Cities & Counties
Mayor maintains hawkish approach to expenses as 2027 city budget development continues
By Edmond Ortiz When it comes to spending cuts and adjustments in developing San Antonio’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget, Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is reiterating her stance that everything is on the table. Where the mayor stands The City Council will conclude a brief summer break and reconvene in August to face what local officials…
Bexar, Comal county leaders pressed for changes at overcrowded jails
By Edmond Ortiz A Bexar County commissioner and grassroots groups are keeping up public pressure on local officials to improve conditions at the Bexar County Jail after another recent death of a detainee, and increasing complaints about overcrowding and mishandling of inmates with medical and mental issues. Meanwhile, Comal County leaders are themselves contending with…
New Braunfels: City looks to 2027 bond; Mayfair plan tweaked
By Edmond Ortiz While New Braunfels’ newly elected mayor has already presided over a few meetings, local leaders are looking to the long-term future and exploring a potential 2027 bond issue. Meanwhile, changes are afoot at one of the area’s biggest, ongoing mixed-use developments. Potential city bond City Council held a July 17 workshop to…
Input sought on voting panel’s report as voter advocates press engagement in face of threats
By Edmond Ortiz San Antonio’s mayor is wanting feedback on a local panel’s recommendations meant to help increase voter participation and civic engagement. The recent unveiling of the panel’s report comes as voting advocacy groups are re-emphasizing the importance of voter engagement against a background of attempts to dismantle legal voter protections. What is happening…
New Braunfels mulls potential changes to downtown paid parking system
By Edmond Ortiz New Braunfels officials expect to wrap up their summer by considering potential changes to the city’s downtown parking system, which could expand free parking for residents, and increase parking fees on out-of-towners. What is happening City Council met July 13 to review the 1-year-old managed pay-to-park system. Interstate Parking runs a program…
Kirby pursues $15M in upgrades; controversy surrounds council member’s ouster
By Edmond Ortiz Kirby City Council on July 9 narrowly approved a plan to issue $15 million in certificates of obligation to upgrade infrastructure and city facilities and department equipment. But as some council members and many residents have voiced reservations about the city taking on new debt, lingering tensions at the council dais boiled…
Live Oak announces death of City Council member
By Edmond Ortiz Live Oak residents and leaders are paying their respects to late Live Oak City Councilmember Aaron Dahl, whose death was announced by the city July 10. A Connecticut native, Dahl moved to Texas where he earned a master’s degree from Texas A&M University. The architect then moved to San Antonio for work…
Bexar County looks to develop ‘nursery’ to aid young families in crisis
By Edmond Ortiz Bexar County will explore the creation of a program that local officials and children’s advocates say will help protect at-risk minors while their adult caregivers contend with particular difficulties. What is a crisis nursery Commissioners Court unanimously voted July 7 to direct county staff to develop a crisis nursery, which would offer…
Spurs add ‘home’ away game; property purchase part of Project Marvel information meetings
By Edmond Ortiz The San Antonio Spurs may have fallen short in the NBA Finals and while the offseason is underway, Spurs officials are busy expanding the team’s branding, and advancing matters related to a planned downtown sports and entertainment district. Arena leasing Bexar County Commissioners voted 4-0 July 7 to amend the Spurs and…
San Antonio mayor responds to ICE’s plan for East Side detention facility
By Edmond Ortiz Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones continues to press the federal government for more details on its plan to convert a vacant industrial building in east San Antonio into a detention center for undocumented immigrants. What ICE is saying Jones dispatched a letter July 2 to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, doubling down on…