Commissioners Advance Landmark Public-Private Partnership for Northwest Harris County

New mixed-use sports and entertainment destination to bring economic opportunity and jobs

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Harris County Commissioners Court has approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Houston Texans and Howard Hughes Holdings to pursue a public-private partnership and create a new 83-acre mixed-use sports and entertainment destination called the Toro District in the Bridgeland community of Northwest Harris County. The project is expected to drive $34 billion in economic impact, create over 17,000 jobs, and provide residents with better access to county services, increased recreational amenities, and infrastructure improvements.

Why it matters

This landmark economic development initiative reflects Harris County's efforts to transform lives through education, job training, and employment opportunities. The public-private partnership will bring county resources deeper into the fast-growing Northwest Harris County area, catalyzing economic growth and enhancing quality of life for residents.

The details

The Toro District will feature 61 acres of retail, restaurant, hotel, commercial, entertainment, and medical office space in the Bridgeland Central community. The project will include a new headquarters and training facility for the Houston Texans, as well as community-focused events, youth sports programs, internships, and educational programming for local high schools and colleges. The development will be partially funded through a newly created TIRZ, with the rapid growth of the area supporting needed infrastructure improvements.

  • On February 15, 2026, the Harris County Commissioners Court approved the Memorandum of Understanding for the Toro District project.

The players

Lesley Briones

Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner who led the initiative to create the public-private partnership.

Tom Ramsey

Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner who collaborated on the Toro District project.

Houston Texans

The NFL franchise that is partnering with Harris County and Howard Hughes on the new sports and entertainment destination.

Howard Hughes Holdings

The real estate development company that is collaborating with Harris County and the Houston Texans on the Toro District project in the Bridgeland community.

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What they’re saying

“This public-private partnership reflects what we strive to do every day in Harris County — transform lives through education, job training, and employment opportunities. Bringing County resources deeper into the heart of this fast-growing area of Northwest Harris County will create good paying jobs, allow more convenient access to County services, enhance health and wellness with new green spaces, and increase connectivity with needed infrastructure investments.”

— Lesley Briones, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner (aframnews.com)

“Harris County has always been a strong economic driver and innovator in sustainable infrastructure. From the Port of Houston, the energy sector, to the world class medical center, it's only appropriate that we elevate this sports facility to be the best in America. This MOU between Precincts 3 & 4, Howard Hughes®, and the Houston Texans is a powerful commitment to the residents of Harris County. This agreement covers everything from infrastructure improvements, more access to Harris County services, youth development, and economic growth – it truly is a great day for Harris County.”

— Tom Ramsey, Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner (aframnews.com)

“Today is a historic day for the Houston Texans, our fans, and the Greater Houston area as we partner with Howard Hughes® and Harris County on a world-class sports and entertainment destination, including our new headquarters and training facility. Our organization continues to grow, and this aligns with our goals of bringing a championship to Houston, enhancing community services and making sports more accessible. This project reinforces our long-term commitment to Harris County and our focus on driving growth and opportunity for the community. It will set the new standard for the global sports and entertainment industry, and it's the most significant evolution for our organization since our inception.”

— Cal McNair, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Houston Texans (aframnews.com)

“This is not just a headquarters. It is a statement about where Houston is going. When you bring together visionary public leadership, a world-class NFL franchise, and a long-term development partner, you can do something far bigger than any one organization alone. Toro District will create jobs, strengthen infrastructure, expand access to services, and deliver a gathering place that families will enjoy for generations. We are incredibly proud to partner with the Texans and Harris County to build something that reflects the ambition and energy of this region.”

— David O'Reilly, Chief Executive Officer of Howard Hughes (aframnews.com)

What’s next

More details on the Toro District development will be made available in the coming weeks. The rapid growth and development of the area will support the infrastructure needs required for the project.

The takeaway

This public-private partnership between Harris County, the Houston Texans, and Howard Hughes represents a transformative investment for Northwest Harris County, delivering new economic opportunities, improved county services, enhanced recreational amenities, and strengthened infrastructure to support the region's rapid growth.