In response to these changing conditions, the City of San Marcos has established a Lifelong Learning Center through the public library. Through a variety of partnerships, the city is able to provide a wide range of learning experiences. The Texas Education Agency supplies experienced teachers, the Private Industry Council supplies teachers and supplies, and the Southwest Texas State University Office of Minority Affairs provides academic and financial aid counseling to the library learners. At a Futures forum on diversity a few years ago, cities identified key issues that they felt affected their ability to attract and maintain a diverse workforce. Some of the questions they discussed were as follows.
Cities are at the forefront of a changing America.
They have a responsibility and an opportunity to take a leadership role in anticipating future trends and addressing the needs of citizens in a way that fosters not only tolerance but acceptance, inclusion, and celebration. Harsh and destructive polarization, exclusion, and isolation must be avoided if we are to preserve the fabric of our communities.