Better Futures Institute Names Edward A. Romero as 2024 Fellow

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‍Centro San Antonio Executive to Study Development’s Impact on Poverty

(San Antonio, TX - July 15, 2024) - The Better Futures Institute has selected Edward A. Romero as the 2024 Better Futures Fellow. Romero, currently serving as the Chief Strategy Officer at Centro San Antonio, brings his extensive experience in community development and public-private partnerships to the new fellowship program.

“Eddie’s dedication to community engagement and his expertise in public service make him the ideal candidate for our first Better Futures Institute Fellow. His research will significantly contribute to understanding and addressing the challenges of poverty and development in San Antonio. Through this fellowship, we aim to explore practices that could foster equitable development by contributing to public conversations about the benefits of development that are distributed inclusively across all segments of society,” said Beto Gomez, president and CEO of the Better Futures Institute.

Romero's fellowship project, titled "Development and Poverty Dynamics," will delve into the complex relationship between urban development and poverty in San Antonio. The city, currently ranked as the third poorest in the nation with 18.7% of its population living in poverty, presents a critical case for examining the socio-economic impacts of development. By analyzing data from the American Community Survey, the study will explore both the positive and negative effects of development on the community.

“As a San Antonio native at the center of the city’s growth in residents and visitors, I applied for the Better Futures Institute fellowship to explore how development can more effectively address the complexities of poverty. By adding to the existing toolbox to break the cycle of poverty, I aim to create strategies that will make San Antonio a better place for all,” said Romero.

Romero's research is expected to yield several key outcomes, including providing specific and actionable policy recommendations for local authorities, policymakers, and the real estate industry to maximize the positive impact of development on poverty alleviation and community development. Additionally, he will develop a strategic framework outlining practical steps and initiatives for inclusive development, ensuring that the benefits of development are equitably distributed across various segments of the local community.

In his tenure at Centro San Antonio, Romero has led strategic initiatives in business development, place-making, and district operations. His commitment to understanding community needs through research and dialogue has significantly contributed to San Antonio's community development and advocacy efforts.

“There are employees and then there are employee evangelists.  Eddie is definitely the latter.  He is passionate about downtown and regularly preaches the need for transformative initiatives like housing incentives, micro-mobility solutions, and a sports and entertainment district.  Centro is proud of Eddie’s selection as a Better Futures Fellow and looks forward to how his project will provide insight into the longstanding issue of generational poverty in our city,” said Trish DeBerry, President and CEO of Centro San Antonio,

Romero earned a B.S. in Mass Communications from Texas State University and an M.A. in Interactive Communication and Design from the University of the Incarnate Word. Over the past eight years, he has played a pivotal role in advancing Centro's mission and enhancing the quality of life in San Antonio.

This opportunity is supported by BFI’s partnership with the 80|20 Foundation, which invests in San Antonio's future by issuing grants to public charities that attract, grow, and retain San Antonio's future workforce and job-creating entrepreneurs.

For more information about the Better Futures Fellowship and to stay updated on Romero’s research, visit https://www.bfinstitute.org/programs/bfi-fellows.

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