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         At the midpoint of the first decade of the new century, San Antonio began to experience an economic renaissance. While development and growth was taking place, there was, and continues to be, an overwhelming concern that something equitable needed to be done to include the Eastside Community in the growing prosperity. There was consensus that the area needed a credible economic development organization (EDO) to formulate a plan of action that would include all facets of the Eastside.

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          After recognizing the disparity in community economic development services being delivered to San Antonio’s Eastside, Councilman Mario Marcel Salas worked closely with District 2 residents and created the inception of what is now SAGE, previously called Community Economic Revitalization Agency Inc. (CERA). One of CERA’s many successful projects was the creation of TIRZ number 11.

          A commercial tax increment reinvestment zone (TIRZ number 11) was established by City Council vote in December 2000 and established the East Side TIRZ board to further advance public-improvement projects within the zone. The TIRZ Board was championed by CERA and community leaders such as Rev. Claude W. Black, Rev. E. Thurman Walker, and Tommy Calvert, Sr.

          In 2008, CERA was renamed to San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside (SAGE) and continued with its purpose of championing the revitalization of the Eastside community, promoting economic development, and carrying out the vision of the TIRZ Board.

          In January 2014, President Barack Obama recognized this geographic area as one of the first five Promise Zones in the nation. To date, San Antonio’s Eastside Promise Zone has received over $366 million in federal, public capital, and other investments targeted at increasing business growth, improving education, infrastructure and housing.