The City of San Marcos has plans to renovate all downtown alleys by 2027. Planning for restoration of these alleys has not yet begun and we would like to collaborate with the City on retrofitting these corridors to integrate green stormwater infrastructure to enhance walkability while also treating stormwater runoff that flows down to the Upper San Marcos River. A few goals include:
• Envision a performative green alley network that can increase resilience and deliver ecological and social services in downtown San Marcos.
• Provide a strategic toolkit of Green Stormwater Infrastructure – including funding opportunities, GSI options, budget breakdown, potential partners, and more.
• Protect and improve the water quality of the Upper San Marcos River Watershed and lessen localized flooding.
• Enhance air quality, mitigate the urban heat island effect and increase urban biodiversity in downtown San Marcos.
• Educate and raise awareness of the social and ecological benefits of green infrastructure in alley network setting.
• Increase economic vitality for downtown businesses by improving service support and functionality of the alleys.
• Encourage walking and biking into and through downtown San Marcos with friendly, safe, and accessible connectivity.
• Create a human scale network that fosters a sense of discovery and exploration, and cultivates art and cultural uses by businesses, visitors, and residents.