Res 2022-055R/Arts Master Plan approval

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Proposed concepts from this plan include the designation of Downtown districts, the establishment of a Public Improvement District (PID) and the development of a commuter rail stop between Austin and San Antonio. The aspects of this master plan that relate to arts and cultural planning are presented below. Noted in the plan, the Main Street program developed by the Washington State Office of Trade and Development proposes that an ideal funding strategy for a downtown investment includes the following formula: one- third city funding; one-third downtown business and property owners; and one-third other contributors. Key themes and concepts which reference arts and culture: Vision Plan: The Big Ideas. This section of the plan proposes the designation of several districts, such as: Entertainment Village and Transportation Hub. Envisions the southern half of the downtown neighborhood as the location for a future transportation hub for the proposed commuter rail stop, enhanced by a mixed-uses for retail, entertainment and the arts. Arts Village. Adjacent to the Transportation Hub is another warehouse district which could offer a transitional space with structures large enough to serve as artist’s studios, music centers or other cultural development venues. Campus Strategic Plans. In 2005, Texas State University completed a Campus Master Plan that proposed a performing arts center and extended campus greens along the edge of the Downtown. In response, the City completed a Campus Edge Strategic Plan, which won the Texas American Planning Association award in 2007, that identified key areas for town-gown integration. Attract the “Creative Class.” As part of building the identity and placemaking of Downtown San Marcos, the plan notes several times that there is an interest to invest in the physical quality of place to help attract talented, creative citizens and employers. Utility Infrastructure: Public Improvement District (PID). Also known as Business Improvement Districts, PIDs can offer cities a means to improve their infrastructure through a levy to collect special assessments on properties that are within the city or its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The PID proposal includes the following relevant areas for invested improvements: park, recreation and cultural improvements; landscaping and other aesthetic improvements; and art installation. Cumulative recommendations from the Downtown Master Plan related to arts and culture include: Identity and Placemaking: Make Downtown San Marcos an even better residential, learning, social and employment destination; Establish Downtown as a unique destination; Attract talented, knowledge-workers and Creative Class citizens; and Unify the public experience at the vehicular and the pedestrian scale. Enhance Downtown’s Unique Characteristics: Continue to increase the promotion of cultural events that draw people Downtown; and Establish and enhance centers of activity within each neighborhood. KEEN INDEPENDENT RESEARCH — SAN MARCOS ARTS MASTER PLAN 2022 APPENDIX C,PAGE 6