Shaping the Future 2019 STARR COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Prepared for: Rose Benavidez, President, Starr County Industrial Foundation David Plumber, Vice-President for Information Services, Planning, Performance & Strategic Initiatives, South Texas College

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ...... 1

STARR COUNTY PROFILE ...... 2

ASSET MAPPING ...... 4

STAKEHOLDER PARTICPATION ...... 17

STRATEGIC GOALS ...... 20

APPENDIX ...... 25

A. ECONOMIC SUMMIT ...... 26 B. ECONOMIC SUMMIT DATA COLLECTION SUMMARY REPORT ...... 38 C. SWOT ANALYSIS VENN DIAGRAMS ...... 44 D. STARR COUNTY TOURISM DATA AND RESOURCES ...... 46 E. TOWN HALLS ...... 49 F. STARR COUNTY ASSET MAPPING WEBSITE AND GIS LOCATOR ...... 69 G. FINAL STAKEHOLDER MEETING ...... 70 INTRODUCTION

The mission of the Starr County Industrial Foundation (SCIF) is to lead, facilitate and promote economic growth in Starr County through the attraction of new business and industry and the retention of businesses by providing the resources to enable development and advance the general well-being of the community.

In accordance to the SCIF 2017-2018 Strategic Work Plan, the goals of SCIF strives to advance are: • Promote business retention and expansion • Attract new business and industry • Provide current and comprehensive market area information • Coordinate economic development efforts locally, regionally, and nationally

With the help of a federal planning grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, which provided a $100,000 grant to South Texas College (STC) and STIF in 2018, the leadership in these two entities set out to update the county’s strategic economic development plan.

To assist with the development of the strategic plan, STC contracted with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Data and Information Systems Center (DISC), which led the development of the asset mapping, and FORTEM consulting, which led the development of the strategic goals and objectives.

As part of the strategic planning process, STIF and its partners held several town hall meetings with key stakeholders in the communities of Rio Grande City, Roma, and Escobares in late 2018 and early 2019, to conduct SWOT analysis and get input on the critical issues Starr County should focus on in 2020 and beyond.

The strategic planning process culminated with an Economic Summit held on July 12, 2019, Rio Grande City, where over 140 stakeholders in Starr County gathered to discuss the findings from the town halls and the asset mapping, and to develop goals and objectives for the strategic economic development plan.

A final meeting was held with stakeholders on November 25, 2019, to review and finalize the goals and objectives of the strategic plan and demonstrate the asset mapping website and GIS locator tools.

This report covers the development of the strategic economic development plan to shape the future of economic development in Starr County.

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STARR COUNTY PROFILE

Area (sq. mi.): 1,229.1

Population: 66,623 persons.

Physical Features: Rolling, some hills; dense brush; clay, loam, sandy soils, alluvial on Rio Grande; Falcon Reservoir.

History: Coahuiltecan Indian area. Settlers from Spanish villages that were established in 1749 on south bank began to move across Rio Grande soon afterward. Fort Ringgold established in 1848. County named for Dr. J.H. Starr, secretary of treasury of the Republic; county created from Nueces County and organized in 1848.

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Race/Ethnicity: (In percent) Anglo, 3.3; Black, 0.4; Hispanic, 96.4; Asian, 0.2; Other, 0.4; Two or more races, 0.3.

Vital Statistics, annual: Births, 1,283; deaths, 397; marriages, 434; divorces, 0.

Civilian Labor: 25,387 persons

Businesses: 1,180 businesses

Wages: $111.1 million

Per Capita Income: $24,981

Property Value: $4.0 billion

Retail Sales: $520.4 million

Economy: Vegetable packing, other agribusiness, oil processing, tourism, government/services.

Recreation: Falcon State Park, Falcon Reservoir activities, Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge; deer, white-wing dove hunting; access to Mexico; historic houses, Lee House at Fort Ringgold; grotto at Rio Grande City; Roma Fest in November.

Minerals: Oil, gas, sand, gravel.

Agriculture: Beef and fed cattle; vegetables, cotton, sorghum; 3,500 acres irrigated for vegetables. Market value $47.2 million.

Cities and Communities: Rio Grande City (14,876) county seat; government/services, tourism, agriculture; hospital, college branches; trolley tours; Vaquero Days in February; Roma (12,030) agriculture center; La Purísima Concepcíon Visita. Other towns include: Delmita (224); Escobares (2,760); Falcon Heights (49); Fronton (167); Garceno (398); Garciasville (52); La Casita (120); La Grulla (1,683); La Puerta (597); La Rosita (72); Las Lomas (3,230); La Victoria (156); Los Alvarez (285); North Escobares (111); Salineno (183); San Isidro (203); and Santa Elena (35).

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ASSET MAPPING

Population and Demographics

• The 2018 population of Starr County was 64,928.1

• As of 2018, the county's population increased by 4.2% since 2013, growing by 2,640 persons. The population is projected to increase by 2.8% between 2018 and 2023, adding 1,847 persons.2

Economy

• Gross regional product for Starr County is $1.2 billion.3

• Top 5 industry contributions to GRP4:

Industry 2018 Jobs Per Worker GRP Government 6,506 $58,906 $446.1M Health Care and Social Assistance 5,523 $18,105 $116.6M Retail Trade 1,996 $29,397 $110.2M Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 249 $24,731 $60.2M Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas 172 $85,987 $56.7M

1 Starr County Economic Overview, Emsi, 4th Quarter 2018, page 1. 2 Starr County Economic Overview, Emsi, 4th Quarter 2018, page 1. 3 Starr County Economic Overview, Emsi, 4th Quarter 2018, page 1. 4 Starr County Economic Overview, Emsi, 4th Quarter 2018, page 12. 4 | P a g e

Jobs and Employment

• From 2013 to 2018, jobs increased by 3.3% in Starr County, TX from 18,630 to 19,251. Jobs grew by 621 over the last 5 years and are projected to grow by 1,914 over the next 5 years.5

• Starr County, TX had a July 2018 unemployment rate of 10.17%, decreasing from 14.9% 5 years before.6

5 Starr County Economic Overview, Emsi, 4th Quarter 2018, page 4. 6 Starr County Economic Overview, Emsi, 4th Quarter 2018, page 6. 5 | P a g e

Clean Energy (Wind and Solar)

• Starr County has benefitted from the construction of wind farms over the last couple of years and has seen benefits of the renewable energy industry7.

• “A diversified tax base and a new stream of tax revenue has revived our county’s economy, and it is not just local government that has benefited: wind projects have paid millions to our school districts and other taxing jurisdictions.” Starr County Judge Eloy Vera.8

• “As many have reported, South Texas is becoming a hotspot for wind energy, and that’s true for more than the wind turbines you see dotting the Valley’s landscape.” Sergio Contreras, RGV Partnership.9

• Duke Energy Renewables

o Los Vientos III Wind Farm (200 MW, 100 turbines, May 2015), Starr County o Los Vientos IV Wind Farm (200 MW, 100 turbines, August 2016), Starr County o Los Vientos V Wind Farm (110 MW, 55 turbines, December 2015), Starr County o Mesteno Wind Farm (200 MW, 100 turbines est., December 2019), Starr County

• Sammons Renewal Energy

o Rio Bravo Wind Farm (236 MW, 66 turbines, $300 million capital investment, Summer 2019), Starr County

• 1 solar farm, 3,000 acres to be leased, 1st in the RGV, will be largest in Texas (SCIF negotiations with company in process).10

7 Leaders in renewable energy talk continued growth in Starr County, The Monitor, September 22, 2018. 8 Starr County, known for wind energy, is branching into solar, Rio Grande Guardian, May 17, 2019. 9 Contreras: Wind energy booming in South Texas, Rio Grande Guardian, February 20, 2019. 10 Starr County, known for wind energy, is branching into solar, Rio Grande Guardian, May 17, 2019. 6 | P a g e

Retail Trade

• 1,663 jobs (2018), -1.0% change (2015-2018), $29,601 average earnings per job (2018).11

Region 2015 Jobs 2018 Jobs Change % Change

● Region 1,679 1,663 -16 -1.0% ● State 1,297,122 1,325,769 28,647 2.2% ● Nation 15,642,116 15,847,325 205,209 1.3%

Business Business Name Industry Name Size

Department Stores Walmart Supercenter 400 (452210) Supermarkets and Other Grocery (except Riverview Family Center 110 Convenience) Stores (445110) New Car Dealers Payne Rio Grande Ford 60 (441110) New Car Dealers Triple A Auto Center 58 (441110) New Car Dealers Pepes Auto Sales 58 (441110)

11 Starr County Retail Overview, Emsi, 4th Quarter 2018, page 4. 7 | P a g e

Health Care

• 5,211 jobs (2018), 7.1% change (2015-2018), $17,860 average earnings per job (2018).12

Region 2015 Jobs 2018 Jobs Change % Change

● Region 4,865 5,211 346 7.1% ● State 1,363,210 1,447,470 84,260 6.2% ● Nation 18,370,557 19,422,765 1,052,208 5.7%

12 Starr County Health Care Overview, Emsi, 4th Quarter 2018, page 6. 8 | P a g e

Business Business Name Industry Name Size

All Other Miscellaneous Prestige Home Care Services Llc Ambulatory Health 450 Care Services (621999) General Medical and Doctors Hospital At Renaissance Surgical Hospitals 300 (622110) General Medical and Doctors Hospital At Renaissance Master Surgical Hospitals 300 (622110) General Medical and Starr County Memorial Hospital Surgical Hospitals 273 (622110) Offices of Physicians Roma Medical Clinic (except Mental Health 200 Specialists) (621111)

Manufacturing

• 53 jobs (2018), 10.4% change (2015-2018), $24,945 average earnings per job (2018).13

13 Starr County Manufacturing Overview, Emsi, 4th Quarter 2018, page 6. 9 | P a g e

Region 2015 Jobs 2018 Jobs Change % Change

● Region 48 53 5 10.4% ● State 877,939 857,002 -20,937 -2.4% ● Nation 12,291,676 12,459,136 167,460 1.4%

Business Business Name Industry Name Size

All Other Miscellaneous Heritage Development Manufacturing 39 (339999) Other Millwork Star Molding (including Flooring) 31 (321918) Ready-Mix Concrete L & R Ready Mix Llc Manufacturing 27 (327320) All Other Leather Good and Allied Product Air Armor Tech Llc 19 Manufacturing (316998) Ready-Mix Concrete Lopez Ready Mix Concrete Manufacturing 15 (327320)

Workforce

• The top three largest industries in 2018 are Education and Hospitals (Local Government), Home Health Care Services, and Restaurants and Other Eating Places.14

• The labor force for Starr County was 25,370 (2018).15

14 Starr County Economic Overview, Emsi, 4th Quarter 2018, page 9. 15 Starr County Economic Overview, Emsi, 4th Quarter 2018, page 2. 10 | P a g e

A Total Working Age Population 46,938

A Not in Labor Force (15+) 21,568

A Labor Force 25,370 64,928 A Employed 22,789 Population A Unemployed 2,581

A Under 15 17,990

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Largest Industries

Change in Jobs 2018 Earnings Industry 2018 Jobs % Change (2015-2018) Per Worker Home Health Care Services 3,811 (240) (6%) $13,969 Elementary and Secondary Schools (Local Government) 3,424 164 5% $45,601 Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals 852 25 3% $41,530 Federal Government, Civilian, Excluding Postal Service 732 41 6% $146,973 Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (Local Government)505 (148) (23%) $69,130 Limited-Service Restaurants 633 22 4% $15,023 Supermarkets and Other Grocery (except Convenience) Stores 387 (4) (1%) $30,942 Warehouse Clubs and Supercenters 363 (7) (2%) $29,462 Hospitals (Local Government) 342 57 20% $62,292 Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists) 249 (14) (5%) $52,855 Full-Service Restaurants 165 (56) (25%) $17,737 Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities 636 447 237% $15,782 State Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals 237 91 62% $82,074 Support Activities for Oil and Gas Operations 128 (6) (4%) $81,772 Commercial Banking 118 (11) (9%) $38,266 All Other General Merchandise Stores 121 (3) (2%) $20,222 Gasoline Stations with Convenience Stores 113 (5) (4%) $21,471 Child Day Care Services 151 38 34% $24,069 New Car Dealers 93 (4) (4%) $55,511 Wired Telecommunications Carriers 18 (65) (78%) $40,493 Pharmacies and Drug Stores 81 2 3% $43,108 Animal Production 65 (12) (16%) $35,986 Automotive Parts and Accessories Stores 75 3 4% $23,221 Offices of Lawyers 72 7 11% $34,711 Convenience Stores 83 19 30% $20,281 All Other Business Support Services 84 20 31% $19,684 Consumer Lending 61 (1) (2%) $37,232 Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals 105 46 78% $35,406 Office Administrative Services 34 (24) (41%) $56,074 Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction 32 (23) (42%) $33,175 Home Centers 50 (5) (9%) $24,343 Offices of Dentists 77 25 48% $32,048 US Postal Service 53 7 15% $58,513 Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (State Government) 0 (45) (100%) $0 Natural Gas Extraction 34 (11) (24%) $109,642 Ambulance Services 49 4 9% $29,394 Water Supply and Irrigation Systems 45 0 0% $21,486 Other Building Material Dealers 48 4 9% $30,612 Insurance Agencies and Brokerages 49 5 11% $32,086 Furniture Stores 41 (3) (7%) $16,125 Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal 39 2 5% $67,523 Solid Waste Collection 32 (3) (9%) $33,072 Other Support Activities for Road Transportation 40 9 29% $39,105 Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists26 (3) (10%) $27,557 Hardware Stores 26 (2) (7%) $27,830 Telecommunications Resellers <10 Insf. Data Insf. Data $26,141 Kidney Dialysis Centers 28 2 8% $54,762 Civic and Social Organizations 0 (26) (100%) $0 Ready-Mix Concrete Manufacturing 24 0 0% $22,696 Marine Cargo Handling 28 4 17% $13,537

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Education

• 6.5% of Starr County, TX residents possess a bachelor’s degree (12.1% below the national average), and 3.8% hold an associate degree (4.2% below the national average).16

A Less Than 9th Grade 35.0% 12,706

A 9th Grade to 12th Grade 14.7% 5,329

A High School Diploma 24.5% 8,888

A Some College 12.2% 4,436

A Associate's Degree 3.8% 1,377

A Bachelor's Degree 6.5% 2,347

A Graduate Degree and Higher 3.2% 1,175

• STC and UTRGV operate campuses in Starr County: o STC, 142 FM 2167, Rio Grande City o UTRGV, 138 FM 2167, Rio Grande City

• K-12 Districts: o Roma ISD o Rio Grande City CISD o La Grulla ISD

• STC certificate level program and associate degree program gaps17:

CIP Title Demand Supply STC Completers Gap Median Hourly Wage Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide 79 7 7 72 $9.42 Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training 72 16 16 57 $10.88 Culinary Arts/Chef Training 14 1 1 14 $10.40 Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General 15 5 5 10 $13.12 Medical/Clinical Assistant 6 2 2 4 $12.09 Medical Insurance Coding Specialist/Coder 4 0 0 4 $12.75 Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician 5 4 4 1 $12.95 Business/Commerce, General 3 2 2 1 $32.45 Legal Administrative Assistant/Secretary 1 0 0 1 $14.50

16 Starr County Economic Overview, Emsi, 4th Quarter 2018, page 2. 17 Economic Overview and Program Demand Gap Analysis, Starr County, Emsi, May 2017. 13 | P a g e

CIP Title Demand Supply STC Completers Gap Median Hourly Wage Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General 18 0 0 18 $13.12 Culinary Arts/Chef Training 16 1 1 15 $10.40 Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) 11 3 3 8 $15.33 Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician 5 1 1 5 $12.95 Medical/Clinical Assistant 8 3 3 4 $12.09 Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician 3 0 0 2 $12.47 Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician2 1 1 1 $17.45 Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician 1 0 0 1 $15.22 Electrical and Power Transmission Installation/Installer, General 1 1 1 1 $20.31 Physical Therapy Technician/Assistant 2 1 1 1 $33.55

Infrastructure

Airports

• Starr County Airport, 100 N FM 2167, Rio Grande City • McAllen International Airport (nearest commercial airport, 41.3 miles from Rio Grande City). Commercial airlines: United, American, Allegiant, and Aeromex.

Bridges and Crossings

• Rio Grande City-Camargo Bridge, Rio Grande City • Roma-Ciudad Miguel Aleman Bridge, Roma • Los Ebanos Ferry, Los Ebanos • Lake Falcon Dam Crossing, Falcon Heights

Highways

• US Highway 83 (main east to west highway)

Financial Institutions

• Commercial Banks: 13 offices, $464.7 million in deposits (2018).18 Citizens State Bank (2), Compass Bank (2), Elsa State Bank and Trust Company (2), International Bank of Commerce (4) , Lone Star National Bank (3)

Business and Economic Development Organizations

• Starr County Industrial Foundation • Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation • Roma Economic Development Corporation • Roma Chamber of Commerce

18 Summary of Deposits Report, FDIC, June 30, 2018. 14 | P a g e

• Greater Rio Grande City Chamber of Commerce • Quality of Life

• Low cost of living

• Low crime

• Starr County, TX has 2.88 violent crimes per 1,000 people. The national rate is 3.75 per 1,000 people.19

• Starr County, TX has 12.53 property crimes per 1,000 people. The national rate is 24.21 per 1,000 people.20

• Rural living

• Hunting and fishing

EcoTourism

• Roma Bluffs World Birding Center, Roma • Fordyce Nature Trails, Rio Grande City • Hunting on private ranches: deer, hogs, turkeys, doves • Falcon State Park, Roma

Historical Sites/Districts

• Roma Historical District. The Roma Historic District comprises 38 contributing buildings, of which 16 are stone buildings from the 1829-1870 period and 19 are brick buildings from the 1880-1900 period. National Register of Historic Places (1972), National Historic Landmark (1993), and Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.

• Rio Grande City Historic District. The Rio Grande City Downtown Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. The district contains 84 contributing buildings, 2 contributing sites and 2 contributing structures.

19 Starr County Economic Overview, Emsi, 4th Quarter 2018, page 7. 20 Starr County Economic Overview, Emsi, 4th Quarter 2018, page 7. 15 | P a g e

International Trade

• Foreign Trade Zone. Rio Grande City is home to a 30.0 acre general-purpose Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) east of the Rio Grande City Custom Port of Entry. The FTZ 95 was established in 1983 for warehousing and distribution of machinery, equipment and liquor. Domestic companies interested in more effectively competing with foreign companies may take advantage of duty-free benefits and other processing procedures by U.S. Customs in FTZs.

• Starr County Industrial Park, Rio Grande City, 601 E. Main St., Rio Grande City. 17 acres. 2.6 miles from Starr-Camargo Bridge. Land is available for lease, purchase, and development.

Agriculture

• 1,345 farm operations, 571,483 acres operated. Beef and fed cattle; vegetables, cotton, sorghum. Commodity sales $47.2 million, crops sales $9.3 million, animals sales $37.8 million.21

Other Assets

• Starr County Detention Center, 100 E. 6th St., Rio Grande City. The Starr County Detention Center is a 275-bed, medium-security detention center located at 100 E 6th St in Rio Grande City, TX. The county jail is operated locally by the Starr County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Starr County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, municipalities, the US Marshal's Service and the Rio Grande City Police Department who do not have their own long-term lock-up. (Generates revenue for the county from housing inmates from outside the area).

• Starr County Memorial Hospital, 128 N FM 2167, Rio Grande City. Starr County Memorial Hospital provides general medical and surgical care for inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room patients, and participates in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Emergency room services are available on a 24-hour per day, seven-day per week basis. Among the services we provide are: Cardiopulmonary, Diagnostic Imaging, Emergency Department, Bone Density, Lab, EMS, Nutrition, General Surgery, OB.

21 County Summary Highlights, USDA, 2017 Census of Agriculture. 16 | P a g e

STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION

A variety of stakeholders from businesses, government, education, nonprofits, and others were involved in developing the strategic plan through the town halls, the economic summit, and post summit meeting.

Town Halls

• Rio Grande City (32 persons) – December 6, 2018 • Roma (23 persons) – January 22, 2019 • Escobares (21 persons) – April 15, 2019

The following strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats were identified through a series of townhalls in the county’s various communities, hosted by the Starr County Industrial Foundation and South Texas College. This data only reflects identified commonalities among all communities engaged. The full diagrams can be found in Appendix C of this report.

Strengths

• Cost of living • Historic Sites • Bilingual Population • Available land • Affordable labor • Safe communities • Low Regulations • Climate

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Weaknesses

• Border Issues • Low educational attainment • Infrastructure • Lack of high paying jobs • Retail sales leakage • Low salaries/low income • Brain-drain

Opportunities

• Wind/solar farms • Retail/commercial development • Medical/health care industry development • Tourism/Eco-tourism • Historical sites throughout the region • Through traffic

Threats

• Brain Drain • Border negative image • Drainage issues/Flooding • Limited funds for infrastructure development • Mexican economy downturns • Diabetes/Health issues

Economic Summit

An economic summit for all stakeholders was held on July 12, 2019, at the STC campus located in Rio Grande City. The purpose of the summit was to review the SWOT analysis and develop priorities for four strategic focus areas: 1) infrastructure and planning 2) the economics of health care 3) capacity building through workforce and education and 4) fostering emerging industries.

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The summit featured over 100 participants and featured panels and speakers from business/industries, federal/state agencies, government, education, and others who spoke on the four strategic focus topic areas. After each panel discussion, stakeholders were presented with several issues and were asked to vote on which ones were the most important to address in the strategic plan. The survey used and results are presented in the Appendix A and B.

The afternoon session of the summit focused on developing goals and objectives for the highest priority areas for each of the four strategic areas of focus.

Post Economic Summit

A final meeting for stakeholders was held at the Starr Center in Rio Grande City on November 25, 2019. The purpose of the meeting was to review and get input on the proposed goals and objectives for the strategic economic development plan. Also, the Starr County Asset Mapping website and the GIS-based Starr County Asset Mapping Locator, that were developed as part of the strategic planning process, were presented to stakeholders.

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STRATEGIC GOALS

A. DEVELOP A COUNTY WIDE DRAINAGE PLAN TO ADDRESS FLOOD AND DRAINAGE ISSUES IN THE REGION

B. STRENGTHEN WORKFORCE TRAINING AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO RESIDENTS OF STARR COUNTY

C. GIVEN THE UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION, CREATE A TASKFORCE TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES IN TOURISM IN STARR COUNTY

D. PROVIDE GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMERGING INDUSTRIES IN STARR COUNTY

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DEVELOP A COUNTY WIDE DRAINAGE PLAN TO ADDRESS FLOOD AND DRAINAGE ISSUES IN THE REGION

SPECIFIC ACTION STEPS

1. Hire an independent engineering firm to update and identify specific areas of development within the county. 2. Request existing surveys and/or plans from each precinct and allow the engineering firm to review them and incorporate them into the overall plan. 3. Develop a county wide drainage plan that includes regional priorities regarding drainage and flooding issues in the region. 4. Once the plan has been finalized, search for grants related to this issue that may help with the implantation of a regional plan.

RESEARCH NEEDED

• Select an independent engineering firm to oversee the plan • Find funding streams/grants to implement the plan • Identify agencies that can provide support financially or through information on existing drainage plans in other counties/regions

RESOURCES NEEDED

Submit grant applications through the South Texas Development Council.

PEOPLE/AGENCIES WHO CAN PROVIDE SUPPORT

• South Texas Development Council • Starr County Precincts • Lower Rio Grande Valley development council • USDA • EDA

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STRENGTHEN WORKFORCE TRAINING AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO RESIDENTS OF STARR COUNTY

SPECIFIC ACTION STEPS

1. In order to strengthen the relationship between School Districts (K-12 Ed), Higher Education entities, we will facilitate an initial stakeholder meeting with ISD superintendents, Higher Ed leadership and Workforce Solutions, government entities, and industry representatives. 2. Identify more appropriate programming opportunities based on industry need 3. Identify channels for effective parental outreach to increase awareness of resources available for higher ed and workforce training 4. Move forward with the development of a Regional Workforce Training Center

MEASUREMENTS

This goal will be measured/tracked by the increase enrollment in programs that are identified through the action steps

RESOURCES NEEDED

Creation of a committed team of cross-section representation, and identification of champions that include K-12, Higher Ed and County agencies to be part of this taskforce.

PEOPLE/AGENCIES WHO CAN PROVIDE SUPPORT

County’s ISD’s, STC, UTRGV, Workforce solutions, industry representatives, county agencies.

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GIVEN THE UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REGION, CREATE A TASKFORCE TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES IN TOURISM IN STARR COUNTY SPECIFIC ACTION STEPS

1. Facilitate the expansion of the existing committee at the Starr County Historical Foundation 2. Create a database of locations of historical or touristic interest within the region 3. Develop an application or website to properly showcase these locations 4. Search for grants that will allow this entity to eventually operate independently and become self-sufficient 5. Incorporate the identified sites into the Go Explore RGV website

EXPECTED OUTCOME

The development of a one-stop resource for tourism in Starr County.

RESEARCH NEEDED

Send existing database to Starr County stakeholders to incorporate additional places of interest to the list.

RESOURCES NEEDED

• Build the website/app • Search for funding streams that will allow this entity to operate independently i.e., implementation grant)

PEOPLE/AGENCIES WHO CAN PROVIDE SUPPORT

• Roma’s advisory committee • Starr County Historical Foundation • EDA • Rio Grande City Main Street Board • Lower Rio Grande Valley development council

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PROVIDE GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMERGING INDUSTRIES IN STARR COUNTY

SPECIFIC ACTION STEPS

1. Develop a recruitment plan for emerging industries. 2. SCIF will identify and attend two trade shows per year. 3. Develop innovative incentive packets from regional and municipal entities that include corporate social responsibility components into mutually beneficial agreements. 4. Identify strategic and specific target areas in the region that require the “porciones” issue resolved so that these areas can be available for development. 5. Expand capacity for transmission of energy into the grid. 6. Create a public outreach campaign.

EXPECTED OUTCOME

RESOURCES NEEDED

• Develop a fund that would provide funding for the SCIF for these efforts, as well as public outreach, education, and recruitment • Incorporate information about the emerging industries efforts into the SCIF website, including testimonials from existing partners and land availability

PEOPLE/AGENCIES WHO CAN PROVIDE SUPPORT

• Industry stakeholders • Workforce Solutions • STC & UTRGV • Taxing entities • Municipalities • EDC’s • Landowners

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APPENDIX

A. ECONOMIC SUMMIT

B. DATA COLLECTION SUMMARY REPORT

C. TOWN HALL MEETINGS

D. SWOT ANALYSIS VENN DIAGRAMS

E. STARR COUNTY TOURISM DATA AND RESOURCES

F. STARR ASSET MAPPING WEBSITE AND GIS ASSET MAPPING LOCATOR

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APPENDIX A

An Economic Summit was held on July 12, 2019, with Starr County stakeholders.

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ECONOMIC SUMMIT PARTICIPANT SURVEY

Infrastructure and Planning

1. What do you consider is the biggest issue to solve regarding infrastructure and planning in Starr County? a) Drainage b) Construction in Flood Zones c) Large tracts of land tied up.

2. If enough resources were allocated to improving infrastructure in Starr County, what project would you like to see completed in this area in the next year?

The Economics of Health Care

1. What project related to the health care industry in Starr County would you consider that it is most important to complete in the next 12 months to five years? a) Training facilities/ higher education for health care workers in the county b) Construction of a new hospital c) Diabetes prevention campaign.

2. As Starr County grows, what do you consider to be the most pressing issue regarding the state of the health care industry in this County?

Workforce and Education

1. What is the biggest issue related to education that should be immediately addressed in this region? a) High school dropout rate b) Lack of technical and vocational schools that can provide industry- specific training c) Low number of students enrolled in higher education d) Brain-drain.

2. What educational initiative should we consider taking on in the next 12 months to 5 years?

Economic Development and Emerging Industries

1. Of all the problems and obstacles standing in the way of true economic development in Starr County, what do you consider to be the most important to solve? a) Lack of an educated/skilled labor force b) Mobility (lack of alternative routes, public transportation) c) Business retention.

2. What project or initiative related to regional economic development do you believe should be addressed in the next 12 months? a) Regional Branding/Marketing campaign b) Ecotourism c) Renewable energy project.

3. What project do you consider to be a priority to complete within the next year in order to stimulate the development of emerging industries in Starr County? A) More retail space b) Heavy investment in wind farms c) Airport expansion d) Create a regional initiative for Ecotourism and Heritage Tourism.

4. What is the most important issue that you believe will promote and facilitate economic development in Starr County?

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APPENDIX B

Data Collected by Ms. Amanda Babineaux, Digital Signage & Classroom Technology Training Specialist, Educational Technologies at South Texas College.

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APPENDIX C

Compiled by Michael Uhrbrock and Sai Mullapudi, UTRGV Data and Information Systems.

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APPENDIX D

Starr County Tourism. Compiled by Dr. David Plummer, South Texas College.

Historic

Rio Grande City Historic District https://texastropicaltrail.com/plan-your-adventure/historic-sites-and-cities/sites/rio-grande- city-downtown-historic-district

Roma Historic District https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/american_latino_heritage/Roma_Historic_District.html https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/tx/tx14.htm

Roma Historical Museum https://texastropicaltrail.com/plan-your-adventure/historic-sites-and-cities/sites/roma- historical-museum

La Lomita Historic District https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/tx/tx15.htm

San Ygnacio Historic District https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/tx/tx13.htm

Fort Ringgold https://texastropicaltrail.com/plan-your-adventure/historic-sites-and-cities/sites/fort-ringgold

Robert E. Lee House

UTRGV Civil War Trail - Starr County https://www.utrgv.edu/civilwar-trail/civil-war-trail/starr-county/

La Borde House https://texastropicaltrail.com/plan-your-adventure/historic-sites-and-cities/sites/la-borde- house

Rancho Lomitas https://texastropicaltrail.com/plan-your-adventure/historic-sites-and-cities/sites/rancho- lomitas

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Wildlife/Birding/Outdoors

Roma Bluffs World Birding Center http://www.theworldbirdingcenter.com/Roma.html

Falcon State Park https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/falcon

Chachalaca Wildlife Refuge

Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area

Campos Viejos Ranch https://camposviejosranch.com/

Fordyce Nature Trails https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rio-Grande-City-Fordyce-Nature-Running- Trails/1478556822392109

Religious

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto

La Santa Cruz Cross

Parks

Fort Ringgold County Park https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Ringgold-County-Park/506557156080322

Skate Plaza at Basilio Villarreal Municipal Park

Roma Park

Grulla City Park

Bicentennial Plaza (Roma)

Other

Kelsey Bass Museum http://www.cityofrgc.com/visitors/visit_the_kelsey_bass_museum1.php 47 | P a g e

Rio Grande City Trolley Tour

Travel/Info websites: http://www.cityofrgc.com/visitors/department_of_tourism.php

Texas Tropical Trail https://texastropicaltrail.com/ https://goexplorergv.com/

National Park Service https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/tx/index.htm http://fortringgoldtx.org/ https://www.facebook.com/Revive-Fort-Ringgold-614421232024135/ https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hcs13

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APPENDIX E

Town Hall meetings were held with stakeholders to get input into developing the strategic plan.

• Rio Grande City (32 persons) – December 6, 2018 • Roma (23 persons) – January 22, 2019 • Escobares (21 persons) – April 15, 2019

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APPENDIX F

Starr County Asset Mapping Website

GIS-based Starr County Asset Mapping Locator

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APPENDIX G

A final stakeholder meeting was held on November 25, 2019.

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