SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program and The Rockefeller Foundation has named the City of San Antonio's Pre-K 4 SA initiative a "Top 10 State and Metropolitan Innovations to Watch in 2013." The distinction highlights the top ten initiatives around the country that show the most promise for creating jobs, growing regional economies, and boosting global competitiveness in the coming year.

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"San Antonio is distinguishing itself as a big American city willing to invest in its economic competitiveness through education," said San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro.

The highlighted programs and projects are part of the Brookings-Rockefeller Project on State and Metropolitan Innovation, which presents fiscally-responsible state policies and practical metropolitan-led solutions that leaders can use to move toward the next economy. These innovations cover five topics: exports, low carbon, innovation, opportunity and governance. This year, the Pre-K 4 SA program was chosen for the 'metro-opportunity' category for the effort to build a more skilled workforce in the region.

"It is an honor for the City of San Antonio's Pre-K program to receive this recognition," said San Antonio City Manager Sheryl Sculley. "The Pre-K program is an investment in the City's future and will prepare our youngest students for a lifetime of success. All children deserve an equal ability to learn and achieve academically from all backgrounds."

The Pre-K 4 SA initiative utilizes revenue generated by a 1/8-cent sales tax and other state and federal dollars to provide high-quality, full-day Pre-K for eligible four-year-olds in San Antonio. The program aims to improve the educational trajectory of more than 22,000 four-year-old children over eight years while benefiting thousands more by training area school teachers, teacher's aides, community Pre-K providers and education leaders. On Nov. 6, 2012, San Antonio residents approved the 1/8-cent sales tax increase to fund the program.

The Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings provides decision-makers with cutting-edge research and policy ideas for improving the health and prosperity of metropolitan areas, including their component cities, suburbs, and rural areas. To learn more, visit: http://www.brookings.edu/about/projects/state-metro-innovation.  

To see the Top 10 State and Metropolitan Innovations to Watch, visit
http://www.brookings.edu/research/interactives/2013/InnovationsToWatch.

A Model City for all America: San Antonio

San Antonio is a model city for the new face of America—a diverse, progressive and globally competitive city with a solid vision for national and international economic development. In 2012, San Antonio was named an All-America City by the National Civic League.  The City of San Antonio maintains a strong financial position with a "AAA" general obligation bond rating from all three major rating agencies. The Milken Institute has ranked San Antonio No. 1 on its Best-Performing Cities list. As the seventh-largest city in the United States, San Antonio is experiencing solid economic growth in 21^st century industries such as bioscience and healthcare. Biotech companies and healthcare systems in San Antonio contribute billions to the local economy. The Aerospace industry remains a dominant economic strength in San Antonio with the presence of several aviation and aerospace corporations, including the military.   The military has had a significant relationship with San Antonio for more than 200 years and is home to several military commands.  The city is also a cybersecurity hub; nationally recognized as a leader in the field of information security.  San Antonio is positioning itself to be at the forefront of the New Energy Economy in the United States, committed to investing and creating employment opportunities in green industries.  The travel industry also remains a consistent growing economy for the city, as millions of people visit San Antonio on a yearly basis.  For more information, visit www.sanantonio.gov. 

SOURCE City of San Antonio