Cities & Counties
Here’s how Bexar County’s new budget affects residents
By Edmond Ortiz Bexar County’s newly approved budget for Fiscal Year 2027 features some spending cuts, a flat property tax rate, a dip into reserve funds, and no pay raises for county employees as county leaders continue to grapple with a budget shortfall and other fiscal challenges. What you should know Commissioners Court voted 3-2…
San Antonio council OK’s budget, tax rate hike, but avoids deeper spending cuts
By Edmond Ortiz The city of San Antonio will raise its property tax rate for the first time in more than 30 years as a divided City Council adopted a new budget that contains many spending cuts, but not the severe decreases that some local leaders and constituents had feared. What you should know Council…
Decision to close Boys and Girls Clubs Eastside Clubhouse draws scrutiny
By Edmond Ortiz Families who count on youth programming provided at the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio Eastside Clubhouse are questioning a plan by the organization to close the facility. What is happening Debbie Powell, CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio sent a letter to patrons and partners of the…
City Council backs plan to purchase land for Spurs arena, but not without opposition
By Edmond Ortiz The city and the San Antonio Spurs have overcome another major barrier toward developing a new pro basketball arena downtown. Despite concerns and objections presented by some city leaders and residents, the city is pressing forward with a plan to leverage specific-use public funds to acquire the property that will accommodate the…
City Council approves jail diversion pilot, police chief confirmation, new police union pact
By Edmond Ortiz City Council had a busy morning Sept. 10, addressing key public safety issues, including endorsing a jail diversion pilot program, approving a new collective bargaining agreement with the local police union, and the confirmation of a permanent police chief. Jail diversion program The city will work with the Center for Health Care…
Converse sets up regulations on short-term rentals
By Edmond Ortiz Converse is the latest community to adopt formal rules on short-term rentals. What you should know City Council unanimously voted Sept. 1 to approve a second and final reading of an ordinance that amends the city code to permit the establishment of local laws affecting the operation of short-term rentals. Development Services…
Land trust, recognition boost hopes of preserving affordable West Side housing
By Edmond Ortiz Affordable housing advocates are pushing two separate yet vital measures meant to deter further gentrification on San Antonio’s traditional West Side. Community land trust approved City Council on Sept. 3 designated Esperanza Community Land Trust, which is designed to help preserve a handful of existing West Side homes toward ensuring affordable rental…
Pledge of specialized zone funds for Spurs arena site raises questions about zone’s use, city’s priorities
By Edmond Ortiz City Council is scheduled Sept. 10 to consider allocating nearly $116 million in specific use taxing income to buy land to accommodate a new San Antonio Spurs arena. But committing revenue from the downtown-area tax zone has sparked a larger conversation about the adequate use of such zone monies, and the priorities…
Live Oak voters to fill council vacancy, mull city charter amendments
By Edmond Ortiz Two Live Oak residents have filed to run in a special Nov. 3 election for a chance to fill a City Council vacancy that was created by a sitting council member’s death. In that same election, Live Oak voters will decide the fate of proposed city charter changes. Council voted Aug. 11…
City Council readies to confirm Jesse Salame as permanent police chief
By Edmond Ortiz San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh announced Sept. 2 the appointment of Assistant Police Chief Jesse Salame as the city’s next permanent police chief. City Council is expected to confirm the appointment Sept. 10, as Salame succeeds longtime Chief William McManus, who is retiring from public law enforcement effective Sept. 30. What…