About CED

History

The Center for Economic Development at the University of Texas at San Antonio was established in 1979 under the Economic Development Administration's University Center Program to provide technical, research, training and information assistance to local governments, communities, nonprofit groups, councils of government, economic development districts, chambers of commerce and other organizations engaged in economic and community development activities in the 47-county South Texas region. The Center was the first federally funded component of what is now called the Institute for Economic Development.  Since its inception, the Center has engaged in hundreds of projects throughout the region fostering economic development.

Today, the Center is continuing to carry out its mission with a greater emphasis on regional and community projects designed to enhance collaboration and facilitate the more effective utilization of assets and resources among organizations, communities and local governments throughout the region to foster growth.

Mission Statement

The Center's mission is to:

• Promote economic development initiatives that create jobs and improve the quality of life for citizens in South Texas;
• Enhance the ability of local government's and communities in the region to engage in economic development;
• Encourage the creation of public/private partnerships and collaborative relationships among communities and organizations in South Texas to sustain economic growth;
• Provide technical assistance and training to local governments, economic development organizations, communities and others in the region to facilitate economic and community development; and
• Provide research assistance and support to help local governments, communities, economic development organizations and others in the region gain a better understanding of the factors influencing economic growth.