SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside program has been awarded $500,000 to help with "Promise Zone" development.
San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside, or SAGE, was awarded the grant Wednesday morning at the Promise Zone 101 conference, held at the Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall.
The money will be used to create jobs, foster re-development and provide opportunities for the growth of new and existing businesses on the city's East Side.
"I think we really have a more collaborative effort with more partners at the table and we're not just making empty promises," said San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor. "We're sitting down with the community and outlining the things that they want to see happening. We're seeing where are the resources that we have and where are the gaps, and I think we're moving forward in a more realistic way."
Most importantly, local businesses and nonprofits are learning how they can participate in Promise Zone programs and access grant funding.
"Funding for the development and expansion of San Antonio's East Side is necessary not just for the prosperity of the entire city, but also as a model for the rest of the country," said Rep. Lloyd Doggett in a statement. "I am pleased to see SAGE receive funds that will institute an economic program that further reduces unemployment and continues to increase incomes in one of the most economically distressed and undeserved communities."
Officials from former San Antonio mayor and current U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro's new department were also in attendance.