San Marcos, Texas, is making a significant push to attract aerospace, defense, and manufacturing companies, according to Helen Ramirez, the city's economic development director. In a recent episode of The Building Texas Show, Ramirez outlined several major projects that position the city as a rising player in the aerospace sector.
The city has purchased nearly 200 acres from the U.S. Department of Labor to extend the runway at San Marcos Regional Airport, funded by FAA and Texas Aviation grants. The airport already hosts more than 18 tenants, including Berry Aviation, now owned by publicly traded Bristow Group (NYSE: VTOL). This expansion is critical for accommodating larger aircraft and attracting aerospace businesses.
Adjacent to the airport is TriTexas, a 2,000-acre, rail-served mega site with regional detention and utilities already in place, ready for tenants. This infrastructure investment demonstrates the city's proactive approach to economic development.
Ramirez also highlighted Star Park, Texas State University's incubator, which houses the Innovation Corridor Defense Accelerator, run in partnership with Starburst Aerospace and the Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership. This initiative fosters innovation and supports startups in the defense and aerospace sectors.
Downtown, a 130-key boutique hotel is under development on land donated by Texas State University. The project includes a minimum-wage requirement tied to inflation in its incentive deal, reflecting the city's commitment to equitable growth.
When asked about the spaceport concept, Ramirez clarified that San Marcos is not pursuing rocket launches. "We are looking at that future of space. It is not necessarily launching rockets," she said. "You can have it in Starbase, SpaceX, but that's not what we're looking for. But we can be part of the intelligence of creating that ecosystem." She cited Hawthorne, California—home to Raytheon, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman—as a model for the aerospace intelligence and manufacturing ecosystem she envisions for Central Texas.
The city's efforts are backed by data. A survey conducted by Ramirez's office of 98 companies found that over 90% reported stable or growing business, with about 40% actively expanding. Epic Piping is adding 100 employees, Amazon continues to grow its footprint, and Collins Aerospace, which also operates in California, reported better business conditions in San Marcos. Nabaco, a Texas State spinoff that went through a Rice University accelerator, now operates in Spain and still hires Texas State graduate students. US Aviation trains active-duty Air Force cadets at the airport, and Texas State is adding a hospitality program tied to the downtown hotel.
Ramirez's staff has direct access to the city's permitting software, enabling real-time responses to permit questions. For example, Texas Building Supply, projected to generate roughly $40 million annually in sales tax without an incentive package, benefits from this streamlined process.
These developments signal that San Marcos is positioning itself as a hub for aerospace intelligence and advanced manufacturing. For business leaders, this means new opportunities for partnerships, relocation, and investment in a growing ecosystem. The city's focus on infrastructure, education, and efficient permitting could serve as a model for other regions aiming to attract high-tech industries. As the aerospace and defense sectors continue to evolve, San Marcos's strategic investments may yield significant economic returns and enhance regional competitiveness.
