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RF_GARDIrIG FUMnIMr~ STRf1T~G`r' f OR
E-C[I_L COUtJTR'r Y01-1"fH F-XHIIaIT C[=LATER M63STER F'LRN
On this the :=9t ti d~iy of Ir1ay :_k'~01., ~_rpon matior~ made by
Conunissior~er Williams, seconded Gy C:oininissitanF_'r• PaldWill thca
Co~_u••t ~_rnanimously approved by a vote of 4-0-Q, tr, set a
woi ksrrol:~ i'nr~ ~: 1='. M. oii June 1.19 ~'~471 :in t;t-~e I{err• Ccnri~tY
Cnmmisasioner•s' Co~ar tr-oom fore tl-~c p~..u pose of I-r r:ar ing tt-~e
I::~r--eserrt~a~t::i.nr7 fr~~~oin Dr. F=r~nest J,• Ger-1. .:act-. 'Pr-~nm 1.1,.T.::;.R. ai: i3an
Rrrton:i.o Center for- Econom:ic:: I)eve].oF;ment regarcl:ir~~ f~..rndi.ng
strategy for Hill Co~_rntry Yo~.rtti ExF~ibit Ceiltf--=r'• Master F'7.an.
COMMISSIONERS' COURT AGENDA REQUEST
PLEASE FURNISH ONE ORIGINAL AND NINE COPIES OF THIS REQUEST
AND DOCUMENTS TO BE REVIEWED BY THE COURT.
MADE BY: William H. Williams OFFICE: Commissioner, Pct. 2
MEETING DATE: May 29, 2001 TIME PREFERRED:
SUBJECT: (Please be specific) Consider and discuss utilizing services of The University of
Texas at San Antonio, Center for Ernnomic Development to assist Ken Coumy in developing
a funding strategy for the Hill Country Youth Exhibit Center Master Plan for Improvement and
Expansion. Set date for a public workshop, and invite Ernest J. Gerlach, Center Dvector to
participate.
EXECUTIVE SESSION REQUESTED: (PLEASE STATE REASON)
NAME OF PERSON ADDRESSING THE COURT: Bill Williams, Commissioner, Precinct 2
ESTIMATED LENGTH OF PRESENTATION: 10 minutes.
IF PERSONNEL MATTER-NAME OF EMPLOYEE:
Time for submitting this request for Court to assure that the matter is posted in
accordance with Title 5, Chapter 551 and 552, Government Code, is as follows:
Meeting scheduled for Mondays: 5:00 P.M. previous Tuesday
THIS REQUEST RECEIVED BY:
THIS REQUEST RECEIVED ON:
All Agenda Requests will be screened by the County Judge's Office to determine if adequate
information has been prepared for the Court's formal consideration and action at time of Court
meetings. Your cooperation is appreciated and contributes towazd your request being addressed
at the earliest opportunity. See Agenda Request Rule adopted by Commissioners Court.
The University of Texas * San Anton_ io
Center for Economic Development
~ UTSA Downtown Campus ~ Cypress Tower
May 17, 2001
The Honorable William "Bill" Williams
Commissioner Precinct No. 2
Commissioners Court Kexx County
700 Main
Kerrville, Texas 78028
Dear Commissioner Williams,
I enjoyed meeting with you last week to talk about the Master Plan Studv fox the Hill Country Youth
F:xhibidon Center. Its an exciting plan and I look Eorward to working with you and the other commissioners
on developing a Eunding strategy to make this idea a reality. I put the Monday, June 11th 2:00 pm meeting on
my calendar. However, I will keep my schedule flexible if that time does not work out.
Enclosed is some material describing the Centex Eor Economic Development that you can distribute
to others. We axe funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce's P:conomic Development Administration
under their Linivexsity Centers Program. Oux mission is to foster economic, community and business
development in our service area, which encompasses the 47-county South Texas region. To carry out this
trussion we provide ongoing technical, research and training assistance, as well as information resources to
local governments, communities, nonprofits, councils of government and other entities engaged in
economic/community development activities in the region. We are part of a larger organization called the
Institute for Economic Development, which is housed at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
As I understand it my task will be to advise you on possible funding strategies to make the Hill
County Youth Exhibition Center a reality. I suggest that the meeting scheduled fox June 11~ be exploratory
to examine the possibilities. I will put together a listing of possible funding sources fox that meeting and
perhaps write up a brief strategy paper, Eor discussion only. I don't think we need a formal agenda for this
meeting. The goal is to come up with a direction ox a preliminary strategy. ~y/e might also want to discuss
how we could implement that strategy.
Again I enjoyed meeting with you and look fornaxd to the upcoming meeting If you need
additional information on the Centee let me know I will call you about a week before the scheduled meeting
to confirm. In the meantnne if you need anything feel free to call me at 210-458-2479.
Sincerely
v '~
( ~ ~ 1
v `~-..1
Ernest Gerlach, Director
Center for Economic Development -UTSA
1222 N. Main Avenue, Suite 750 • San Antonio, Texas 75212 • (210) 45&2476 • (220) 458-2491 fax
University Center Fact Sheet
Center for
Economic
Development
UTSA
Center for Economic
Development
The University of Texas
at San Antonio
UTSA Downtown
1222 N. Main,- Suite 750
San Antonio, Texas
78212
For Information Contact:
Ernest Gerlach, Director
Phone: (210) 458-2479
FAX: (210)458-2491
ua ~nile~rr eF cai~ce
[+001101 CENgCP~Bfr A01161R10CN
Background
Established in 1980, the Center is part of a network of
University Centers established by the U.S. Department of
Commerce's, Economic Development Administration. The
Center's main objectives are to: (1) promote economic
development initiatives that create jobs and improve the quality
of life of citizens in South Texas; (2) enhance the ability of local
governments and community based organizations in the region
to engage in economic development; 131 encourage the creation
of public/private partnerships in South Texas to sustain long
term economic growth; (4) provide training and information
resources to local governments, economic development
organizations and others in the region to facilitate economic
growth; and (51 provide research assistance to help economic
development organizations, councils of governments and others
in the region gain a better idea of factors influencing economic
growth in South Texas.
Service Area
The Center's primary service area includes South and Central
Texas, with special emphasis on small communities and rural
areas.
Services Available
The Center seeks to accomplish its mission by providing a wide
range of services including: 11) providing technical assistance to
local governments, nonprofit groups and nongovernmental
organizations engaged in economic development; (2) providing
training and information on economic development tools, tactics
and strategies to local governments, nonprofits,
nongovernmental entities and councils of governments; 131
conducting applied research dealing with the region's economic
development needs; and (4) providing technical, training,
information and research assistance to designated Economic
Development Districts in the region. In addition, the Center
sponsors seminars and workshops in cooperation with other
organizations and University units and publishes CenterField. a
quarterly newsletter on economic and community development
issues impacting its service area.
Primary Focus
One of the primary focuses of the Center has been the
development of strategic planning initiatives designed to mobilize
community and regionwide resources to facilitate economic
growth. The Center also maintains a series of current databases
that can aid communities and organizations in the region with
their economic development planning. In addition, the Center has
established a certificate training program, accredited by the
American Economic Development Council, in economic
development designed for public officials, administrators,
business and civic leaders, nonprofit groups and
nongovernmental organizations. For more information please call
210/458-2479.
Service Fees
Fees are assessed on a cost recovery basis.
Examples of Services
Proiect 10161 - Aari-Business Develooment Strateav
This study was done for the Neighborhood Housing Services of Dimmit County
(NHSDC). Its purpose was to examine long-term agri-business development
strategies for Dimmit County. To carry out this initiative the Center reviewed
past and current studies, analyzed existing agricultural related businesses in the
region and conducted a comprehensive assessment of the agricultural industry
in Dimmit County. This study renewed interest in agri-business as an important
element in an overall development strategy designed to foster long term
Proiect 10164 - Gateway Mercado Proiect
The purpose of this project was to determine the feasibility of transforming a
mixed use neighborhood in San Marcos with a predominantly Mexican American
population into an integrated market/business and residential area. The Center,
working in conjunction with the University's Architectural Program, developed a
concept design and landuse plan for the proposed Mercado. It also conducted
several neighborhood and business surveys to gather information for a
comprehensive market assessment of the Mercado concept. The project was
completed in May 1995 and is being used by the Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce and other organizations in San Marcos to spur the revitalization of
south San Marcos.
Proiect 10167 - Youthbuild Proiect
The George Gervin Youth Center in San Antonio contracted with the Center to
conduct a study to determine the feasibility of establishing a youthbuild program
in San Antonio/Bexar County. This study was to be used as part of a broader
effort on the part of the Gervin Youth Center to secure a grant from HUD to set
up a program in Bexar County to assist disadvantaged young adults and to
expand the supply of affordable housing for the homeless and for very low
income families in San Antonio. The study was included in the Gervin Center's
application to HUD. The Gervin Center subsequently received a 51.0 million
grant from HUD to establish its program and move toward implementation.
EDA University Center Program
The U.S. Department of Co*~*++~TMe's Economic Development
Administration (EDA) was established in 1965 to generate jobs, help
retain existing jobs. snd stimulate growth in economically distressed
areas of the United States. In fulfilling its mission, EDA is guided
by the principle that distressed communities must be empowered to
develop and implement ffieir own economic development and
revitalization strategies. EDA helps distressed communities identify
and address problems associated with long-tam economic distress,
as well as sudden and severe economic dislocations including natural
disessuers, clostue of military installations and other federal facilities,
changing trade patterns, a~ the depletion of natural resources.
The EDA University Center Program is a Federal academic
partnership that makes resources at institutions of higher education
available to the economic development community. Such institutions
have a variety of resources including faculty, staff, students,
laboratories, and computer systems- EDA s University Ccnta
program helps institutions of higher education in establishing and
operating outreach programs that use those resources to provide
technical assistance on economic development projects and
programs. EDA considers the University Centers long-term partners
in fostering local ec~omic development
The university of Texas a# San Antonio
~„~,,,~, Ernest J. Gerlach
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UTSA ttbwntown
12?2 N. Main, Baiter 7"~Q
San Antonio, 7"X 712 _
210ht$@-2479 Faz:21Ql4SB-249"1
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Center for Economic Development
Goals/Accomplishments
Accomplishments 1999-2000
• The Center provided technical, research, training and information assistance to 20 local
governments and communities throughout the South Texas region.
• Operated the Center with an "all funds" budget of $150,000 during the 1999 - 2000 Program Year.
• The Center co-sponsored the Neighborhood Resource Center's I la' Annual Neighborhood
Conference convened at UTSA -Downtown in June 2000. Over 300 public officials,
neighborhood residents and others attended.
• The Center coordinated the Future of the Region Conference - Phase I held on South Padre Island
in June 2000. Over 130 leaders from throughout South Texas participated in the conference.
• The Center working with the City of Yoakum developed a comprehensive strategic planning
process that resulted in a long-term strategy designed to facilitate economic and community
growth.
• During the 1999-2000 Program Year the Center assisted the Neighborhood Housing\Services of
Dimmit County, Inc. (NHSDC, Inc.) in obtaining a Community Development Financial Institution
(CDFI) designation. In addition, the Center helped the NHSDC, Inc. secure $750,000 in relending
authority from the SBA to fund micro-enterprises throughout the nine-county Middle Rio Grande
region.
• In February 2000, the Center, as part of its multicommunity project, conducted a community
design charrette process in Dimmit and LaSalle counties. Over 50 students and faculty from the
University's architecture and civil engineering programs participated in the process along with
representative from five communities - Asherton, Big Wells, Carrizo Springs, Cotulla and Encinal.
The end result was a series of community plans and strategies.
• In the FaII of 1999, the Center, in conjunction with the City of San Antonio's Planning Department
developed four class curriculums and related resource material to train members of neighborhood
associations throughout San Antonio to help local citizens become more engaged in neighborhood
building. The first training cycle involved 20 neighborhood leaders. Other cycles are being
planned.
The Center continued to provide ongoing technical assistance and support to several regional
groups including the EI Camino -Market Trail group, the I-35 South Economic Development
Coalition, and the Community Museum Network of South Texas to facilitate economic
development in South Texas.
Goals 2000-2001
• Provide technical, training, research and information assistance to 23 communities, local
governments, and nonprofit organizations throughout South Texas.
• Conduct two major regional conferences designed to facilitate economic and community
development in South Texas.
• Continue to provide ongoing technical support to the I-35 South Economic Corridor Group, Market
Trail, and the Community Museum Network.
• Conduct two regional training institutes to train up to 50 public officials, civic and business leaders
in the region on the tools and techniques of economic development.
• Conduct at least two applied research projects focusing on regional development in South Texas
and the Border Region.
• Develop a close working relationship with other University based components to enhance its
ability to provide services to communities, local governments, counsels of government, and other
organizations in the region.