Economic Development Board

City of San Marcos Regular Meeting Economic Development San Marcos Board July 22nd, 2026, at 1:15 PM Attend In-Person: City Hall Conference Room 630 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX 78666 Attend Online via Virtual Microsoft Teams Meeting: Meeting ID: 275 670 978 341 157 Passcode: 85by7Zd7 Public Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/275670978341157?p=jcH7WgyQJVGwYd471T I. Call To Order II. Roll Call III. Citizen Comment Period – Speakers shall have a time limit of three minutes each: Persons wishing to participate (speak) virtually during the Citizen Comment portion of the meeting must email jfalletta@sanmarcostx.gov by 12:00 PM (noon) on July 21, 2026. A call in number to join by phone or link will be provided for participation on a mobile device, laptop, or desktop computer for those joining virtually. Those wishing to speak in person must sign up before 10:00 AM the day of the meeting. CONSENT AGENDA The following items may be acted upon by one motion. No separate discussion or action on any of the items is necessary unless desired by a board member or a citizen, in which event the item shall be considered in its normal sequence after the items not requiring separate discussion have been acted upon by a single motion. 1. Consider approval, by motion, of the following meeting minutes: A. June 24, 2026 – Regular Meeting Minutes REPORTS 1. Economic & Local Business Development Staff report regarding Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction. 2. Receive a presentation from Business & Community Lenders (BCL) on Small Business Counseling Services. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Welcome new Board Member CJ Odam, San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District (SMCISD) Representative. ACTION ITEMS 1. Discuss and confirm dates and times for future EDSM meetings. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS 1. Presentation from City Staff on the Transportation Master Plan. EXECUTIVE SESSION NOTE: The Economic Development Board may adjourn into Executive Session to consider any item listed on this agenda if a matter is raised that is appropriate for Executive Session discussion. An announcement will be made of the basis for the Executive Session discussion. The Economic Development Board may also publicly discuss any item listed on the agenda for Executive Session. 1. Executive Session in accordance with: A. Sec. §551.087 of the Texas Government Code: Economic Development: to receive a briefing on Project Mercury. B. Sec. §551.087 of the Texas Government Code: Economic Development: to receive a briefing on Project Bravo Beam. IV. Question and Answer Session with Press and Public This is an opportunity for the Press and Public to ask questions related to items on this agenda. Persons wishing to participate remotely in the Q&A session must email jfalletta@sanmarcostx.gov by 12:00 PM (noon) on July 21, 2026. A call in number to join by phone or link will be provided for participation on a mobile device, laptop, or desktop computer. Those wishing to speak in person must sign up before 10:00 AM the day of the meeting. V. Adjournment Notice of Assistance at the Public Meetings The City of San Marcos is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Individuals who require auxiliary aids and services for this meeting should contact the City of San Marcos ADA Coordinator at 512-393-8000 (voice) or call Texas Relay Service (TRS) by dialing 7-1-1. Requests can also be faxed to 855-461-6674 or sent by e-mail to ADArequest@sanmarcostx.gov. For more information on the Economic Development Board, please contact Helen Ramirez at hramirez@sanmarcostx.gov. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SAN MARCOS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday June 24, 2026 The Economic Development San Marcos Board convened on Wednesday June 24, 2026, in a hybrid-format meeting via Zoom and in-person at the City Hall Conference Room (630 E Hopkins) in San Marcos, Texas. I. CALL TO ORDER With a quorum present, the meeting of the Economic Development Board was called to order by Chair Payne at 1:17 p.m. on Wednesday June 24, 2026. This meeting was held in-person and online. II. ROLL CALL Present: 10 - Chair Justin Payne, Debbie Austin, Debbie Ingalsbe, Ed Theriot, Bill Strohecker, Mayor Jane Hughson, City Manager Stephanie Reyes, Marshall Andrews, Christian Becerra, Chris Jones (joined at 1:24pm) Absent: 4 - Terrance Sanders, Mike Kamerlander, Chris Oliveira, Michael Williams Staff in Attendance: Adison Heyne, Assistant City Manager Rodney Gonzales, Helen Ramirez, Josie Falletta, Gabriela Moore, Karla Hernandez III. 30 MINUTE CITIZEN COMMENT PERIOD No citizens signed up to speak. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Consider approval, by motion, of the following meeting minutes: A. May 27, 2026 – Regular Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Christian Becerra, seconded by Debbie Austin, to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried by the following vote: For: 7 - Chair Justin Payne, Debbie Austin, Debbie Ingalsbe, Ed Theriot, Bill Strohecker, Marshall Andrews, Christian Becerra Against: 0 Absent: 5- Terrance Sanders, Mike Kamerlander, Chris Oliveira, Michael Williams, Chris Jones REPORTS 1. Receive update on Business Retention & Expansion and Department Outreach & Workforce Efforts. Adison Heyne provided an update on outreach efforts, business visits, and workforce initiatives. Criteria for business visits are evolving, focusing on major employers and referrals, with plans to refine strategy using survey data. 2027 Career Fair plans and Business Improvement & Growth (BIG) Grant updates were shared. 2. Receive update on Economic & Local Business Development Attraction & Expansion. Helen Ramirez provided an update on attraction and expansion reporting. 8 direct leads to City staff from May 2026 – June 18, 2026. An overview of Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership leads from April 2026 through May 2026 was also provided. 3. Communication & Outreach Strategy Updates. Adison Heyne & Gabriela Moore provided more detail on Economic & Local Business Development Department webpage updates as well as events through the 2026 calendar year and plans for Q1 & Q2 2027 events. 4. Receive update on Local Business Survey. Adison Heyne shared full details on the 2026 Local Business Survey results. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion on potential changes to the Economic Development Policy, including amendments reflecting the new name of the department, amendments to Exhibit A – Policy Process and Scoring for Chapter 312 Agreements, Chapter 380 Agreements, Economic Development Supplemental Fund, and Fee Waivers, update targeted industries, review definitions, policy criteria, types of incentives, and address miscellaneous grammatical and clerical revisions. Director Helen Ramirez provided an introduction and overview of the proposed Economic Development Policy updates for Board input and feedback. Recommendations from the Board included incentivizing clean technology, understand the city’s goals for water and conservation to include in the policy, promote reuse/purple pipe, and to understand living wage and how that relates to the policy. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS 1. Presentation from Business & Community Lenders (BCL) on Small Business Counseling Services. 2. Future dates and times for Board orientation. 3. Presentation from City Staff on the Transportation Master Plan. 4. Request from Bill Strohecker for a presentation from City Staff on Water & Utility Plans. IV. QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION WITH PRESS AND PUBLIC No members of the press or public present to speak. V. ADJOURNMENT Chair Justin Payne adjourned the meeting at 3:04pm. ________________________________ __________________________________ Staff Liaison – Helen Ramirez Board Chair – Justin Payne Economic Development San Marcos Board Regular Meeting July 22, 2026 sanmarcostx.gov 1  CONSENT AGENDA 1. Consider approval, by motion, of the following meeting minutes: June 24, 2026 – Regular Meeting Minutes sanmarcostx.gov 2  REPORTS 1. Economic & Local Business Development Staff Report regarding Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction. 2. Receive a presentation from Business & Community Lenders (BCL) on Small Business Counseling Services. sanmarcostx.gov 3  REPORTS 1. Economic & Local Business Development Staff report regarding Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction. sanmarcostx.gov 4  Business Attraction & Expansion Update Attraction Retention • Direct Active Leads (June 18 – July 16) • Business Retention & Expansion • 1 - Recreational • 1 - Downtown Property Owner • 1 - Aerospace • 1 - Mixed Use • 1 - Restaurant • Active Leads – Expansion • 1 - Advanced Manufacturing • 1 - Distribution • 1 - Aerospace Confirmed Blackbird Brims to Open in Downtown We are thrilled to report that Blackbird Brims has signed a lease at 232 N LBJ Dr. to begin on August 1st.They are a custom western hat retailer who has agreements with Stetson and Resistol to sell their products. sanmarcostx.gov 5  Business Attraction & Expansion Update Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership Project *Lead Submissions for City of San Marcos (May 2026 through June 2026) • Number of RFIs Submitted for San Marcos through Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership: 6 Active Projects (sites submitted): 6 Short Listed: 6 (total for FY26) Negotiations: 1 (total for FY26) Expansion: 1 (total for FY26) Won: 1 (total for FY26) • Number of Site Tours for San Marcos: 12 (total for FY26) sanmarcostx.gov *Leads received through Governor’s Office and Opportunity Austin 6  REPORTS 2. Receive a presentation from Business & Community Lenders (BCL) on Small Business Counseling Services sanmarcostx.gov 7 BOOST Business Owners Optimization, Support, & Training Presented by BCL of Texas · Building Strong Communities About BCL More than a lender — a community and economic development partner. Statewide Nonprofit CDFI Our Mission Serving Texas communities since 1990 Building Strong Communities across the as a certified Community Development state of Texas. Financial Institution. Our Purpose We Combine Helping Texans navigate opportunity, Navigation, Access to Capital, and access responsible capital, and build Support & Accountability. lasting wealth. “We are more than a lender. We are a community and economic development partner.” The BCL Way: Turning Opportunity into Lasting Wealth BCL serves as the bridge between capital and community. Small Business Community Homeownership Lending Development • Personal finance • Business loans • Community investment • Counseling & education • Coaching & education • Housing initiatives • Mortgage lending • Technical assistance • Public-private • Down payment assistance • Financial growth partnerships programs readiness • CRA collaboration Navigation → Access to Capital → Support & Accountability → Lasting Wealth Impact Across Texas BCL impact data from FY2024 & FY2025. Homeownership Small Business Financial Stability 222 families achieved 45 businesses funded 7,823 affordable loans homeownership $6.64M in capital deployed deployed $83.5M in mortgages facilitated 832 entrepreneurs coached $7.56M in consumer loan 1,036 housing counseling volume participants 20,235 family beneficiaries 226 homebuyer education participants $97.7 Million combined mortgage, small business, and consumer lending impact across FY24–FY25 BOOST: Program Overview No-cost business coaching for the San Marcos business community. Created in 2022 The Goal Established by the City of San Marcos to support the Assist small businesses at every stage of local business community. running a business by connecting them to the resources and capital needed to grow. Formerly ThinkB!G Relaunched from the ThinkB!G Business Investment + Growth program. Classes are offered across a range of topics to build knowledge in every aspect of One-on-One Coaching business growth and development. No-cost, customized business and financial coaching sessions. Delivered by BCL of Texas as the City’s direct service provider. Classes & Workshops In-person, online, and on-demand training for owners and entrepreneurs. Who the Program Serves Eligibility for one-on-one assistance through the City of San Marcos program paid with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Eligible for One-on-One Coaching Not Eligible? Still Supported • Existing small businesses located in designated • Not-yet-established entrepreneurs can access eligible census tracts within San Marcos city comprehensive start-up resources online and limits return for one-on-one help once fully established • Businesses employing fewer than 26 people • Businesses outside the eligible census tracts • Traditionally underserved business owners and may qualify for other BCL of Texas programs communities are a priority focus • Spanish-language and other translation An eligibility map of qualifying census tracts is available services available from the City of San Marcos. Core Services What BCL delivers for San Marcos business owners. Entrepreneurship Resources Professional Consultations Curated resources and guidance provided to Quality consultations for new and expanding every referral. businesses. Counseling & Technical Assistance Financial Assessments Business counseling, coaching, and marketing Problem-solving and ongoing strategic plan development. counseling to grow businesses. Business Finance Fundamentals Technology Platform Support Clear answers and recommendations on Extended support for entrepreneurs through business financial matters. existing technology platforms. Technical Assistance Classes BCL curriculum offered in-person, online, and on-demand. Personal Financial Understanding Credit Social Media Marketing Marketing: Customer Management Acquisition & Retention The Financials: Your Where Do I Get the Cash Business IT: Technology Business Continuity Projections, Your to Grow? Access to Trends for Success Planning Business Capital Small business owners and entrepreneurs explore the topics that match their needs. 2022–25 Program Outcomes 70 200 375 1,500 classes delivered outreach events firms coached & impact hours trained Extended technical assistance services to the Hispanic community. Four clients referred to and graduated from the Frost Bank Small Business Program — each offered a $5K line of credit. 15 new start-ups launched through TA, coaching, and training. BOOST · BCL of Texas Next Steps: Strengthening the Program BCL of Texas action plan for the relaunch. Strengthen Participant Improve Applicant Follow- 1 2 Readiness Through Expand workshops on business planning, credit Implement structured follow-up protocols with step-by- improvement, and collateral preparation. Provide one- step, milestone-based guidance that keeps applicants on-one advisory support for early-stage entrepreneurs. engaged throughout the process. Targeted Outreach & Partner 3 4 Program Optimization Collaboration Focus on entrepreneurs with viable concepts but limited Enhance advisory services to reduce readiness gaps, and resources. Coordinate with local economic development track applicant outcomes more systematically for partners to find high-potential applicants. continuous program improvement. Relaunch & Engagement Timeline From board introduction to a data-informed 2027. EDSM Board Meeting — High-level who / what / why / where / how presentation July 22 introducing BCL, the program, the relaunch direction, and how survey results support the work. Campaign Launch — Launch through the City story, social media, email, website updates, Aug photos, and a shared call to action. Sustained Momentum — Continue social posts, email mentions, event presence, referral Aug–Oct partner reminders, and appointment conversion tracking. Refine & Prepare — Use survey findings, appointment data, and event results to adjust Nov–Jan outreach and prepare for larger 2027 opportunities such as procurement and partner events. BOOST Scorecard How the program will measure awareness, engagement, and results. Metric Area What to Track Awareness Website views, social reach, post engagement, newsletter clicks, QR code scans. Event contacts, form submissions, phone and email inquiries, social messages, partner Engagement introductions. Scheduled appointments, completed coaching sessions, class registrations, follow-up Conversion sessions. City department, Main Street, BRE visit, BIG Grant inquiry, Legacy Business, Chamber, Referral Source library, lender, CPA/bookkeeper, property manager, event, social media, website. City limits status, industry, retail/non-retail, employee count, stage of business, language Business Profile preference, primary need. Business plan progress, records organized, grant/loan readiness, City process navigation, Outcomes marketing plan, pricing and cash flow work, procurement readiness. Thank You BOOST · Business Owners Optimization, Support, & Training BCL of Texas · bcloftexas.org  DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Welcome new Board Member CJ Odam, San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District (SMCISD) Representative. sanmarcostx.gov 8  ACTION ITEMS 1. Discuss and confirm dates and times for future EDSM Meetings. sanmarcostx.gov 9  ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS 1. Presentation from City Staff on the Transportation Master Plan. sanmarcostx.gov 10  EXECUTIVE SESSION Executive Session in accordance with: A.Sec. §551.087 of the Texas Government Code: Economic Development: to receive a briefing on Project Mercury. B.Sec. §551.087 of the Texas Government Code: Economic Development: to receive a briefing on Project Bravo Beam. sanmarcostx.gov 11 Question and Answer Session with Press and Public sanmarcostx.gov 12 Adjournment sanmarcostx.gov 13