Jenna Saucedo-Herrera is President & CEO of greater:SATX, an economic development partnership leading the San Antonio region’s growth.
Boosting the economy of an entire metro region is a heavy lift. No single entity can do it alone.
That’s why I believe it’s important for regional economic development organizations (EDOs) to collaborate with other entities that share common goals. The EDO I lead represents eight counties centered around San Antonio, Texas, and our greatest successes have been the result of partnerships.
I realize this isn’t a groundbreaking thought; it probably sounds like common sense that organizations with the best interests of their community at heart should work together. But experience has taught me that it’s not always as straightforward as one might think. Well-intentioned groups can have different priorities and ideas about what needs to be done and how. In my experience, a lack of communication and shared planning can result in organizations pursuing separate agendas, dividing civic energy and resources and reducing the chances that anything will get accomplished.
Because of their mission and non-partisan nature, EDOs are in a strong position to assemble coalitions around specific opportunities. Based on my own experiences, here are some tips and examples you can use to form successful alliances.
1. Partner with your destination management organization (DMO).
DMOs and EDOs share common goals, both aiming to attract people to the region: DMOs focus on attracting visitors, while EDOs focus on more permanency.
The qualities that make a region attractive for visitors also apply to businesses and workforce relocators: a high quality of life, affordability, cultural and entertainment options, safety, cleanliness, accessibility and ease of transportation, among others. It’s great when a visitor falls in love with an area and decides to move there, but the shared goals can be even greater than that.
We recently partnered with our metro’s DMO, along with local businesses and the city, to address one of the biggest barriers to our economic growth: air travel. A lack of nonstop flights can deter not only tourists on vacation but also those looking to relocate, as well as impact businesses wanting to relocate and those already here and looking to grow. Together, we were able to address several issues with San Antonio’s air service connectivity that were preventing it from keeping pace with the city’s economic growth.
To collaborate effectively, an EDO can align its goals with the DMO’s strategic priorities, such as tourism, destination development or branding and marketing. Start by identifying mutual objectives, then work collaboratively on initiatives like joint marketing campaigns or addressing regional challenges such as infrastructure gaps. Just as air traffic improvements can boost accessibility and tourism, focusing on an area’s additional gaps, such as transit systems, broadband expansion or cultural event sponsorships, can help create a more vibrant and connected region.
Also, spend time understanding the DMO’s strategy and creating a joint approach wherever you can. Consider sharing data and research regularly, teaming up to lure a high-profile event or doing a joint podcast together to share regional news with a broader audience. Get creative and strategic—there are many innovative ways to collaborate to address the needs of the greater community.
2. Address the underlying issues.
As difficult as it can be to secure new flights, your region may face other, even more challenging goals. And the more imposing they are, the more help you’ll likely need.
For example, while improving educational levels might seem to fall outside the purview of economic development, economic growth is not possible without educational attainment and a strong and ready workforce. Before relocating or expanding, businesses want to know they will have access to an educated and skilled workforce. It’s one of the top reasons companies relocate.
Be honest about your gaps with your regional collaboration partners because if you don’t admit them, you will never address them. Frame challenges as opportunities, emphasizing the community’s strengths and potential. This approach helps keep the focus on positive, actionable steps forward.
Create a call-to-action plan, engaging with organizations and highlighting the importance of their participation. Build a near- and long-term strategy and share it with partners. Paint a visionary state of where you all desire to be, and communicate proactively and regularly to stakeholders on the progress. Transparent communication with businesses, residents and public officials goes a long way toward building trust. Be open about setbacks to show your commitment to continuous improvement.
3. Partner with your neighbors.
Too often, EDOs from different regions see each other only as competition, pursuing the same investments and businesses. But as I like to say, collaborate wherever possible and compete when you must.
There are often common interests among neighboring EDOs, such as inter-city mobility, environmental issues and economic development on a regional scale. For example, my organization and our counterpart jointly market our megaregion, which has become an advanced manufacturing bi-national corridor that extends down into Mexico. We’ve partnered to advance key legislative priorities for corporate recruitment and economic growth and are exploring a rail link to ease commutes and reduce congestion.
Economic growth and prosperity are too big and too important to be the sole responsibility of any single government or organization. Economic development truly is a team sport. That is why I believe the best results can happen when EDOs partner with others.
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