Frequently Asked Questions

The BEDC is a Type B non-profit industrial development corporation. Funded by a dedicated eighth-cent sales tax and governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Bastrop City Council, the BEDC works to enhance the local economy by attracting new investment and supporting existing businesses and entrepreneurs.

The BEDC was established in 1995 after Bastrop voters approved the use of a portion of the City’s sales tax for economic development purposes.

The mission of the BEDC is to improve the quality of life in Bastrop by facilitating the creation of high-quality jobs, increasing the local tax base, and fostering a sustainable, diversified economy that respects our unique community character.

The BEDC offers a comprehensive suite of business services, including incentive negotiation, site selection, business retention and expansion, and workforce support.

Bastrop’s target industries are manufacturing, life sciences, film & creative services, tourism & hospitality, and business services.

The BEDC works daily with the City of Bastrop, the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce, the Discover Bastrop team, and regional partners such as Opportunity Austin, Capital Area Council of Governments, and Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to provide a seamless experience for investors. Visit this page for a more complete list of economic development resources in this area.

Contact the BEDC at (512) 332-8870, email us at info@bastropedc.org, or visit our offices at 1311 Chestnut Street, Bastrop, TX 78602

Yes, the BEDC has the ability to offer performance-based incentives. These are typically cash grants tied to specific milestones, such as a minimum number of new jobs created or a specific amount of capital investment. The BEDC’s revolving loan fund is administered by Roscoe Bank.

The City of Bastrop utilizes Chapter 380 Agreements, which allow for the rebate of property or sales taxes (tax rebates) for projects that provide a significant public benefit. Additionally, the state offers Freeport and Goods in Transit Exemptions, which may be available to exempt certain types of personal property (inventory) from ad valorem taxes if shipped out of Texas within 175 days. Bastrop County is also included in a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ), which is an area within the United States that is designated by the federal government as outside of U.S. Customs territory.

The BEDC acts as your advocate within City Hall. As a development liaison service, the BEDC helps coordinate pre-development meetings with City Planning, Engineering, and Building departments to ensure your project stays on schedule and meets local code requirements.

The BEDC assists beyond industrial recruitment; we support the Main Street Program and offer local business workshops. BEDC also partners with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to provide free counseling for entrepreneurs. 

Yes. The BEDC currently owns land in the Bastrop Business and Industrial Park, which offers several shovel-ready tracts. These sites are equipped with paved access and industrial-grade utilities already at the curb, ready for immediate development. 

The City of Bastrop has a robust gigabit-speed fiber backbone serving our primary commercial corridors. Bastrop’s electrical and water infrastructure is managed with future growth in mind, specifically designed to support the heavy loads required by manufacturing and media production facilities.

Yes. The BEDC maintains an internal database of available private commercial properties. Whether you are looking for a historic storefront on Main Street or a modern office suite, our team can provide a customized property report based on your square footage and budget needs.

The City of Bastrop sits at the heart of a massive labor draw. Bastrop has a commuter-shed of over 500,000 workers within a 45-minute drive, including a high concentration of skilled technicians and creative professionals. The Bastrop Independent School District also works closely with many area employers to offer apprenticeship and mentorship programs.

Yes. The BEDC has listed all workforce programs and resources available on our website. Locally, our partnerships with Austin Community College (ACC),  CareerTracks, Community Action, Workforce Solutions, and other training and resource institutions to ensure your team can receive the specialized training you need without leaving the region to get it.