AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2018-131R, establishing the San Marcos Innovation District; defining the boundaries of the district; creating and appointing members to a District Stakeholder Advisory Group; directing such advisory group to adopt a governance structure, conduct an audit of innovation ecosystem assets, and develop an action plan; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: August 7, 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, and held a Work Session on June 19, 2018.
City Council Strategic Initiative:
Community Partners
Comprehensive Plan Element (s):
☒ Economic Development - Opportunity created by Capital of University, Business, Civic, & Cultural Leaders
☐ Environment & Resource Protection
☐ Land Use
☐ Neighborhoods & Housing
☐ Parks, Public Spaces & Facilities
☐ Transportation
☐ 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 defined 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.
During the June 19, 2019 Work Session, Council explored the Innovation District concept and discussed its relevance to the City of San Marcos, Texas State University and our regional partners along the “Innovation Corridor.” Council directed the City Manager to bring forward a Resolution for Council consideration that would define the boundaries of the San Marcos Innovation District and establish an Innovation District Stakeholder Advisory Group charged with conducting an audit of innovation ecosystem assets, establishing a district governance structure, and developing an action plan.
An exhibit identifying the boundaries of the proposed San Marcos Innovation District is attached.
The Innovation District Stakeholder Advisory Group is proposed to consist of the following members:
1. John Thomaides, Mayor, City of San Marcos
2. Debbie Ingalsbe, Acting County Judge, Hays County Commissioner’s Court representative
3. Anthony Stahl, President/CEO, Central Texas Medical Center
4. Carina Boston-Pinales, Splash Coworking, business owner representative
5. Walter Horton, Assoc. Vice President for Research, Texas State University
6. Kayli Head, Main Street Board Chair
7. Steve Frayser, Executive Director, Texas State University STAR Park
8. Adriana Cruz, Greater San Marcos Partnership
9. John David Carson, Carson Properties, property owner representative
10. Christopher Laing, Executive Director, Capital City Innovation
The Stakeholder Advisory Group will meet on an ad-hoc basis for the purpose of conducting an audit of innovation ecosystem assets, establishing a district governance structure, and developing an action plan.
It is not anticipated that the Stakeholder Advisory Group will work in isolation. The San Marcos Innovation District will be dynamic and involve numerous Key Partner Organizations, as well as individual business, property owners and residents. A few of the Key Partner Organizations anticipated to contribute to the work of the Innovation District include:
• San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce
• Downtown Association
• San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District
• Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos
• Heritage Association of San Marcos
• Calaboose African American Museum
Additional resources will be provided by City staff and Advisory Boards & Commissions.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
N/A
Alternatives:
Council may propose modifications to the Innovation District boundaries and the composition of the Stakeholder Advisory Group.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval.