Economic Development Strategic Framework

At a glance

• What: A new economic development strategic framework prepared by consultant TIP Strategies with three goals: incentives, placemaking and real estate, and talent and workforce.
• Where it stands: Briefed to the Economic and Workforce Development Committee on August 31, 2026; briefing only, no action.
• Next: A related deliverable was due September 9, 2026 with Greater SATX; Viagran expected more discussion first.

Discussion

• Karras presented. Viagran asked for deeper analysis of opportunity zones and TIRZ growth, utility and broadband infrastructure in older areas, and links to housing, child care, health and early education, and asked staff to identify global parent companies of local subsidiaries.
• Castillo asked about tying recommendations to the Strategic Housing Plan, dollars for implementation (staff said semiannual updates did not include dollars but a new dashboard may) and facade improvement grants; she questioned whether artificial intelligence adoption could conflict with workforce training.
• Galvan asked for access to credit and capital, community benefits agreements and strategies tailored to areas with limited investment. Meza Gonzalez asked for actionable near-term items, readiness metrics, Medical Center alignment, and the difference between Ready to Work and other training.

Sources

• Economic and Workforce Development Committee 2026-08-31 minutes: https://webapp9.sanantonio.gov/FileNetArchive/{8C6C1E9A-3B82-4A3C-8380-1B6D96E6ACBD}/{8C6C1E9A-3B82-4A3C-8380-1B6D96E6ACBD}.pdf

Log

2026-08-31 - Economic and Workforce Development Committee

Presentation and discussion; briefing only.

2026-11-05 - City Council A Session

Item 18 on the agenda is to accept the LEVEL UP: SAN ANTONIO Economic Development Strategic plan. Whether this is the same plan as the framework briefed on August 31 is not confirmed in the agenda text (agenda only; outcome not yet recorded).