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Page 3 CITY San Marcos 5. Summarize the current development and economic trends in your town. \X'hat are its major assets and its major problem areas? How are these developments impaccing the central business district? San Ma:çcos economic development and trends are dependent upon and greatly impacted by three economic base factors, which are education, tourism, and manufacturing. Currently, our economy is healthy and predictions indicate that San Marcos will double in size within the next twenty years. Our location on Interstate 35, between Austin and San Antonio places San Marcos In the heart of the IH 35 corridor, which has been recognized as one of the hottest growth spots in the United States. The economic assets of San Marcos include an excellent edu- cational base comprised of five major institutions that in- clude Southwest Texas State University, which has an enroll- ment of over 19,000 students. Also, two major tourist attractions located within the city limits of San Marcos draw over 750,000 visitors annually, resulting in an eco- nomic impact of over $20 million. An industrial development program started by the Chamber of Commerce in the late 1970ls and still continuing today, has achieved tremendous success in attracting new industries to San Marcos. This program is responsible for establishing and solidifying the manufacturing side of our economic triangle. The future growth of San Marcos will present a major challenge to everyone in our community. City government will be taxed with an increasing burden to improve and expand the public services to meet this growth. Special efforts will be necess- ary to manage and control this growth and to maintain our cherished quality of life, of which we are very proud. As San Marcos growth occurs, more and more pressure will be placed on the downtown area, as highway and strip development attract downtown merchant patrons. Even though downtown is adjacent to the university campus, students are being re- cruited out of downtown by new shopping centers, discount stores, and innovative marketing and promotional techniques. These developments are currently, and will continue to have, an increasing influence on the economic vitality of downtown San Marcos.