Dog's Head Documents and Resources
Overview
The Dog’s Head project involves planning, coordination and environmental restoration efforts to guide the future development of over 2,600 acres of private property in Southeast Austin. This page provides access to key documents, including the Development Agreement, annexation actions, TIRZ information, and related City Council ordinances and reports. Together, these materials outline the requirements, responsibilities and long-term vision for transforming Dog’s Head from a former mining site into a connected, mixed-use district with new housing, public open space, trails and infrastructure improvements.
Dog's Head Development
Development Agreement
Dog’s Head Land JV, Ltd. owns the Dog’s Head property and is responsible for planning and building the major public infrastructure needed to support future development on the site, including roads, utilities and drainage systems. On May 21, 2026, the Austin City Council approved the Development Agreement between the City and the Developer.
This agreement establishes the basic rules and clear expectations for how the land can be developed, allowing for a wide range of uses from mixed-income housing, retail, offices, industrial spaces, civic buildings, parks and trails. The agreement sets the land use rules, infrastructure requirements, environmental protections and the conditions for voluntary annexation. All development in Dog’s Head must follow the City’s land use and environmental regulations as they existed on May 21, 2026, unless the Agreement specifies otherwise. The Development Agreement serves as the foundation for how the City and the Developer will work together as this long-term project moves forward.
The Developer will work closely with the City as the area evolves to ensure the project meets the requirements and expectations outlined in the Agreement. The Development Agreement includes ongoing compliance and reporting requirements. As Dog’s Head develops, the Developer must provide regular updates to the City on infrastructure progress, land use activity, environmental obligations, and other commitments outlined in the agreement. This reporting helps the City track whether the project is meeting the terms of the agreement and ensures transparency throughout the build‑out.
Additional Resources:
Review Exhibit A, from Council Meeting on July 23, 2026
Review Exhibit B, from Council Meeting on July 23, 2026
Dog's Head Development
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone
On July 23, 2026, Austin City Council approved the creation of a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 21 (TIRZ No. 21), which will finance eligible public infrastructure improvements over a 35‑year period. The Dog’s Head Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) helps fund the roads, utilities, drainage systems and other public improvements needed for the long-term development of the area.
The Developer will cover the upfront cost to design and build major infrastructure needed to support future development on the site. As development occurs, the additional tax revenue generated will be reinvested back into the areas to repay those early infrastructure investments, ensuring the site has the improvements needed for long-term growth. For the first 20 years, the City of Austin will put 75% of the new property and sales tax growth from the area into the TIRZ. For the remaining 15 years, the City will contribute 66% of that growth. The remaining tax revenue will go into the City’s General Fund. Over time, as Dog’s Head develops, the City expects the project to generate additional revenue that supports services citywide.
To learn more about TIRZ, visit the TIRZ page or review the presentation to City Council on July 21, 2026, which details how and why the City is using the TIRZ financial mechanism for the area.
Dog's Head Development
Voluntary Annexation
On May 21, 2026, the Austin City Council annexed the Dog’s Head area which includes portions of Hergotz Lane, Thompson Lane, Edwin Lane, Dalton Lane, and Ramirez Lane rights-of-way, connecting to the City’s current full-purpose jurisdictional boundaries in East Austin. The Developer agreed to voluntary annexation, enabling City oversight and tax collection, as well as establishing a shared framework for future growth.
Without annexation, the City would have limited regulatory authority over Dog’s Head and could not levy property taxes. Because Texas law no longer allows forced annexation (HB 347 of the 86th Texas Legislative Session), cities can only annex land when owners consent. Before 2019, the City could have annexed the area through forced annexation and required the owner to follow all City zoning and development rules. Now, annexations must be voluntary, initiated by the private property owner, and occur only when both parties see a benefit. These terms are negotiated and set through a development agreement which defines annexation conditions, including land use regulations, infrastructure requirements, and a TIRZ.
As part of the agreement, the Developer consented to annexation into the City’s taxing jurisdiction, strengthening the City’s tax base and benefiting residents over time.
Additional Documents:
Read the about the Dog’s Head annexation area (approximately 2,614 acres) is in eastern Travis County, located between the Colorado River, US Highway 183 and State Highway 130.
Read about the Dog’s Head ROW annexation area (approximately 37.31 acres) includes portions of Hergotz Lane, Thompson Lane, Edwin Lane, Dalton Lane and Ramirez Lane that are contiguous or connect to the City’s current full-purpose jurisdictional boundaries in East Austin.
Dog's Head Development
Meet the Project Team
The Dog’s Head Local Government Corporation (LGC) will oversee project implementation and management of TIRZ funds. The board will include three representatives from the City and three representatives from Dog’s Head Land JV, Ltd., ensuring shared oversight and accountability.