amazon Delivery Station
Greater Brownsville Tech District
Superior GHQ Inc.
Brownsville at a Glance
Brownsville’s cultural environment, rooted in its vibrant festivals, artistic energy, and rich heritage, is evolving alongside rapid economic transformation. With growing investments in the Greater Brownsville Tech District, SpaceX operations, and LNG projects, the city is emerging as a key driver economic progress.
431,874
Total Population (Brownsville-Harlingen MSA, 2024)
Population scale: A sizable regional market that supports labor availability, housing demand, and business growth.
82.2
Cost of Living Index (Brownsville-Harlingen MSA, 2024)
Affordability advantage: ~7% lower than Corpus Christi MSA (88.2) and ~18% below the national average (100).
3.72%
Labor Force Growth (Brownsville-Harlingen MSA, 2024-2025)
Workforce Momentum: Higher year-over-year labor force growth than Laredo MSA (2.42%) and Corpus Christi MSA (1.30%).
“Brownsville is the place to be. We have the world’s biggest aerospace company headquartered in our backyard, the largest land-owned port in the United States, and the largest energy project in the country happening right here. There’s a lot going on—a lot of opportunity. Come down and see Brownsville.”
John Cowen Jr.
Mayor, City of Brownsville
Our Manufacturing & Industrial Infrastructure
Select icons on the map to view more details
Icon Legend
Manufacturing Businesses
Logistics
Energy
Aerospace
International Bridges
Airport
Port
Connecting Industries, Creating Impact
Brownsville's strategic location and business-friendly environment have made it a premier destination for manufacturing
99%
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry.
44%
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry.
Download the full report now
Celebrating Latest Recognitions
Brownsville continues to shine on regional, state, and national stages. See some of our most recent accolades that reflect our momentum, quality of life, and economic vitality.
Metro in the U.S.
Area Development Magazine 2024
#1
Lowest Cost of Living in America
Niche, 2025
#2
Manufacturing Cost Efficiency
Site Selection Magazine, 2025
#8
Safest City in the U.S.
CitiesABC, 2025
Top 5
U.S. Cities People Are Moving To
United Van Lines, 2024
"Beyond recruitment, we engaged directly with employers, strengthened talent pipelines and expanded community outreach to inspire the next generation of our workforce."
Gilberto Salinas
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Managing with Purpose
Financial stewardship is central to responsible economic development. The distribution of annual revenue and expenditures highlights strategic investment in the programs, services, and initiatives that drive opportunity and support Brownsville’s continued progress.
Revenue vs Expenditures
$6,608,000
Airport Terminal Improvements Contribution (2019-2025)
Airport Terminal Service Contribution
Each year, the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) contributes toward debt service for improvements to the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport terminal. This investment supports critical infrastructure that strengthens regional economic development by enhancing passenger capacity and the traveler experience, key factors in business attraction, tourism, and workforce.
Sustained Revenue Growth
The Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) is funded through a dedicated ¼-cent sales tax collected in the City of Brownsville. This revenue stream provides the financial base for GBIC’s incentive programs, infrastructure investments, and workforce initiatives. Steady growth in sales tax collections over the past five fiscal years has strengthened this funding base, reflecting sustained local economic activity.
Sales Tax Revenue by Fiscal Year (FY2021–FY2025)
Boosting Workforce
Our commitment goes far beyond attracting businesses. We’re building a Brownsville that connects students and residents directly to thriving careers through industry certifications and strong local partnerships, keeping our homegrown talent right here for the city's next generation.
$621,435
Total Workforce Development & Training Investment
9
Workforce Organizations Funded
481
Individuals Impacted through Workforce Programs
NCCER Pipefitting Level 1
Most-Funded Certification out of 19 Unique Training Types and Certifications
Building Stronger Neighborhoods
We’re proud to show up for Brownsville in ways that bring people together and make life better. From sponsoring local festivals and youth sports to hosting our own community events, every dollar supports the moments, traditions, and organizations that keep our town vibrant and connected.
$110,970
Total Community Support
Community Support by Impact Category
27
Count of Unique Organizations Supported
15
Count of Events Held
13,616
Estimated In Person Audience
Community Economic Development Award
Award by the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC), 2024
165,000
Digital reach across platforms
In May 2025, GBIC launched its Community Outreach initiative with a focus on engaging local students. During this initial effort, we visited three middle schools—Stillman Middle School, Manzano Middle School, and Stell Middle School—reaching more than 420 students.
Introducing students to the concept of economic development at an early age is critical. It helps them understand how industries, businesses, and investments shape the community they live in, and it sparks curiosity about future career opportunities available right here in Brownsville.
By connecting classroom learning to real-world applications, we are planting the seeds of awareness and encouraging the next generation to envision themselves as active participants in their city's growth.
Voices Driving Impact & Collaboration
"GBIC’s support made it possible to award three scholarships for our Advanced Rigger Course, helping students secure jobs with a local construction company. Their investment also enabled 82 employees from a Brownsville firm to access upskilling opportunities, strengthening our workforce and local industry partnerships.”
Myra De Leon
Executive Director of Workforce Training at TSTC
“With GBIC’s support, we provided training scholarships to 76 residents, including Monica Valadez, who earned her Commercial Driver License. This investment boosted interest in our Adult Continuing Education Program, helping us launch new courses and equip residents with in-demand skills that lead directly to employment.”
Ricardo Rivera
Director at BISD ACE
“GBIC’s support enabled us to fund 3 local students’ participation in NASA’s prestigious SEES internship and award a $1,500 STEM scholarship to a graduating senior. This investment opens doors to experience-based learning, helping talented students build future career pathways and inspiring them to return and strengthen our community.”
Victor De Los Santos
Executive Director at STARS
“GBIC’s funding strengthened BCIC’s entrepreneurial programs by expanding services at the eBridge Center. With this support, eBridge served 500 individuals and attracted more entrepreneurs through enhanced mentorship, training, prototyping, and access to capital, helping local founders turn ideas into successful businesses.”
Cori Pena
President and Chief Executive Officer at BCIC
“GBIC’s support helped VIDA expand career training for Brownsville residents, serving 109 participants with tuition aid, case management, and wraparound services. With high persistence and strong job placement outcomes, VIDA is creating real economic mobility and helping local residents move into high-skill, high-wage careers.”
Felida Villarreal
President & CEO at VIDA
"GBIC funded a program that created job opportunities for 20 UTRGV students to engage in applied manufacturing research, giving them real-world experience and career pathways. With continued support, we aim to expand these opportunities and explore new ways to connect UTRGV students and graduates to local high-skill jobs.”
Ron Garza
Sr. Associate Vice President for Workforce and Economic Development at UTRGV
"GBIC helped us tell the Airport story to aviation businesses at the Paris Airshow, and helped us build relationships with manufacturers, strengthen partnerships, and present a unified message. That coordinated approach made it possible to pitch Brownsville together and attract new partners who now see the potential to grow here."
Angel Ramos
BRO Airport Director