1. (a) A development zone is created to promote and encourage:

   1. (1) commercial development, including the development of businesses in the technology field;
   2. (2) workforce development;
   3. (3) excellence in education through cooperation with public schools, junior colleges, and institutions of higher education;
   4. (4) public and private sector partnerships; and
   5. (5) the revitalization of neighborhoods.
2. (b) The governing body of a municipality or county, individually or in combination with other municipalities, by ordinance or order may create as a development zone an area within its jurisdiction that meets the criteria under Section 386.031.
3. (c) Each creating body must hold a public hearing before adopting an ordinance or order under this section.
4. (d) The governing body of a county may not designate territory in the jurisdiction of a municipality as part of a proposed development zone unless the governing body of the municipality also designates the territory.

5. (e) A development zone created under this section is a:

   1. (1) political subdivision of the state; and
   2. (2) special district.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1390, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 2001.