Goals and Objectives
Missions, historical outposts that once dotted the western frontier, are a big deal in Texas. Established to extend territory and promote outreach, Missions served in many roles, including as symbols (you've probably heard of the Alamo). In a similar way, the Schertz Economic Development Corporation's (SEDC) mission helps guide our growth while serving as a symbol of our goals. In this post, we'll discuss the SEDC's new mission statement as new objectives and strategies.
Texas Local Government Code
The basis for all Texas Economic Development Corporations is the Texas Local Government Code (LGC) - the enabling legislation that outlines what Economic Development Corporations can and cannot do. Within the Code, Sections 501, 502, and 505 focus on Type B corporations, defining everything from what a corporation is to how performance agreements work.
The SEDC is known as a Type B corporation, a designation that allows us to do certain types of projects outlined within the LGC. Under Subchapters C and D of Sections 501 and 505, Schertz can participate in job training, support a career center, construct recreational or community facilities, assist with affordable housing, undertake projects that create and retain Primary Jobs, or make certain infrastructure improvements. While all these activities are permitted by the Code, the SEDC targets its efforts (and mission) on the priorities outlined below.
The mission of the City of Schertz EDC is to strategically strengthen the City’s economy by attracting and retaining businesses, investing in infrastructure, and promoting and enhancing the quality of life for residents and businesses through innovative measures, creating a sustainable and vibrant community.
Optimize the talent pipeline
- Assist with K-12, High School talent Development
- Facilitate opportunities for technical and vocational talent pipelines
- Collaborate with Educational institutions
- Recognize pathways for needed skills
- Monitor grant opportunities for vocational education
Expand industry base via targeted industries
- Invest in and Collaborate with groups to promote region
- Identify industries of interest for attraction
- Advertise in Marketing periodicals/electronic media to highlight the city
- Implement measures for startups, small businesses to stay and grow
- Create culture that engages the local businesses
Improve quality of life
- Funding for parks
- Participate in main street funding project
- Invest in plan to attract entertainment to desired regions
- Promote family friendly initiatives
Prioritize real estate assets and development strategies
- Identify existing roadways important to commerce
- Connectivity of commercial regions and coordination with existing and future use
- Implement thoroughfare plan to open up undeveloped areas with new roadways
- Utility (water and sewer) extensions to needed areas