San Antonio Councilwoman Cabello Havrda Calls For Prioritizing Business Development In Disadvantaged Areas

Press release from the City of San Antonio:

June 9, 2021

SAN ANTONIO (June 9, 2021) –Today, during their regular B Session, the City Council was briefed on recommended updates to the City’s economic development incentive guidelines. The recommended guidelines include certain incentives for business development in historically disadvantaged areas as part of an equity-based score scheme. Councilwoman Cabello Havrda agreed that incentives for disadvantaged areas are needed, but she urged city staff to prioritize those incentives beyond a points-based strategy. District 6 has a wide diversity of businesses, is the fastest growing area of the city, has opportunity and potential, yet it is also home to some of the city’s most disadvantaged communities.

This is part of her remarks from the dais:

“I don't think adding points to the equity score is enough to incentivize growth in some areas of our city. In District 6 I'm talking about Edgewood, I'm talking about Pinn Road, I'm talking about Marbach. Those are examples of locations throughout our city that have been left out of the process. I appreciate that there is an equity matrix, and I'm supportive of the policy, but I think there are a lot of opportunities for adjustment and I would like to drive business to high equity areas.”

This press release was produced by the City of San Antonio. The views expressed here are the author’s own.