The City of San Marcos claimed a silver rank for “North City: A new downtown for San Marcos,” a project in the category of Public-Private Partnerships of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The prestigious honor was presented yesterday at an awards ceremony during the IEDC Annual Conference, which is currently underway.
IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders. Award categories honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Awards are judged by a diverse panel of economic and community developers, following a nomination process held earlier this year. IEDC received over 500 submissions from four countries.
Here is an excerpt from San Marcos project submission:
It’s a rare occurrence to have the opportunity to create a new, thriving downtown core for an already established city. Yet that’s exactly what a shared vision between the City of San Marcos, Sea Breeze Properties and California State University San Marcos conceived. Enter North City – San Marcos’ new downtown gathering place that has captivated local residents and businesses alike with its energy, creative mixed-use concepts and modern vibe.
North City is truly a one-of-a-kind development that has leveraged partnerships between the City of San Marcos and Cal State San Marcos to enhance life for those at the university, living in town and the greater San Diego region. With a long view of building community in tandem with its surroundings, North City’s deliberate combination of mixed-use buildings, residences, destination-worthy restaurants/entertainment, student housing, campus facilities, open and gathering spaces has charted a new course for how purposeful development can inspire and support an entire community.
“The winners of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development awards represent the best of economic development and exemplify the leadership that our profession strives for every day,” said 2021 IEDC Board Chair and Invest Buffalo Niagara, President and CEO Tom Kucharski. “We’re honored to recognize the more than 100 communities whose marketing submissions, projects, and partnerships have improved regional quality of life.”
