DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood and Housing Services Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Verónica R. Soto, FAICP
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 5
SUBJECT:
An ordinance approving a Funding Agreement for an amount not to exceed $3,000,000 between the City of San Antonio, the Westside Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Number 30 Board of Directors, and SAY SÍ for eligible public infrastructure and public improvements related to the renovation of an existing building as the future headquarters for the SAY SÍ West Side Campus at 1310 S. Brazos in Council District 5.
SUMMARY:
The Funding Agreement facilitates construction and renovation of an existing 98,000 square foot former SAHA warehouse into the headquarters for SAY SÍ (“San Antonio Youth, Yes!”). SAY SÍ is a 25-year old non-profit with the mission of igniting the creative power of young people as forces of positive change. The new West Side Campus will significantly expand SAY SÍ’s service offerings while bolstering its proven tuition-free creative arts programming. The new campus will retain the existing fourteen full-time positions while creating additional full-time positions and part-time positions.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
SAY SÍ is currently located at 1518 S. Alamo St. in a 24,000 square foot former brewery warehouse near Blue Star. The new 98,000 square foot West Side Campus with a total development cost of $21,200,000 will provide the space and resources needed to cement stronger collaborative partnerships with community organizations, while bolstering existing partnerships. SAY SÍ is committed to expand its reach to enact positive change in marginalized, low-income communities, and continue to do so completely tuition-free.
SAY SÍ is a nationally recognized organization, held up as a model out-of-school-time arts program that, according to The Wallace Foundation, contains quality principles that should be replicated nationwide. SAY SÍ was one of seven international youth art organizations chosen to receive an inaugural Creative Catalyst Award by Adobe Project 1324 in 2016. Since 2003, 100% of SAY SÍ’s students have graduated high school and been accepted to college, 98% have gone on to college, with the majority of that latter group being first generation college students.
Besides focusing on two of the holistic cross cutting themes: Economic Vitality and Equity, the SAY SÍ West Side campus specifically focuses on the Westside community area. The Westside is the traditional heart of the city, particularly for San Antonio’s Hispanic culture. This community area
embraces a diverse range of people, neighborhoods, and institutions and celebrates numerous cultural, educational, and natural resources.
ISSUE:
The Westside TIRZ Board approved funding for eligible public infrastructure and public improvements in an amount not to exceed $3,000,000-to be disbursed over three fiscal years-on June 29, 2020. City Council consideration is requested for the approval of the Funding Agreement between the Westside TIRZ Board of Directors, the City of San Antonio, and SAY SÍ.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could choose not to approve the Funding Agreement for eligible public infrastructure and public improvements for the SAY SÍ West Side Campus. If so, this action could negatively affect the SAY SÍ West Side Campus development, by requiring them to seek an alternate funding source to make up the gap in funds needed for public improvements.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes execution of a Funding Agreement between the City of San Antonio, the Westside TIRZ #30 Board of Directors, and SAY SÍ to provide funding in an amount not to exceed $3,000,000 over three fiscal years; $1,000,000 FY20, $1,000,000 FY21, and $1,000,000 FY22. Funding for this agreement is available through the tax increment produced by the Westside TIRZ. There is no impact to the General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of an ordinance approving a Funding Agreement for the eligible public infrastructure and public improvement expenses for the SAY SÍ West Side Campus project.