AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Receive a staff presentation and hold discussion regarding the establishment of an Innovation District in San Marcos, and provide direction to the City Manager.
Body
Meeting date: June 19, 2018
Department: CMO - Kevin Burke, Economic Development & Downtown Administrator
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Funds Available: N/A
Account Name: N/A
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: Council discussed the Innovation District concept on October 2, 2017. No action was taken.
City Council Strategic Initiative:
Community Partners
Choose an item.
Choose an item.
Comprehensive Plan Element (s):
☒ Economic Development - Opportunity created by Capital of University, Business, Civic, & Cultural Leaders
☐ Environment & Resource Protection - Choose an item.
☐ Land Use - Choose an item.
☐ Neighborhoods & Housing - Choose an item.
☐ Parks, Public Spaces & Facilities - Choose an item.
☐ Transportation - Choose an item.
☐ Not Applicable
Master Plan:
Vision San Marcos - A River Runs Through Us
Background Information:
In regions around the country and world, clusters of universities and high-tech companies partner and collaborate with local governments and regional economic development agencies in order to boost tech-based economic growth and create quality jobs. These collaborative economic development and place-making efforts have been dubbed “Innovation Districts.”
The Brookings Institution documented their emergence in the 2014 research paper, The Rise of Innovation Districts, and a series of related publications that are attached to this packet for reference. Brookings defines innovation districts as geographic areas where leading-edge anchor institutions and companies cluster and connect with start-ups, business incubators, and accelerators. Districts are also physically compact, transit-accessible, and offer mixed-use housing, office, and retail.
In this Work Session, we will explore the Innovation District concept and discuss its relevance to the City of San Marcos, Texas State University and our regional partners along the “Innovation Corridor.”
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
N/A
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommendation:
Staff recommends adopting a Resolution to establish an “Innovation District Steering Committee” charged with conducting an audit of innovation ecosystem assets, identifying a district boundary, establishing a district governance structure, and developing an action plan.