DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Rene Dominguez
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City-Wide
SUBJECT:
Briefing by the Brooks Development Authority.
SUMMARY:
Brooks President & CEO, Leo Gomez, will present an update on economic activity to include strategic direction, recent accomplishments, and ongoing partnership initiatives.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Brooks, a 1,308-acre campus, was established in 2002 to minimize the impact of the closure of Brooks Air Force Base to the local economy. Since then, it has served as a unique model for redevelopment due to its use of public-private partnerships to establish a vibrant mixed-use community, and as a catalyst for prosperity in and around the area that comprised the former Brooks Air Force Base.
Brooks, located in southeast San Antonio, is home to nearly 40 companies with 3,200+ employees with an estimated average salary of $50,000. Ample opportunity for growth remains at about 750 undeveloped acres still available for new development on campus. Through public/private partnerships, Brooks continues to attract local, national and international investment that enhances the local economy.
The Brooks Board of Directors adopted a Land Use Plan in July 2014, which breaks the 1,308-acre campus into three parcels - each with a unique purpose and character. The design creates a balance between culture, economy and ecology. Brooks uses this comprehensive Land Use Plan to inform strategic regional partners of the land available at the campus for new business investment.
ISSUE:
Based on the increase in activity over the last five years and projected improvements over the next five years, development at Brooks will more than double its current economic impact and substantially increase annual tax impact. Nearly $137 million in projects are underway at Brooks, including: (1) the Brooks Transit Center; (2) a 9-acre retail center; (3) a 350,000 square-foot light industrial facility; (4) a planned office pa...
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