DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Alejandra Lopez
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Briefing on a proposed 1/8 cent sales tax ballot initiative to provide for workforce development and higher education under Chapter 379A of the Texas Local Government Code.
SUMMARY:
This item provides a briefing on a proposed 1/8 cent sales tax ballot initiative to provide for workforce development and higher education under Chapter 379A of the Texas Local Government Code. This initiative would build on the COVID-19 Recovery and Resiliency Plan workforce development pillar that served as the immediate response to the substantial and urgent need to assist San Antonio residents unemployed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on this short-term intervention, the ballot initiative will continue the path to a strong, resilient economic recovery by investing in a combination of training and education programs that leads to a robust talent pipeline for high demand and high wage careers.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus San Antonio experienced a relatively low unemployment rate, yet poverty rates in our community were among the highest in the country. Also prior to outbreak, the City completed various reports, including the Status of Women Report and the Poverty Report that disaggregated data and included specific recommendations to affect change. The unprecedented economic impacts of COVID-19 on the San Antonio economy have resulted in an estimated 160,000 displaced workers, further compounding the various financial burdens faced by residents.
Low post secondary educational attainment rates in San Antonio have resulted in a lack of skilled workers and an abundance of lower wage, low skill jobs. Approximately 51% of San Antonio residents who have filed for unemployment insurance since mid-March have completed high school, or the equivalency. An additional 23% have completed some college cours...
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