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o <br />Encourage the Greater San Marcos city governments to adopt flexible <br />incentive policies that give economic development staff increased <br />autonomy and prioritize target business sectors. <br />Critically review current incentive policies with consideration <br />of the labor, infrastructure, capital, and business cost <br />requirements of the target industries. <br />Compare Greater San Marcos’ incentive offering relative to <br />other cities attracting the same industry(s). <br />Adapt incentive policies when possible to reflect best practices <br />so that Greater San Marcos is as competitive as possible. <br />Ensure that Greater San Marcos has a standard process for <br />reviewing and scoring prospects, with weight going to projects <br />that create diverse, higher paying jobs in the area. <br />Offer equal access to incentives to expanding local businesses. <br /> <br />Continue to ensure that private businesses and individuals receive permits in <br />a timely and seamless manner. <br />o <br />Offer expedited site-plan review and permitting – and fast-tracked <br />zoning hearings – for large projects. <br />Set up a meeting between public staff and the local <br />development community to discuss regulatory issues and <br />determine ways that the two parties can partner to improve <br />the regulatory process in Greater San Marcos. <br />Consider adopting the City of Austin’s best practice approach <br />to improved permitting though the adoption of technology <br />solutions, including online forms, and equipping building <br />inspectors with tablet PCs. <br />o <br />To help improve perception issues related to the area’s permitting <br />process, publicize improvements through economic development <br />leaders, the Chamber of Commerce, and city websites, as well as local <br />media outlets. <br /> <br />Support legislation and policy <br />changes that benefit economic <br />development along the Austin-San <br />Antonio Corridor. <br />o <br />Mediate issues that benefit <br />both metro areas. <br />o <br />Keep current on and get <br />involved in Austin and San Antonio economic and workforce <br />development initiatives that pertain to Greater San Marcos’ targ <br />industries. <br />o <br />Get regional buy-in from Opportunity Austin through the Greater <br />Austin Chamber of Commerce’s regional partnership board. <br /> <br />Maintain strong relationships with the Governor’s Economic Development <br />and Tourism Department and state elected officials. <br />Final Strategy <br />September 2009 23 <br /> <br />