San Marcos to Strengthen Its Cultural Tourism Sector with New Grant Initiative, Get the Details Here

Published on November 30, 2025

The new Heritage Tourism and Preservation grant program from Heritage San Marcos in San Marcos, Texas seeks to capture and promote local history, while also promoting heritage tourism, and is an initial attempt at not just honoring local culture, but also promoting it across Texas. The program is funded by the cities Hotel Occupancy Tax and will showcase and promote historic sites/events and contribute to the local economy by preserving San Marcos history.

A Strategic Investment in Local Heritage

During a recent City Council meeting, Rebecca Ybarra, the Director of San Marcos Destination Services, presented the proposed grant program aimed at boosting tourism through the preservation of historic sites and local heritage events. The Heritage Tourism and Preservation grant will provide funding to nonprofit organizations and city projects that align with these goals.

The program’s inaugural budget for Fiscal Year 2026 allocates $375,000, with an annual review of funding needs to take place during the city’s budget workshops. Ybarra emphasized that the full $375,000 for 2026 would be dedicated to city-owned facilities that enhance and promote the city’s history and culture while benefiting tourism and the local hospitality industry.

The city’s decision to allocate the funds primarily for internal city projects shows a commitment to strengthening its local historical and cultural foundations. However, starting in 2027, the city plans to consider funding outside projects that contribute to the overall goal of promoting San Marcos as a tourist destination.

Categories of Funding and Eligibility

The grant program offers several funding categories, each aimed at different aspects of historical preservation and tourism promotion. These include Non-profits wishing to apply for the grant must have operated in San Marcos for at least two years. In addition, applicants must attend at least one of several workshops organized during the grant cycle to understand the application process better. The exact dates, times, and locations of these workshops will be posted on the SMTX Arts website.

The Dunbar Home Economics Building: A Key Focus for City Funds

San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson raised concerns about the allocation of the grant funds during the presentation, suggesting that the city’s Dunbar Home Economics Building restoration project should receive priority funding. This building, a historically significant structure, has long been in need of restoration but has been delayed due to a lack of available funds.

In response, Assistant City Manager Rodney Gonzales clarified that the current $375,000 allocation would be entirely dedicated to completing the Dunbar Home Economics Building restoration. He explained that additional funds for other preservation projects would be considered in the future, following the city’s policy for distributing funds.

Mayor Hughson emphasized the importance of prioritizing city projects before distributing funds to outside entities. “We need to take care of our own house first,” she remarked. Gonzales reiterated that the city’s current direction is to fully allocate the $375,000 for the Dunbar project, while future funding decisions will follow the established policy.

Economic and Tourism Impact

The launch of the Heritage Tourism and Preservation grant program aligns with broader efforts to strengthen San Marcos’ position as a key destination for tourism. The city’s investment in preserving its history not only enhances its cultural offerings but also attracts visitors who are eager to learn about its heritage. As the city preserves and promotes its iconic landmarks, it can expect increased tourism, which translates into more business for local hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions.

By supporting the restoration and preservation of historical landmarks, San Marcos can also create new tourism experiences, such as walking tours, interactive exhibitions, and cultural events that allow tourists to engage more deeply with the city’s past. This type of cultural tourism is highly attractive to modern travelers, particularly those interested in authentic, educational, and immersive experiences.

Furthermore, the success of this initiative is expected to increase the economic contribution of tourism to the city, expanding opportunities for local businesses and encouraging future investments in the city’s infrastructure and tourism industry.

Building Sustainable Tourism in San Marcos

The grant program is an essential component of San Marcos’ strategy to build sustainable tourism. By investing in heritage preservation and cultural tourism, the city can create a more balanced tourism model, one that benefits both visitors and the local community. This approach also helps ensure that the city’s growth as a tourist destination remains responsible, preserving the charm and history that makes San Marcos unique.

The partnership between the city and local organizations will also foster greater collaboration in promoting San Marcos as a destination for cultural tourism. As the city continues to grow and evolve, this collaboration can serve as a model for other cities looking to enhance their tourism sectors while maintaining their cultural identity and historical integrity.

Looking Ahead: The Future of San Marcos Tourism

While San Marcos continues to spend money on historical preservation and the tourism sector, the Heritage Tourism and Preservation grant program will ensure the city’s cultural heritage will be preserved and available for future generations. Because of the continuing support and investment of San Marcos to local tourism initiatives and the restoration of historic sites, San Marcos has been and will continue to be a top location for tourists looking for real cultural experiences and a meaningful heritage.