San Marcos, Texas

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

San Marcos, Texas has grown from a college and tourist town to a city brimming with new business activity. Nearly equidistant from the thriving cities of Austin and San Antonio, the area sits in a “garden spot” to take advantage of economic opportunities related to each metro; these are in addition to strengths and resources unique to San Marcos itself. The dynamics of that evolution are exactly what this comprehensive economic development planning process is all about.

Market Street Services partnered with the City of San Marcos and its Economic Development team to coordinate a plan aimed at elevating economic prosperity for the residents, businesses and elected/appointed leadership of the Greater San Marcos area. At the end of the eight-month project, San Marcos received a clear picture of what type of place it “wants to be” and a prioritized set of action areas to achieve its goals. The resulting Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy answers the following important questions:
  1. What are the area’s competitive strengths and challenges?
  2. What development should occur in the San Marcos area?
  3. What is the Greater San Marcos Area’s unique niche?
  4. How can area leaders organize and market to support economic development?
  5. What are the core “directions” that San Marcos must move in, and what are the priority actions that will enable the area to achieve its goals?
  6. How can success in the Greater San Marcos Area be measured on an ongoing basis?
The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy is a working document that results in tangible benefits and successes. This Strategy serves as a tool to unify Greater San Marcos’ public and private leadership behind a blueprint for the community’s future, including funding the implementation efforts, formation of a 501(c)(3) economic development organization under the umbrella of the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce, and attraction of a full-service Austin Community College campus to the region.

 

With the Strategy’s full kick-off in January 2010, residents will be able to see the fruits of their participation in this process through new actions and efforts related to future growth and development.


For more information, please see the project website.