1. Community Assessment

It was important that the Greater San Marcos Area’s process began with a common understanding of the community’s recent trends.  The Community Assessment Report presents a breadth of research to demonstrate the area’s competitive position.  Market Street Services uses local, state, and national statistical data sources (as available) to analyze key economic and demographic indicators including what has happened in the area. A combination of factors that determine a community’s strengths as a place to live, work, and do business are assessed, including indicators related to education and workforce development, infrastructure and land use, business costs, and quality of life.  This report helps to develop a shared understanding of the Greater San Marcos Area’s challenges and opportunities among project stakeholders.

2. Community Input

Market Street complemented its research with input directly from the people who live, work, and conduct business in San Marcos and the decision-makers that drive the local economy.  Key findings from the public input are incorporated into the three components of the Community Assessment.  Findings from this process help inform the recommendations included in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.

The inclusion of key local constituencies is critical to the success of San Marcos’ strategic process.  Reaching out to as many community stakeholders as possible during strategy development builds consensus around goals and objectives, and creates the “buy in” necessary for effective implementation.

Market Street will conduct up to 12 personal interviews with key public and private leaders and 6 focus groups with 15-20 people per group. Additionally, Market Street conducted a Community Survey accessed through this Project Website.  The survey allowed community members the opportunity to comment on San Marcos’ competitive issues.

Highlights from this process are incorporated into the Community Assessment and inform the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.

3. Target Business and Workforce Analysis
4. Organizational Review
5. Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
6. Implementation Plan