Economic Vitality

Outcome Statement: Encourage the development of a diverse economy through technical and financial assistance to businesses that invest in the community to enhance the lives of our residents.

I. Implement Legacy Business Program and other incentives adopted in the Economic Development Policy.

• This program will be available in fall of 2023.  

II. Explore menu of economic development options.  

• Launched Minority Business Stabilization Fund to provide direct assistance to local businesses.  
• BIG grants, Legacy Business Program, Sustainable Resources Grants, Small Business Retention Incentive, the Main Street Incentive Grant, and the Downtown Co-Marketing Fund are ongoing programs with funding available for local businesses.  
• Chapter 380 grants, Economic Development Supplemental Fund, and Speculative Building Incentive are ongoing programs with funding available for prospective businesses.  
• The city has procured services from BCL of Texas and Riparius to augment workforce and entrepreneurship development efforts. 

Outcome Statement: Facilitate opportunities for job training and educational programming through partnerships. 

I. Work with community partners on outreach for job fairs and other employment opportunities.

• HVAC class graduated in July and another class is scheduled to start in the Fall. Library staff presented a class on resumés and job searching. We invited local HVAC companies to interview prospective employees. Accounting class graduated and students were provided with information about the job assistance provided by the library. 

II.  Identify challenges and unmet needs in the business community that are impacted by workforce development.

• Discussions with Texas State University related to aviation degree programs are underway with good progress being made.  

• 1 Million Cups Greater San Marcos promotes small business and entrepreneurship and meets monthly at the library.

III. Determine where to invest City funding to mitigate gaps and barriers that have been identified, including a possible training location and regular access to workforce development resources on the east side.

• Staff presented on a potential lease of the former Fleet bays as a location for Austin Community College to provide additional workforce training. The lease is currently under review by ACC. 
• Business Leadership and Interpersonal Skills is a class taught in Spanish. Liderazgo-Habilidades Interpersonales teaches students to transform their behaviors and supports new tools to  communicate, manage, and build successful professional relationships. Max. City cost is $4,500 for 28 class sessions attended by 18 participants and taught by ACC. 

Outcome Statement: Diversify and deliberately expand for a prosperous economy.

I. Actively participate in the recruitment and retention of businesses in San Marcos utilizing the Economic Development San Marcos (EDSM) board and City Council to vet potential incentives.

• The next Economic Development San Marcos (EDSM) board meeting is scheduled for November 2023.

Outcome Statement: Actively support and attract diversified business activity, including local and emerging small businesses, to thrive and expand in our community. 

I. Increase exposure of local businesses.

• River Park signage installed that includes arrow to downtown for shopping/dining.
• Main Street partnered with Texas State University to promote 22 participating downtown businesses during Family Weekend and Homecoming. 
• Main Street celebrated five new downtown business openings through New Biz Alerts on social media, with a combined reach of over 71k of Facebook and Instagram. 

II. Assist emerging and existing small business, including non-traditional, through grant assistance and technical support.

• Planning & Development Services is coordinating with Economic Development and Main Street to assist two local businesses. 
• Destination Services provided one-on-one how-to advertising assistance to three local event planners 
• Destination Services Arts Program provided grant workshops to local non-profit organizations resulting in 22 applications for their arts &culture grants. 

Outcome Statement: Expand and support responsible tourism programs to promote local commerce. 

I. Identify promotional opportunities with area stakeholders to highlight City attractions.

• Main Street partnered with Texas State University to promote 22 participating downtown businesses during Family Weekend and Homecoming. 
• Main Street celebrated five new downtown business openings through New Biz Alerts on social media, with a combined reach of over 71k of Facebook and Instagram. 
• Destination Services published 14 blogs in last quarter highlighting city events, local businesses and attractions. Digital advertising promoted this blog content statewide. 

II. Identify areas needing enhancement for a cohesive visual look for the City, including within corridors and gateways.

• The design contract for the gateway monument signs has been approved. Destination Services is updating the concepts for final Council approval. 
• Destination Services designed and partially funded wayfinding signs in the river parks and trail signage for shared use pathway