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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM REVIEW FORM |
4.A.
San Luis Economic Development Commission Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 04/16/2025
- Department Head:
- Armando Esparza
- Submitted By:
- Yigal Duarte, Economic Development Assistant, Economic Development
ITEM:
Discussion and possible action on any and all matters regarding the Historic, Cultural, and Heritage-Based Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee and Designing Local’s Historic Survey and Public Art Policy Project. (Armando Esparza, Director of Economic Development and Designing Local)
SUMMARY:
On January 29, 2025, the San Luis Economic Development Commission (SLEDC) discussed the creation of a Historic, Cultural, and Heritage-Based Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee. The Commission, with input from Chairman Jesús Carillo and Vice Chair Salma Marrufo, developed a proposal to explore how cultural and historic preservation could support economic development through job creation, tourism, and revitalization.
On March 12, 2025, the San Luis City Council approved the creation of this Ad Hoc Committee, reaffirming the City’s commitment to leveraging its cultural and historic assets as a strategy for economic growth. As a follow-up, on March 26, 2025, the Council authorized a $30,000 budget transfer to fund Phase I of a Historic Survey and Public Art Policy in partnership with Designing Local. This phase will include public engagement and a cultural resource inventory aligned with the goals of the Ad Hoc Committee. These actions reflect a growing alignment between State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) programs and the San Luis 2040 General Plan, which calls for preserving community identity, pursuing Certified Local Government (CLG) status, and leveraging heritage as an economic asset.
DESIGNING LOCAL
Firm Background: Designing Local is a woman-owned planning and design firm based in Columbus, Ohio. The team brings deep experience in cultural planning, historic preservation, and arts-based economic development. In Arizona, they’ve worked on projects in Queen Creek, Surprise, and Peoria, each integrating art, culture, and heritage into downtown development and revitalization strategies.
San Luis Project Timeline (Approx. 6 Months):
Queen Creek: https://issuu.com/designing_local/docs/queen_creek_art_placemaking_plan_draft_010524_fu
Peoria: https://issuu.com/designing_local/docs/peoria_arts_master_plan_draft_12.3
INVOLVEMENT OF THE COMMISSION AND THE AD HOC COMMITTEE:
SLEDC will be actively involved in the project as key stakeholders. Members may be invited to participate in:
As part of Designing Local’s stakeholder outreach, Commission members are encouraged to reflect on and discuss:
On March 12, 2025, the San Luis City Council approved the creation of this Ad Hoc Committee, reaffirming the City’s commitment to leveraging its cultural and historic assets as a strategy for economic growth. As a follow-up, on March 26, 2025, the Council authorized a $30,000 budget transfer to fund Phase I of a Historic Survey and Public Art Policy in partnership with Designing Local. This phase will include public engagement and a cultural resource inventory aligned with the goals of the Ad Hoc Committee. These actions reflect a growing alignment between State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) programs and the San Luis 2040 General Plan, which calls for preserving community identity, pursuing Certified Local Government (CLG) status, and leveraging heritage as an economic asset.
DESIGNING LOCAL
Firm Background: Designing Local is a woman-owned planning and design firm based in Columbus, Ohio. The team brings deep experience in cultural planning, historic preservation, and arts-based economic development. In Arizona, they’ve worked on projects in Queen Creek, Surprise, and Peoria, each integrating art, culture, and heritage into downtown development and revitalization strategies.
San Luis Project Timeline (Approx. 6 Months):
- April 2025: Project Kickoff
- May–June 2025: Historic Survey & Community Engagement
- July–August 2025: Public Art Policy Development
- August 2025: Final Deliverables
Queen Creek: https://issuu.com/designing_local/docs/queen_creek_art_placemaking_plan_draft_010524_fu
Peoria: https://issuu.com/designing_local/docs/peoria_arts_master_plan_draft_12.3
INVOLVEMENT OF THE COMMISSION AND THE AD HOC COMMITTEE:
SLEDC will be actively involved in the project as key stakeholders. Members may be invited to participate in:
- Short interviews to share insights about historic preservation and economic development.
- Community engagement activities, including:
- Arte en la Calle on April 25th: Designing Local will host a public engagement booth for feedback and visioning.
- Site visits in the downtown area to identify potential historic properties and areas for public art.
As part of Designing Local’s stakeholder outreach, Commission members are encouraged to reflect on and discuss:
- What are some historic or culturally significant properties in San Luis?
- What would you like to see historic properties turned into (e.g., businesses, museums, community spaces)?
- Where should public art be located in San Luis?
- What types of art would reflect and celebrate the identity of San Luis?
RECOMMENDATION / SUGGESTED MOTION:
DISCUSSION ITEM ONLY, NO ACTION.