Abbott, seeking to address issues including risk of economic disrupters such as hurricanes, relatively low population density, and persistent unemployment. A 2020 report found that many opportunity zone beneficiaries are real estate investors who were likely to still do the development even without taxpayer subsidies, rather than companies that are creating jobs. Midtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #2 On August 26, 2021, the board of the Midtown TIRZ voted to approve an economic development agreement between the TIRZ and Rice Management Company. In exchange for leading construction and repair projects within the Innovation District, the TIRZ will provide $65 million in cost reimbursements for RMC's investment. Despite months of critical feedback requesting that the TIRZ require RMC to enter into a Community Benefits Agreement with a community coalition before approving the deal, six of the seven board members voted for the agreement. Board member Caton Fenz, CEO of ConnectGen, noted that the development may incidentally result in some affordable housing, however the agreement does not include any mention of affordable housing or any measures to address gentrification, particularly in the Third Ward community neighboring Midtown. The Midtown TIRZ has bought an estimated $72 million worth of land in Third Ward covering 4 million square feet. Academics Rice University's Glasscock School of Continuing Studies was the first school to announce coursework at the Ion, including data science and financial services. Tenants Aerospace Innovation Hub (NASA partnership) Baker Botts Chevron Technology Ventures Greentown Labs Microsoft Schlumberger Common Desk Recreation Restaurants The district has the following restaurants either open or in development: Common Bond Late August Shipley Do-Nuts Stuff’d Wings References Further reading </ref> External Links Houston Coalition for Equitable Development Without Displacement website Official website The Ion District community engagement website Rice University Science parks in the United States Midtown, Houston