AGENDA - San Antonio Housing Authority

INTRODUCTION2IntroductionIn 2008, the City of San Antonio passed a seriesof city ordinances intended to promote growth anddevelopment in the “heart of the City”, areas such asSan Antonio’s Eastside that have been historicallyunderserved. These ordinances, based on infill developmentpolicy, a series of reinvestment zones, anda renewed focus on community and economic development,are the touchstones of this reinvigoratedapproach to revitalization. The intent is to coordinatepublic initiative and stimulate private investment.Possibly the most remarkable product of thiseffort is the acknowledgement by the City, county,various taxing authorities (including school districts,transit authority, river authority), governmentalbodies, non-profits, and the business communitythat they must work together to benefit the targetedneighborhood. In 2009, all agreed to pilot a placebased project to identify a neighborhood where thebenefit of breaking down silos across agencies, workingtogether, weaving together resources and engagingan outside, independent research partner (TrinityUniversity), could be demonstrated. In 2010, theChoice Neighborhood Initiative was announced.Under the leadership of Mayor Julián Castro, theCity of San Antonio is being reinvigorated. It is“nationally recognized” as a city on the move, andnowhere is that more apparent than in the EastsideNeighborhood. The Eastside Choice NeighborhoodTransformation Plan is the roadmap to reinvigorationand activities that will result in a neighborhoodthat is dynamic, vibrant, and respectful of the area’sassets. The strategies to be implemented will createa neighborhood in which small businesses growand thrive, students excel in local schools, and adultscontinue to learn. It will be a neighborhood that iswalkable, safe, and where good jobs can be found. Itwill be a place that families and individuals will beproud to call home.EASTSIDE CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD TRANSFORMATION PLAN1