GSMP Vision2020 Update: Community Assessment September 9, 2014

GSMP Vision 2020 GSMP “Vision 2020” Updated regional ED Strategy for sustainable growth Prosperity Is the regional economy improving? What can be done to make it stronger? People How are the people doing who live and learn in the region? Place How attractive are the communities within GSM as a place to live? How is the quality of life and the physical assets?

GSMP Vision 2020

Phase I – Competitive Assessment Goal: Identify how GSM has grown and gather feedback from leaders, stakeholders and community Compare Greater San Marcos to benchmark communities, Texas and the U.S. Identify trends that provide opportunities and challenges Data driven component helps us tell the area’s story in a compelling way that identifies competitive advantages, niche opportunities, challenges to prosperity and strategic considerations.

GSMP Vision 2020 Phase I – Competitive Assessment Public input from almost 700 regional stakeholders 10 Focus Groups Over 20 interviews Online survey promoted by GSMP, partners, social media, and mainstream media

GSMP Vision 2020 Phase I – Competitive Assessment Population Growth Dynamics Migration: Age, Education, Well Being Regional Reality: Opportunity and Issues The Changing Employment Base Positioning for a Positive Future

Population Growth Dynamics TOTAL POPULATION, Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Population Growth Dynamics POPULATION INDEX FOR REGIONAL GEOGRAPHIES, 2000 = 100 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Population Growth Dynamics TOP SOURCE AND DESTINATION COUNTIES, Source: Internal Revenue Service

Population Growth Dynamics IN-MIGRANT PROFILE, Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Diversity, Age, Education & Well Being RACIAL AND ETHNIC DISTRIBUTION, 2013 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Diversity, Age, Education & Well Being EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Diversity, Age, Education & Well Being CENTRAL CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT DATA Source: State departments of education *Under revision

Regional Reality: Opportunity and Issues

CRIME RATES BY CORE CITY, Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation

Regional Reality: Opportunity and Issues PRICES OF SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES, JANUARY 2000-MAY 2014 Source: National Association of Realtors Note: Data for Caldwell County was not available

The Changing Employment Base PRE- AND POST-RECESSION EMPLOYMENT Source: Economic Modeling Specialists, Intl.

The Changing Employment Base AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGES, Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, QCEW

Positioning for a Positive Future RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURES BY UNIVERSITY, 2012 Source: National Science Foundation

21 © MARKET STREET SERVICES Competitive Assessment What is the ZIP Code of your residence?

22 © MARKET STREET SERVICES Competitive Assessment Name ONE THING you would do to most improve the Greater San Marcos region. New transportation modes - bike/walking path, light rail, bus options Job growth/diversity Better infrastructure Preserve natural surroundings No more large apartment buildings Don't overdevelop/make it harder to develop Smart growth Efficient construction Improve schools/school district Clean water supply/conservation TOP 10 RESPONSES

23 © MARKET STREET SERVICES Competitive Assessment Please rate the following components of the Greater San Marcos region's entrepreneurial climate.

24 © MARKET STREET SERVICES Competitive Assessment Responses from self-identified corporate decision- makers: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge or challenges facing the Greater San Marcos region’s economy? What, in your opinion, is the top action or actions Greater San Marcos could initiate to improve its economy and drive job creation? Lack of job diversity Managing growth Infrastructure The leadership/lack of trust Water supply/management Not business friendly Lack of quality housing Poor marketing of region Brain drain/people leaving Traffic congestion Attract diverse businesses Smart construction/growth Foster small business growth Branding/promote the region Increase transportation options Infrastructure Diverse housing options Work with the community No tax incentives Lower taxes

25 © MARKET STREET SERVICES Competitive Assessment If you feel that it's a challenge, what needs to be done in the Greater San Marcos area to more effectively retain and attract YPs?

26 © MARKET STREET SERVICES Competitive Assessment Please rate the following statements.

27 © MARKET STREET SERVICES Competitive Assessment Please rate the quality of higher education institutions in the Greater San Marcos region.

Key Takeaways Greater San Marcos must better accommodate quality growth and development. The region must leverage its key assets more effectively. Perceptions of Greater San Marcos must be changed. Greater San Marcos’ two component counties are diverging A consensus strategy for Greater San Marcos’ future must be established.