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The Farmers Branch City Council discussed potential changes to its Demolition/Rebuild Program during a Feb. 4 meeting, with council members favoring a shift toward upfront cash grants and elimination of tax rebates.
Economic Development Director Perla Tavera reported that of 145 program applications, 128 remain with original applicants or homebuyers, while 17 properties had changed hands after an average of 4.5 years. The program has generated $82.7 million in increased property values and paid out $730,360 in incentives, with a potential long-term liability of $1.6 million.
Mayor Terry Lynne advocated for updating the program's improvement value thresholds, suggesting an increase from $65,000 to at least $90,000 to reflect current market conditions. "The market has moved since this program was first created," Lynne said. "Everything has become more expensive."
City Councilmember Tina Bennett-Burton, District 3, supported maintaining a sliding scale for grants while eliminating tax abatements. Several council members, including Omar Roman, District 1, and Roger Neal, District 5, agreed with moving to a one-time cash grant system.
City Councilmember Richard Jackson, District 4, noted the program's financial impact, calculating that the increased property values could generate approximately $470,000 in annual tax revenue once rebates expire.
Neal emphasized to residents that no immediate changes were being made to the program, which remains particularly popular in District 5. "I want to reiterate it's my view that this program will continue," Neal said.
The council will consider revised options incorporating the suggested feedback at a future meeting.
