San Marcos – Our History is Saved! Landmark $375K Grant Unlocks Future Tourism Glory: All You Need to Know

Published on November 30, 2025

San Marcos is taking a powerful stand. The city’s soul lies within its historic buildings. The community’s heritage defines its unique character. Now, this heritage is receiving a much-needed lifeline. The City of San Marcos just unveiled a new, landmark grant program. This initiative is the Heritage Tourism and Preservation grant. It promises to protect the past for a brighter future. This program is an investment in the city’s identity. It is also a major investment in the local tourism economy.

This dedicated funding comes from the city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT). These are dollars generated directly by tourists. It is a powerful cycle of preservation and promotion. The initial funding for Fiscal Year 2026 is $375,000. This amount will be reviewed yearly. The goal is simple and crucial. The city wants to support projects that celebrate local history. They also must directly promote local tourism. This vital grant is administered by the city’s Arts and Heritage staff. In time, a new expert panel will review applications. This Heritage Tourism Panel will guide all future decisions. It includes city employees from key departments. These areas are Administration, Historic Preservation Facilities, and Tourism.

$375,000 Commitment to a Cultural Landmark

The initial allocation is directed at a single, critical project. For the Fiscal Year 2026 cycle, the full $375,000 will be allocated internally. It will fund the restoration of essential city facilities. These facilities must promote local history and heritage. They must also directly enhance the tourism industry.

The spotlight is now on the Dunbar Home Economics Building. This structure is a cornerstone of local history. Its restoration has been long-awaited. Funds were not available in the past. Assistant City Manager Rodney Gonzales confirmed the need. He estimated the full renovation cost is well over $375,000. San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson voiced strong support for this priority. She strongly felt the city should manage its own historical projects first. The Mayor explained her desire to keep the funds for immediate city use. She was quoted as saying the city should “take care of our own house first.” The consensus directs the entire $375,000 to the Dunbar project. This dedication will continue until the restoration is completed. This landmark project is set to become a major new tourism draw. It will preserve a vital piece of the city’s cultural narrative.

Powering Tourism Through Preservation

The use of the Hotel Occupancy Tax is strategic. It ensures that tourism dollars are reinvested. They flow directly back into the resources that attract visitors. This is a clear, powerful link. Visitors who stay in San Marcos hotels now directly save its history. This is a compelling story for travel marketing. The preservation efforts do more than save old buildings. They create new destinations and visitor experiences. A restored site is a new spot for tourists to visit. It provides a deeper context for the city’s rich story.

Destination Services Director Rebecca Ybarra championed this initiative. She presented the grant to the City Council. The goal is to fund events and projects. These activities must celebrate the city’s unique history. They also must significantly boost hotel and convention business. This program solidifies the connection between heritage and the travel economy.

Future is Bright: Supporting Local Nonprofits

While 2026 focuses on Dunbar, the future is bright for local partners. The City Council plans to expand the program. They will consider funding outside projects starting in the 2027 budget cycle. This is a massive opportunity for nonprofit groups. They will be crucial partners in the city’s tourism growth.

The program outlines four clear eligible categories. Each is designed to maximize tourism impact:

1. Capital Expenditures: This category provides the largest funding. Nonprofits can receive up to 80% of the cost, or up to $100,000. These funds are for restoring and preserving historic sites. Every restored building becomes a photo-ready tourist stop. These investments create a visible, tangible draw for visitors.
2. Planning: Planning funds are available for critical early steps. This includes expert services for preservation. It also covers architectural planning. Groups can get up to 80% of the cost, or up to $30,000. This ensures high-quality, professional restoration projects.
3. Marketing: Marketing is key to attracting tourists. Projects that help tourists engage with history qualify. Nonprofits can receive up to 50% of the cost, or up to $10,000. These funds will promote historic sites and cultural stories. They will ensure San Marcos’s heritage reaches a wider audience of travelers.
4. Experiential: This is about interaction and engagement. Funds cover events or activities at historic places. They provide an authentic connection to the past. This grant covers up to 50% of the cost, or up to $20,000. These experiences turn history into memorable tourism moments.

Structured Success and Community Involvement

The city has established a clear path for future applicants. To be eligible, a nonprofit must prove operation locally. They must have operated in San Marcos for the last two years. This ensures local commitment.

The city also requires strong engagement from applicants. All prospective grant recipients must attend a mandatory workshop. These sessions will provide crucial guidance. They will ensure projects meet the city’s high standards. The application portal will be easy to find. It will be posted alongside the existing Arts and Cultural grants. A link will be available on the official SMTX Arts website.

The Legacy of San Marcos Endures

This new grant is more than just a pool of money. It is a profound declaration of values. It says that San Marcos cherishes its deep roots. It confirms that the past is the foundation for the future. The grant ensures that historic sites will endure. They will stand proudly as vibrant tourism attractions.

The city is actively inviting the world to visit. The world is invited to touch, see, and feel this shared legacy. By saving the Dunbar Building, San Marcos sends a message. That message is clear: History matters here. This commitment guarantees that the stories of the community will be told. They will be shared with tourists for generations to come. This is truly the dawn of a new era for cultural tourism in Texas.