“Location is a big one,” Agee says.“We’re landlocked right in the middle of the northeast side of San Antonio, and I-35 cutting us in half presents unique challenges and unique opportunities.”Yet even with that geography, Selma has built a clear identity rooted in quality of life—an intentional focus on making sure people don’t simply come to Selma to shop, but choose to stay. With major retail attractions such as Retama Park and The Forum nearby, Selma already draws strong regional activity.The next phase is turning that traffic into long-term residency and long-term investment through coordinated infrastructure projects, housing additions, and continued industrial and commercial growth. A “DOWNTOWN” DEFINED BY CONNECTIVITY, NOT TRADITION Unlike many municipalities, Selma does not have a traditional Main Street or historic downtown core. Instead, its primary community hub functions around key corridors—particularly the Lookout Road and Evans Road area—which has become a focal point for walkability, trails, and redevelopment-style growth. Selma is preparing to update its master planning framework in the next year or two, recognizing that the city’s growth and infrastructure needs have evolved rapidly since earlier planning cycles. In the meantime, the city is already implementing significant improvements, especially around connectivity. Trails and sidewalks have expanded along Evans Road and the creek corridor, and the city is actively working to connect the east and west sides of I-35. A major piece of this effort is the future trail connection under the interstate—an engineering and safety challenge, but one Selma believes is essential if it is to truly function as one connected community. Lookout Road is also a priority. Next year, Selma plans to begin work on the southern portion of Lookout Road using MPO-supported funding. When complete, it will bring improved road surface, sidewalks, and bike lanes to areas that have felt left out of earlier pedestrian infrastructure investments. It will also strengthen north-south connectivity and provide another relief route as I-35 continues to experience 79 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 01 SELMA, TX
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