Driving the Data to Spur Redevelopment

This session will showcase the journey of transforming a former Air Force Base into a national model for redevelopment. Brooks' transformation is not just a story of urban renewal; it's a testament to what's possible, turning a 1,308-acre shuttered military installation into a thriving mixed-use community with more than $2.2 billion in investment and counting. The session will unpack strategic insights and decisions that led to Brooks' success, highlighting how the team navigated complex challenges associated with maintaining the site's historical character while updating it with modern infrastructure and amenities suited for current community needs. A key aspect of Brooks' success story is its impact on employment and regional investment, creating more jobs than the Air Force Base previously supported and catalyzing economic growth in a previously overlooked region. The Brooks regional area (7,500-acres) has seen a 36 percent increase in household income, outpacing the City of San Antonio's 32 percent increase over the same period. Attendees will explore the economic strategies and community engagement practices that contributed to surpassing job creation goals while also developing a vibrant community. This session will provide a valuable blueprint for similar urban development projects, emphasizing how underutilized installations can be transformed.