Collaboration

The Economic Development Department currently staffs several boards and commissions. These collaborations are key in helping to shape policy, staff initiatives, and are invaluable in securing community input and stakeholder buy-in in our burgeoning City. For more information please contact the department liaison listed.

Office of Military Affairs
The Office of Military Affairs (formerly the Office of Military Transformation) coordinates and facilitates the community’s support for BRAC implementation in our community.  The office will work with local community leaders, particularly the Military Transformation Task Force, to develop a Growth Management Plan that will address the challenges and opportunities from BRAC-related growth in San Antonio. SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER: James Henderson (210) 207-6018

Empowerment Zone Governance Board
The Empowerment Zone Governance Board ("Board") is composed of (17) seventeen members appointed by the City Council. The Board is representative of various stakeholder groups throughout the Empowerment Zone such as; residents, small business owner, small business lender, community based organization, education, and workforce. Board members serve for (2) two years with the option to re-apply for nomination for a maximum of (3) three terms. The Empowerment Zone Governance Board assists and advises City Council and City staff towards the maximization of the Federal Empowerment Zone designation through leveraging of tax incentives. Meetings are held every quarter, but may be called to review projects such as applications for Empowerment Zone Facility Bonds.
DEPARTMENT LIAISON: Angela G. Rivera (210) 207-8031

Downtown Advisory Board
The Downtown Advisory Board is comprised of seventeen (17) members who geographically represent the downtown area. Members must reside in the downtown area; own property in the downtown area; or own, manage, or represent an organization primarily located in the downtown area. Terms of office are for two-year staggered terms. The Board is charged to oversee the implementation of the Downtown Strategic Plan, advise the City and other entities about policy matters impacting downtown; provide a forum for public input on downtown issues, and to serve as an advocate for downtown. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:00 A.M., at the Development Services Department Building, 1901 South Alamo Street, 2nd Floor Training Special meetings may be called as necessary.
DEPARTMENT LIAISON: Venisa Saenz  (210) 207-8124.

Veterans Affairs Commission
This Commission is an eleven-member board representing the Mayor and 10 City Council Districts. All members must be veterans and may serve no more than three (3) two-year terms. The Commission was chartered by the City Council on April 12,2001 and their first meeting was held on August 29, 2001. It's mission is to serve the City Council in an advisory capacity on issues affecting the City's military population, both active and retired.
DEPARTMENT LIAISON: Carmelina Rocha Davis (210) 207-6529.