At the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, we believe a thriving city begins with smart investment in places that bring people together—whether that’s for business, entertainment, or cultural celebration. That’s why we’ve been a strong and consistent advocate for the redevelopment of the American Bank Center campus, including the convention center, arena, and the beloved Selena Auditorium.

These facilities are more than just venues—they’re economic engines for our city. Events hosted here bring in visitors from across the state and beyond, generating activity for local hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and small businesses. As the region’s leading business organization, the Chamber has been actively involved in identifying and securing the tools that can unlock the full potential of this important district.

One of those tools is the Project Finance Zone (PFZ)—a program created by the Texas Legislature in 2023 that allows a portion of state hotel occupancy and sales tax revenue to be reinvested in areas surrounding convention centers. The concept is straightforward: the more tourism we attract, the more resources we have to continue growing our economy.

However, the PFZ designated for Corpus Christi—known as PFZ #1—was drawn using a three-mile radius from the American Bank Center. Unfortunately, over 56% of that zone falls into the Gulf of Mexico, limiting our ability to capture the full benefit of the program. With less land in the zone, we’re unable to fully support hotel development, which is a key part of the PFZ’s success formula.

That’s where Senate Bill 1250 by Senator Chuy Hinojosa and House Bill 2877 by Representative Denise Villaloboscome in. These bills propose a simple fix: shift the PFZ boundaries inland, focusing on actual developable land rather than open water. The Chamber strongly supports this adjustment, which is not only practical—it’s necessary.

With the proposed changes, the number of hotels within the PFZ would grow from 21 to 68, and projected revenue over the next 30 years would increase by 56%, from $122.5 million to $191.5 million. That means more resources to reinvest into our convention center district, boost tourism, and support jobs in hospitality and service industries. Even with the adjustment, Corpus Christi would still trail far behind cities like Dallas and Fort Worth in total PFZ revenue—making this a reasonable and fair request.

The Chamber has long championed initiatives that make this kind of investment possible. From backing sales tax propositions that supplement local infrastructure dollars, to advocating at the state level for programs like the PFZ, we continue to lead efforts that position Corpus Christi for sustainable, long-term growth.

We see the American Bank Center campus as a critical anchor for downtown revitalization and economic opportunity. With stronger tools and smarter boundaries, we can better support the businesses, workers, and families who depend on the tourism and hospitality economy.

As these bills move through the legislative process, the Chamber will continue to be a voice for Corpus Christi’s future—and a partner in building a convention district that reflects the vibrancy, potential, and pride of our coastal community.