Res 2026-017 Approving the City of San Marcos Historic Preservation Plan

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HONORARY CULTURAL DISTRICT FINDINGS 4 1. The 2019 Survey and the HPC have recognized the value of alternatives to official landmark designation, including cultural heritage districts. 2. Texas Cultural District eligibility criteria is minimal and may be pursued by the City or its partners. 3. The 2023 Downtown Area Plan and 2024 Comprehensive Plan identified creating cultural districts as a goal. 4. San Marcos areas could benefit from Cultural District designation, such as the area around Eddie Durham Park. Cultural Districts serve to celebrate and promote community culture and heritage, similar to Main Street America programming. However, unlike Main Street programs, Cultural Districts are not restricted to downtown areas. Designated Texas Cultural Districts are eligible for Arts Respond Project grants and Arts Respond Cultural District Project grants administered by the Texas Commission on the Arts T( CA). Arts Respond Project grants are competitive grants that provide funding for projects that address education, health and human services, economic development, public safety and criminal justice, and/or natural resources and agriculture. Arts Respond Cultural District Project grants are competitive grants that provide funding for cultural tourism projects that use the arts to diversify local economies, attract investment and visitors, and generate revenue. Establishing a Cultural District should thoughtfully address staffing needs, as maintenance and accreditation require significant program and reporting capacity. SOLUTIONS 1. Identify and coordinate with partners, such as local cultural or historical organizations, to apply for TCA designation of Cultural Districts. Potential areas include the larger Dunbar neighborhood extending beyond the NRHP district boundaries, areas near Texas State, and around Eddie Durham Park, identified in the Downtown Area Plan as a potential Cultural District. 2. Consider creating a task force including the Arts Commission, HPC, City staff, and local partners to identify potential Cultural Districts. 3. Ensure Cultural District programming emphasizes local community identity and participation by prioritizing events led by local organizations, involving community representatives in advisory roles, directing funding support toward neighborhood -based initiatives, and balancing marketing to highlight benefits for residents as well as visitors. First Friday event in Downtown Bryan, Texas (above) and Bryan, Texas mural opposite right (Courtesy of Destination Bryan Downtown Bryan is a designated TCA Cultural District). 132 SAN MARCOS HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN (2026)