Date: 19 Feb 2024

In a significant move, nine Denton child care centers are now eligible for property tax exemptions. This follows a unanimous decision by the Denton City Council, aimed at supporting local child care facilities and addressing the economic challenges posed by the end of COVID-19 funding.

The tax exemption initiative is a result of Texas Senate Bill 1145 and Proposition 2, which amended the Texas Constitution to allow such exemptions for qualified facilities. This legislative change underscores the importance of affordable and quality child care, seen as vital for the economic growth and well-being of Texas families.

City Manager Sara Hensley highlighted the initiative’s role in enhancing the early childhood education experience and facilitating increased employment opportunities. The eligibility criteria for the tax exemption include licensure with the Department of Health and Human Services and participation in the Texas Workforce Commission’s Rising Star Program, with a stipulation that at least 20% of enrolled children be recipients of subsidized services.

• Nine Denton child care centers eligible for new property tax exemptions.
• Initiative follows Texas Senate Bill 1145 and Proposition 2 amendments.
• Eligibility based on stringent quality and service criteria.
• Move aims to support economic growth and child care quality in Denton.

The tax exemption is expected to relieve financial pressures on child care centers, coinciding with efforts to expand affordable child care options. Denton’s proactive measures include a partnership with Texas Woman’s University and the Bezos Foundation to establish a Bezos Academy, promising further enhancements to local child care infrastructure.

Denton’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for child care facilities reflects a broader recognition of the critical role these services play in community health and economic stability. With these tax exemptions, Denton sets a precedent for municipal support of child care services, offering a model for other cities to follow.