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INTRODUCTION <br />The national economic meltdown in late 2008 and its resulting fallout in terms of <br />record-level unemployment rates, an overall decline in capital projects across industry <br />sectors, and the bottoming out of most regional housing markets has caused leaders <br />at the local, state, and federal levels to rethink economic deve. One thing is <br />certain: the country is in unchartered waters, and what worked in the past is not <br />guaranteed to work today. <br /> <br />With new opportunities on the table in terms of green jobs, economic stimulus <br />funds, health care reform, revised corporate tax structures, inc <br />and federal priorities, the most competitive communities are usi <br />reorganize and plan so they may maximize economic opportunities as we emerge <br />from this recession. <br /> <br />Greater San Marcos leaders in both the public and private sectors began to organize <br />themselves before the economic crisis, recognizing that the area <br />San Marcos has grown from a sleepy college and tourist town to a city brimming with <br />new business activity. Nearly equidistant from the thriving citi <br />Antonio, the area sits in a “garden spot” to take advantage of eunities <br />related to each metro. The dynamics of these opportunities and recent growth were <br />the impetus for organizing Partners for Progress and developing this comprehensive <br />economic development planning process. <br /> <br />Informed by public input, research, and past planning processes,Comprehensive <br />Economic Development Strategy paints a clear picture of what type of place Greater San <br />Marcos wants to be and provides a prioritized set of action areas to achieve its goals. <br />This Strategy answers the following important questions: <br /> <br />What are the area’s competitive strengths and challenges? <br /> <br />What development should occur in the San Marcos area? <br /> <br />What is the Greater San Marcos Area’s unique niche? <br /> <br />How can leaders organize and market to support economic development? <br /> <br />What are the key directions that San Marcos must move in, and what are the <br />priority actions that will enable the area to achieve its goals? <br /> <br />How can success be measured on an ongoing basis? <br /> <br />It is clear from research and community input presented earlier in this strategic <br />process that Greater San Marcos does not have the organizational structure, staff <br />capacity, or funding necessary to implement the recommendations outlined in this <br />Final Strategy <br />September 2009 5 <br /> <br />