Vision SMTX Appendix Adopted 2024

APPENDIX D: POLICY BASELINE AND DEVELOPMENT

· Innovation and entrepreneurship · Data on small business and entrepreneurial activity indicates that the region has been successful at fostering growth in new and small businesses. Areas of emphasis such as creating a more business-friendly environment through greater ease of permitting, additional incentives, and more affordable commercial real estate were mentioned as necessary to enhance capacity. Additionally, a greater focus on small business retention and greater collaboration with regional partners must be areas of intentionality for Hays and Caldwell counties. Following the regional assessment key findings, a strategic framework and recommendations were created and will set the direction for the next five years of the region’s collective economic development prioritization and activity. Several workgroups have been created around these strategies with regional participation and are ongoing. The 4 strategies are: · Support Quality Employment Growth · Optimize the Local Talent Base · Accommodate and Manage Quality Growth · Enhance Community Appeal

The Airport Master Plan , conducted in 2020, focused on examining existing facilities, forecasting future aviation demands, identifying the projects necessary to meet that demand, and examined the financial means to achieve the short- and long-term goals for San Marcos Regional Airport. Additionally, the master plan served as a tool to aid airport officials in their decision-making regarding San Marcos Regional Airport’s upkeep and future development. The Master Plan also identified and documented portions of the airport’s existing property that can be used for future development. Development at airports can be either aeronautical (e.g., hangars, FBOs, aeronautical businesses, etc.) or non-aeronautical (e.g., gas stations, retail, industrial, etc.).

110

SAN MARCOS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2024