DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Alejandra Lopez
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City-wide
SUBJECT:
A briefing and possible action on consideration of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation 2020 Business Plan; and update on the strategic planning process.
SUMMARY:
This is a briefing by the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation (SAEDF) and City of San Antonio Economic Development Department (EDD) on the organization's business plan for the first six months of 2020, along with an update on the regional economic development strategy to be launched mid-year 2020.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The partnership between EDD and SAEDF is based on recommendations of the 2009 Mayor's Corporate Retention and Recruitment Committee, which consisted of business and community members, and called for the development of a strategic plan, a process for coordination and collaboration to include a business retention and expansion (BRE) program, and improved resource utilization. In 2015, a private sector sub-committee evaluated the partnership between the City and SAEDF and confirmed the continuation of the partnership as an effective model, along with recommending the development of the Forefront SA economic development strategic plan (Forefront SA). Forefront SA is implemented by SAEDF, in collaboration with EDD and additional economic development partners, with target goals to reach by 2020.
The SAEDF Economic Development Services Agreement creates public/private alignment towards long-term goals and focus on creating high-wage jobs by leveraging existing competitive advantages. This Agreement requires City Council approval of an annual Business Plan aligned with execution of Forefront SA. After a two-year period of resource realignment integrating SA Works and the Free Trade Alliance, in 2019 SAEDF focused substantially on operational execution, securing 20 projects, creating a total of 5,472 jobs (including 4,377 target industry jobs and 1...
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