2024 Better Futures Institute Fellowship Project: Measuring Success Through Catalytic Development 

"Laughter, joy, is the proof of concept." These words from Andres Andujar, CEO of Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation, encapsulate the tangible impact of catalytic development on community life. The +130,000 community members who celebrated Muertos Fest at Hemisfair embodied the tagline, "Where San Antonio Meets," making it a definitive measurement of success. 

Inspired by Hemisfair's vibrant, community-focused growth model, I'm happy and humbled to announce my selection as the 2024 Better Futures Fellow with the Better Futures Institute (BFI). This fellowship offers a unique platform to explore how strategic development can drive meaningful change and build a brighter future for San Antonio. 

Examining Change: Defining Success in Urban Development 

Who defines meaningful change, and how do we measure it? As we look to the future of our cities, it's critical to establish metrics that account for both the economic and social impact of development. With over a decade of experience at Centro San Antonio—leading initiatives in economic vitality, urban mobility, and community resilience—I'm eager to leverage these insights to help shape equitable, inclusive, and thriving cities.

The Fellowship Focus: Measuring Success in Catalytic Development 

The fellowship will explore a central question: How can cities define and measure the success of catalytic projects? My experiences at Centro demonstrate the potential of public-private partnerships to generate an impact that transcends mere economic returns, generating lasting community benefits. Through the BFI fellowship, I'll examine how sports venues—often viewed as sports-only hubs—can be reframed as engines of inclusive economic growth, equity, and social well-being. 

The Importance of Inclusive Growth in Public Spaces 

Entertainment venues and other catalytic developments anchor our urban fabric, driving tourism and shaping shared experiences. However, the true impact of these benefits lies in their ability to extend outward, providing support to nearby residents and fostering responsible growth that uplifts, rather than displaces, the community. 

Strategic Objectives of the Fellowship 

In the coming months, I will research and refine frameworks that measure development success, prioritizing indicators that align with community-focused metrics such as:

• Job Creation
• Socioeconomic Opportunities
• Housing Initiatives
• Transportation Benchmarks

This approach bridges community needs with development opportunities, ensuring that catalytic projects genuinely serve the city's long-term goals. By embedding inclusive strategies, we can build resilience into the urban core, ensuring that our growth models are equitable and reflect the community's diverse needs. 

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Join Us  

As recently highlighted in the San Antonio Report, Phase 1 of Civic Park at Hemisfair opened just over a year ago, creating a foundation for vibrant, shared experiences in the heart of our city. Phase 2, featuring The Zócalo—an expansive plaza on the park's northwest corner—is scheduled to open just in time for the NCAA Men's Final Four in April, promising even more opportunities for community connection.

My work with the Better Futures Institute reflects a similar vision, where intentional development—like that at Hemisfair—catalyzes community, sparks joy, and empowers us to build a more inclusive, thriving San Antonio.

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Let's Explore Together

Development and community are dynamically intertwined, and meaningful progress flourishes when we clearly understand how success is measured. I will share case studies, insights, and updates on the Better Futures blog, inviting us all to engage in this evolving journey. Let's explore together how catalytic projects can drive economic success for a stronger, more inclusive community.

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