AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Hold discussion on Recommendation Resolution 2021-03RR, of both the Historic Preservation Commission and Main Street Advisory Board, recommending the City Council support and create a San Marcos Legacy Business Program; and provide direction to Staff.
Body
Meeting date: October 19, 2021
Department: Main Street, Planning and Development Services, and Economic Development
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: N/A
City Council Strategic Initiative:
Choose an item.
Comprehensive Plan Element (s):
☒ Economic Development - Diverse Local Economic Environment
☐ Environment & Resource Protection
☐ Land Use
☐ Neighborhoods & Housing
☐ Parks, Public Spaces & Facilities
☐ Transportation
☐ Core Services
☐ Not Applicable
Master Plan:
N/A
Background Information:
A desire to support long-standing businesses in the City of San Marcos has been expressed by City Council, Boards & Commissions, and City Staff. Staff members representing the City Manager’s Office, Planning & Development Services, and Main Street departments have worked internally and with the Historic Preservation Commission and Main Street Advisory Board to research best practices and establish new ways to offer technical and financial support to designated legacy businesses should City Council have staff move forward with a program.
In November 2020, the Historic Preservation Commission and Main Street Advisory Board held a joint workshop. Claudia Guerra, Cultural Historian with the City of San Antonio, shared best practices from their existing Legacy Business Program. In December 2020, a joint committee consisting of members from both the Historic Preservation Commission and the Main Street Advisory Board was created. The joint committee met twice, on March 23, 2021 and April 19, 2021, to develop a framework and logo for the prospective program. In addition, they developed a joint Recommendation Resolution for Council consideration.
To offer another layer of support for legacy businesses, on top of the technical and promotional assistance outlined in the draft framework from the Historic Preservation Commission and Main Street Advisory Board, City staff also propose considering financial support through infrastructure assistance in public rights-of-way or Chapter 380s that can provide grants for property tax rebates or jobs.
Should City Council have staff move forward, a proposed Legacy Business Program would be included in the update to the City of San Marcos Economic Development Incentive Policy and brought back to City Council for consideration
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
On May 19, 2021, the Main Street Advisory Board approved Recommendation Resolution 2021-03RR.
On June 3, 2021, the Historic Preservation Commission approved Recommendation Resolution 2021-03RR.
On July 7, 2021, the Chairs of the Historic Preservation Commission and the Main Street Advisory Board co-signed Recommendation Resolution 2021-03RR.
Alternatives:
Recommendation: