<![CDATA[San Marcos In Focus]]>889f05a5-7571-5ad8-ada4-30d021801196Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:30:47 +0000Captivate.fmKZSMhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/997990ac-08bf-43a4-a850-f041c3163bf6/IY-2jIOAQie-LJGckZmRWMEo.jpgSan Marcos In FocusKZSMKZSMEach month we sit down with San Marcos, Texas city employees to talk about their departments, and how they affect you.https://san-marcos-in-focus.captivate.fmfalseepisodicnopodcastSan Marcos In Focus (06-16-26) - FY 2026 / 2027 BudgetSan Marcos In Focus (06-16-26) - FY 2026 / 2027 BudgetHost Rob Roark gives an overview of the San Marcos city budget for the upcoming year, the budget process, a comparison with our neighbors on I-35, and a dive into spending for social services.

]]>Host Rob Roark gives an overview of the San Marcos city budget for the upcoming year, the budget process, a comparison with our neighbors on I-35, and a dive into spending for social services.

]]>6f36ae04-c047-4878-87dd-05afd87108c0Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -050029:41falsefull33053053San Marcos in Focus (04-21-26) - Jamie Lee Case Parks and RecSan Marcos in Focus (04-21-26) - Jamie Lee Case Parks and RecJamie Lee Case, director of Parks and Recreation for the City of San Marcos is our guest on this episode. Listen in to find out about the changes coming to Rio Vista and the river for out of town entrance fee. We also talk about the upcoming community meetings on Capes Dam.

]]>Jamie Lee Case, director of Parks and Recreation for the City of San Marcos is our guest on this episode. Listen in to find out about the changes coming to Rio Vista and the river for out of town entrance fee. We also talk about the upcoming community meetings on Capes Dam.

]]>39262102-7cf8-4338-9950-1ee3abe99988Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -050029:54falsefull33043043San Marcos in Focus (03-17-26) - City Happenings for March and AprilSan Marcos in Focus (03-17-26) - City Happenings for March and AprilRob Roark reads the city web site postings to fill in for now city department spokesperson for this month.

]]>Rob Roark reads the city web site postings to fill in for now city department spokesperson for this month.

]]>4a3d4dc2-b4eb-4004-99ad-7eefa193abfbFri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -050030:14falsefull33033033San Marcos in Focus (02-17-26) - Guest Tiffany HarrisSan Marcos in Focus (02-17-26) - Guest Tiffany HarrisHost Rob Roark and Guest Tiffany Harris (Our Community Vitality Coordinator) join to discuss the San Marcos UniverCity Program. This free 8 week course begin on March 10, 2026 includes informational sessions highlighting city departments and services they provide to residents and visitors. Deadline to apply is March 2, 2026, with confirmations sent out via email on March 3, 2026.

]]>Host Rob Roark and Guest Tiffany Harris (Our Community Vitality Coordinator) join to discuss the San Marcos UniverCity Program. This free 8 week course begin on March 10, 2026 includes informational sessions highlighting city departments and services they provide to residents and visitors. Deadline to apply is March 2, 2026, with confirmations sent out via email on March 3, 2026.

]]>0494b934-c254-47f1-9789-c003395d9adcTue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -050029:33falsefull33023023San Marcos in Focus (01-20-26) - Participatory BudgetingSan Marcos in Focus (01-20-26) - Participatory BudgetingHost Rob Roark welcomes San Marcos Community Resources Navigation Manager Grisell Perez-Carney to talk about the city budget process, and new program this year for San Marcos citizens to be part of the allocation for $200,000 for small community projects.

]]>Host Rob Roark welcomes San Marcos Community Resources Navigation Manager Grisell Perez-Carney to talk about the city budget process, and new program this year for San Marcos citizens to be part of the allocation for $200,000 for small community projects.

]]>96fbd55d-770d-4470-8619-00fa2c5c8c95Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -050029:36falsefull33013013San Marcos in Focus (10-21-25) - Farmer Fred's Farm and Survey'sSan Marcos in Focus (10-21-25) - Farmer Fred's Farm and Survey'sChristie Murillo from the City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department joins us in the KZSM studio to talk about Farmer Fred's Farm event on Friday October 24th, other upcoming events, and about the latest survey process.

]]>Christie Murillo from the City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department joins us in the KZSM studio to talk about Farmer Fred's Farm event on Friday October 24th, other upcoming events, and about the latest survey process.

]]>0a42e98b-9011-4644-8ba3-966c3a9e3b9fTue, 21 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -050029:43falsefull22062062San Marcos in Focus (10-21-25) - Farmer Fred's Farm and Survey'sSan Marcos in Focus (10-21-25) - Farmer Fred's Farm and Survey'sChristie Murillo from the City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department joins us in the KZSM studio to talk about Farmer Fred's Farm event on Friday October 24th, other upcoming events, and about the latest survey process.

]]>Christie Murillo from the City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department joins us in the KZSM studio to talk about Farmer Fred's Farm event on Friday October 24th, other upcoming events, and about the latest survey process.

]]>3c2461aa-1f96-409c-ba63-8c375b0f3373Tue, 21 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -050029:43falsefull22062062San Marcos in Focus (08-19-25) - Still in a drought? Conserve Water!San Marcos in Focus (08-19-25) - Still in a drought? Conserve Water!Host Rob Roark talks with Conservation Coordinator Jan DeLaCruz from the SMTX Utilities about water usage, the ongoing drought, when to water your lawn, and when will the water run out?

]]>Host Rob Roark talks with Conservation Coordinator Jan DeLaCruz from the SMTX Utilities about water usage, the ongoing drought, when to water your lawn, and when will the water run out?

]]>5cfdc4c5-3312-4a53-b0de-f2b92db8a85fTue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -050029:56falsefull22052052San Marcos in Focus (05-20-25) - 10 Years After The FloodSan Marcos in Focus (05-20-25) - 10 Years After The FloodThis month on San Marcos In Focus, Shawn Condor, the Director of Engineering and Capital Improvements joins in the KZSM studio to talk about the 10th anniversary of the catastrophic 2015 memorial Day and Halloween floods in San Marcos. He answers what has been done by the city, and what still remains in the future, to make sure the city is ready for the next major disaster.

]]>This month on San Marcos In Focus, Shawn Condor, the Director of Engineering and Capital Improvements joins in the KZSM studio to talk about the 10th anniversary of the catastrophic 2015 memorial Day and Halloween floods in San Marcos. He answers what has been done by the city, and what still remains in the future, to make sure the city is ready for the next major disaster.

]]>b5cd2e67-45eb-4b1f-a7ca-637566d9431bTue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 -050029:44falsefull22042042San Marcos In Focus (04-22-25) - Summer Park SafetySan Marcos In Focus (04-22-25) - Summer Park SafetyInterim San Marcos City Marshall Tiffany Williams joins us to talk about enjoying the river, and our parks, safely, over the summer.

]]>Interim San Marcos City Marshall Tiffany Williams joins us to talk about enjoying the river, and our parks, safely, over the summer.

]]>ebe35e92-26ea-4779-90ca-0ad657385a14Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -050030:00falsefull22032032San Marcos in Focus (03-18-25) - Budget ProcessSan Marcos in Focus (03-18-25) - Budget ProcessThis month we interview city Budget Manager Trisha Patek and Community Resource and Engagement Coordinator Grisell Perez-Carey.

The City of San Marcos is introducing a new way for residents to help shape the Fiscal Year 2026 budget with Polco’s Balancing Act, a suite of interactive tools that allow the community to explore budget allocations, adjust spending priorities, and provide direct input on financial decisions.

“One of our primary responsibilities is to build a balanced budget that truly reflects the evolving priorities of our community and its diverse needs," said City Manager Stephanie Reyes. "We take financial stewardship seriously, and we're embracing innovative solutions to foster greater community inclusion in our budgeting process. This tool was sought as part of our commitment to transparency and collaborative decision-making, allowing residents to directly contribute their insights and ensure that our spending decisions are aligned with their needs, creating a more responsive and inclusive government.”

Residents will be invited to provide feedback online through Balancing Act in two phases:

  • Strategic Plan Priorities: Beginning February 27 through March 17, residents will rank their top priorities from the 2025 Strategic Plan, which was approved by City Council on February 18, 2025. This phase will use Balancing Act’s prioritization platform.
  • Budget Simulation: Beginning in May 2025, residents will be invited to propose budgetary allocations. Using the budget simulation platform, residents will weigh in on real financial scenarios and navigate trade-offs to balance their own version of the FY2026 budget.

The results from community members’ engagement with the Balancing Act tool will be shared with members of City staff and City Council. Results will also be made available to the public on the City of San Marcos website.

The Balancing Act tool is available online in English and Spanish at www.sanmarcostx.gov/budgetengagement. In addition to the Balancing Act tool, community members may provide feedback on the budget at public meetings, including during public hearings scheduled for September 2 and September 16. The San Marcos City Council is expected to adopt the budget at their September 16 meeting.

]]>This month we interview city Budget Manager Trisha Patek and Community Resource and Engagement Coordinator Grisell Perez-Carey.

The City of San Marcos is introducing a new way for residents to help shape the Fiscal Year 2026 budget with Polco’s Balancing Act, a suite of interactive tools that allow the community to explore budget allocations, adjust spending priorities, and provide direct input on financial decisions.

“One of our primary responsibilities is to build a balanced budget that truly reflects the evolving priorities of our community and its diverse needs," said City Manager Stephanie Reyes. "We take financial stewardship seriously, and we're embracing innovative solutions to foster greater community inclusion in our budgeting process. This tool was sought as part of our commitment to transparency and collaborative decision-making, allowing residents to directly contribute their insights and ensure that our spending decisions are aligned with their needs, creating a more responsive and inclusive government.”

Residents will be invited to provide feedback online through Balancing Act in two phases:

  • Strategic Plan Priorities: Beginning February 27 through March 17, residents will rank their top priorities from the 2025 Strategic Plan, which was approved by City Council on February 18, 2025. This phase will use Balancing Act’s prioritization platform.
  • Budget Simulation: Beginning in May 2025, residents will be invited to propose budgetary allocations. Using the budget simulation platform, residents will weigh in on real financial scenarios and navigate trade-offs to balance their own version of the FY2026 budget.

The results from community members’ engagement with the Balancing Act tool will be shared with members of City staff and City Council. Results will also be made available to the public on the City of San Marcos website.

The Balancing Act tool is available online in English and Spanish at www.sanmarcostx.gov/budgetengagement. In addition to the Balancing Act tool, community members may provide feedback on the budget at public meetings, including during public hearings scheduled for September 2 and September 16. The San Marcos City Council is expected to adopt the budget at their September 16 meeting.

]]>44379d56-c3d0-4f71-b6cc-4f1ec1308f1dTue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -050029:56falsefull22022022San Marcos in Focus (02-18-25) - Josie Faletta Downtown LandscapingSan Marcos in Focus (02-18-25) - Josie Faletta Downtown LandscapingThis month Josie Faletta, Downtown Manager for the City of San Marcos, talks with us about the downtown landscaping project, and upcoming downtown events.

]]>This month Josie Faletta, Downtown Manager for the City of San Marcos, talks with us about the downtown landscaping project, and upcoming downtown events.

]]>696e83af-972e-461d-94a4-7e389056b9d8Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -050031:10falsefull22012012San Marcos In Focus (12-17-24) - Historic Preservation CommissionSan Marcos In Focus (12-17-24) - Historic Preservation CommissionGuest Allison Brake, City of San Marcos Historical preservation officer, discusses the work on the Historical preservation Plan, the Legacy business program, and the recent additions in the Dunbar neighborhood to the National Historic Registry.

]]>Guest Allison Brake, City of San Marcos Historical preservation officer, discusses the work on the Historical preservation Plan, the Legacy business program, and the recent additions in the Dunbar neighborhood to the National Historic Registry.

]]>893be5cd-e79c-43b8-8501-18186638d0caTue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -050029:10falsefull11081081San Marcos in Focus (11-21-24) - Blue Santa ProgramSan Marcos in Focus (11-21-24) - Blue Santa ProgramThis month we speak with La Ray Taylor of the San Marcos Police Blue Santa program. Learn how you can get involved.

]]>This month we speak with La Ray Taylor of the San Marcos Police Blue Santa program. Learn how you can get involved.

]]>be33f904-f157-42f9-ba6c-e1f40eac77f3Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -050027:03falsefull11071071San Marcos in Focus (10-15-24) - Dream SessionsSan Marcos in Focus (10-15-24) - Dream SessionsGrisell Perez-Carey, San Marcos City Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator is our guest in the KZSM studio this month. We discuss the upcoming city wide Dream Sessions that will be focused on critical incidents involving police. The city wants to hear from all of it's citizens at these sessions.

]]>Grisell Perez-Carey, San Marcos City Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator is our guest in the KZSM studio this month. We discuss the upcoming city wide Dream Sessions that will be focused on critical incidents involving police. The city wants to hear from all of it's citizens at these sessions.

]]>85590ac8-5b86-4d52-9f9f-5a7ee5671729Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -050029:52falsefull11061061San Marcos in Focus (08-20-24) - San Marcos Assistant City ManagersSan Marcos in Focus (08-20-24) - San Marcos Assistant City ManagersOn the August edition of San Marcos in Focus, we welcome to the KZSM studio San Marcos Assistant City Managers Lonzo Anderson and Rodney Gonzales. They share their experience prior to coming to San Marcos, the challenges ahead in the next year for the departments under them, and how you can best interact and provide feedback.

]]>On the August edition of San Marcos in Focus, we welcome to the KZSM studio San Marcos Assistant City Managers Lonzo Anderson and Rodney Gonzales. They share their experience prior to coming to San Marcos, the challenges ahead in the next year for the departments under them, and how you can best interact and provide feedback.

]]>e905ba88-e127-4cb1-8b83-f6e38b86f1c9Wed, 28 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -050032:36falsefull11041041