News Center: Faculty Spotlight

Steve Nivin

Border trade with Mexico, neighborhood redevelopment, economic development, forecasting local and regional economies, the impact of the creative industry on a local economy—these are just some of the topics that Steve Nivin tackles each day. Through a unique partnership with the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and St. Mary’s University, Nivin serves as the director of the SABÉR Institute. The economic research think tank publishes a monthly economic report focused on the San Antonio economy and provides economic analysis, forecasting, and economic development services to Chamber members and other public and private organizations. The Institute also provides unique research and educational opportunities for St. Mary’s University students.

As the former Chief Economist and Industry Development Manager for the City of San Antonio, Nivin also applies his economic development expertise and knowledge to St. Mary’s University Neighborhood Revitalization Project. In this role, he brings together public and private partners to affect change in the community surrounding St. Mary’s. As part of the University’s Vision 2012 Strategic Plan, St. Mary’s has set out to be both the conduit and catalyst for commercial and residential revitalization in the area. As a Catholic and Marianist university in an urban environment, St. Mary’s believes it has a social responsibility to help improve the quality of life for our neighbors.

Nivin has spoken at international, national and local venues on topics related to regional economic development, economics of technological change, and the relationship between arts and economic development. He is often interviewed on local radio and television news programs and quoted in the local and international publications, such as the San Antonio Express–News, San Antonio Business Journal, and The Economist.

On Texas’ deficit and the potential of big cuts in education ...
“I understand that it is going to be tough to close the budget deficit, but I hope lawmakers can keep an eye on the mid– to long–term future as they work through the budget process. Given the projected size of the budget deficit, it seems reasonable that everything will be in play, including education. However, having a well–educated populace is fundamental to the future success of the Texas economy, as it is to just about anything else the State hopes to achieve, from better health outcomes to lower crime rates to a more cost–effective government. While it is no guarantee that more education spending will result in a better educational system, it is hard to imagine how big cuts in education can be good for Texas' economy. I think we have to keep in mind that we are not just competing with California, Massachusetts, Washington, and other states in the United States, but we are competing with India, China, Canada, the European Union, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, Britain, and many other countries throughout the world. If we are going to continue to improve our competitiveness with these countries, we have to get the economic fundamentals right, and the core of all of the economic fundamentals is a well educated and trained workforce, which is obviously derived from education. Furthermore, we need to have a strong quality of life that attracts and keeps these workers in the state. This means we need vibrant arts and cultural, an environment that encourages healthy lifestyles, low crime rates, and all of the other amenities that comprise a good quality of life. Many of these components of quality of life, at their core, are derived from a populace that is well educated.”

On how Texas’ deficit could affect its image as a recession proof state ...
“I think we saw the potential impact of a looming budget deficit on the economy of a state in the past couple of years in California. I am not saying that it will get that bad in Texas, but it might cause some businesses that are looking to move to Texas or expand here to have some pause as they see how the budget situation is dealt with. I also don't think that making big cuts in education sends a good signal, as it seems to me that it might give the perception that Texas is not thinking about its future or is willing to invest in its future. While I don't think it will be catastrophic to the State's economy, it could cause growth to slow as investment in the State might slow.”