OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

San Antonio City Council Budget Work Session – Airport and Development Services – September 2, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, September 2, 2025
BodySan Antonio, Texas
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, September 2, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:31:01

Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

Good morning.

0:03

The time is now 9 a.m.

0:05

on Tuesday, uh September 2nd, 2025, and the City of San Antonio budget work session is called to order.

0:10

Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

0:12

Councilmember Councilmember Corps.

0:15

Councilmember Castillo Angiano.

0:17

Councilmember Viegran.

0:19

Here.

0:20

Councilmember Mungia.

0:22

President.

0:22

Councilmember Castillo.

0:25

Councilmember Galván.

0:27

Councilmember Aldarete Gabito.

0:29

Councilmember Meza Gonzalez.

0:32

Councilmember Spears.

0:34

Councilmember White.

0:35

Mayor Jones.

0:36

Here.

0:37

Mayor, we have Quorum.

0:38

Great.

0:39

This meeting is to hear about budgets for the airport and development services departments.

0:43

Eric, over to you.

0:44

Thank you, Mayor.

0:44

Good morning, Mayor and Council.

0:45

So we're going to start off with Jesus and the airport 2026 proposed budget, and then transition over to a mean uh for our development services proposed budget presentation.

0:57

Thank you.

1:04

Council.

1:06

Happy belated Labor Day.

1:09

My name is Sushou Sines, Director of the Airports here for the City of San Antonio.

1:14

Very proud and honored to serve for this city and all that we've been able to accomplish.

1:20

Today's annual budget presentation.

1:26

It's a culmination of our team's contributions, their efforts, and the amazing commitment to our city.

1:33

A big thank you to all of our team members for all that they do every day.

1:38

And a very it's a very talented group of leaders that are here with me today here.

1:43

Many are at the airport, but really talented group of leaders that are behind me here to support as well.

1:49

So I give a lot of thanks to them.

1:50

Today's presentation is going to encompass a department overview with a summary of our team's overall makeup at each of our two airports with emphasis on this specific strategic priorities we perform to provide the best level of service to our citizens.

2:06

A high level overview of our department's proposed budget and capital improvement program, and then I'll close out with a review of our grants program, some important service initiatives, and the summary of our 2026 strategic initiatives and activities.

2:30

This paved the path and provides clear and adaptive direction for us to accomplish predetermined activities and initiatives, as I mentioned earlier.

2:39

We remain focused on our vision, delivering an authentic and elevated travel experience for the 11 million passengers that are traveling through our airports each year.

2:50

It's beginning to the separating of us as one of the top performing U.S.

2:55

medium airports in the country.

2:58

How do we do that?

3:00

We do that through our mission, and that's delivering the San Antonio experience through transformation and talent.

3:05

That's how we get the things accomplished that we need to get accomplished.

3:09

I could sit here and talk to you for hours about the things that we've been able to accomplish in 2025, and I could sit here and talk to you for hours about what we're going to do in 2026.

3:20

I'm going to highlight some of the big things because if not, um, as a city manager says, hey, get Jesus out of the way because he's going to continue to talk about things and we need to move on.

3:31

I remind everyone we're an enterprise fund.

3:33

We're funded by tenant and passenger user fees and federal grants governed by the federal law.

3:41

And we substantiate ourselves by the revenues that must support our overall airport operations and everything that we do.

3:51

The team is composed of a very diverse and sophisticated group of difference makers.

3:57

With our 487 team members, we deliver the services needed for the city of San Antonio.

4:02

It's a as an enterprise department.

4:05

Our focus remains to deliver the best level of service possible with our people.

4:10

In our business of aircraft taking off and aircraft landing, we must be excellent.

4:15

Safety and security can never be compromised.

4:19

As is reflective in our upcoming financial overview for the past several years, we continue to experience growth in passenger activity in all of those levels, and delivering commercial and capital development improvements is one of the most important things as you outline.

4:36

The individuals that are here.

5:00

On the finance administration, it's a big budget.

5:03

There's a lot of things that we're doing.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety████████████████████20%
Airport Infrastructure█████████████████17%
Development Services██████████10%
Budget█████████9%
Code Enforcement████████8%
Public Engagement█████5%
Infrastructure████4%
Aviation Infrastructure███3%
Permitting and Contracting███3%
Summary of Proceedings

San Antonio City Council Budget Work Session – Airport and Development Services – September 2, 2025

The San Antonio City Council convened a budget work session on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 9 a.m. to hear presentations on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budgets for the Airport and Development Services departments. The meeting included detailed overviews of departmental operations, financials, capital projects, and program updates. Council members posed questions, expressed support for various initiatives, and proposed potential amendments to the budget. The meeting recessed into executive session at 11:30 a.m. and reconvened briefly in open session at 12:38 p.m., with no official action taken, before adjourning at 12:39 p.m.

Airport (San Antonio International Airport & Stinson Municipal Airport) Presentation

  • Presenter: Jesus Sines, Director of Airports.
  • Overview: The airport is an enterprise fund funded by tenant/passenger fees and federal grants. It serves 11 million passengers annually, supporting 55,000 jobs with a $7 billion economic impact.
  • Proposed FY26 Budget: Operating & Maintenance (O&M) proposed at $169.4 million (4% growth from $163.9 million adopted in FY25). O&M expense up 2% to $107 million. Over $30 million will be transferred to the Capital Improvement Fund. No position increases are requested.
  • Capital Projects: $648 million in capital spending, including the Terminal Development Program (new terminal with 18 gates, 900,000 sq ft, 40,000 sq ft concessions, new FIS customs facility). Construction is on scope, schedule, and budget; 600+ pylons installed; guaranteed maximum price targeted at 90% design. Other projects: Terminal A gate expansion (completing Dec 2025), new public safety building (opening Oct 2025), ground transportation center (adding 2,000+ parking spaces, completion 2027), and reconfiguration of Terminals A & B.
  • Air Service: 48 nonstop destinations; 11 new destinations added since 2022 (4 in Mexico); 1.7 million passenger increase since 2022. Airfare gap with Austin narrowed to $0.11. Five new nonstop destinations added in 2025. 36-month strategy exceeded projections by 1.6 million passengers.
  • Concessions: Three new packages approved; local brands like 2M BBQ, Panda Express, Popeyes, Southerleigh coming to terminals in 2025-2026.
  • Parking: Frictionless parking launched (world first); real-time shuttle tracking; 3-hour parking and short-term garage with preferred reserve launching in 2026.
  • Grants: $272 million awarded since 2020; $65.5 million awarded in 2025 to date; targeting $86.3 million in 2026.
  • Safety: FAA inspections with zero discrepancies three years in a row; first airport to implement Runway Improvement Protection through Situational Awareness.
  • Customer Service: Satisfaction target 4.2 (current 4.18); 90%+ efficiency in TSA and Customs processing.
  • Stinson Airport: New master plan completed; focus on EVTOL (electric vertical takeoff/landing), distribution, manufacturing. Projects include runway overlay, drainage, taxi lane.

Development Services (DSD) Presentation

  • Presenter: Amin Tomas, Director of Development Services.
  • Mission: Partnering with community to build and maintain a safer San Antonio.
  • Accreditations: ISO rating of 1 for commercial, 2 for residential (highest in Texas); International Accreditation Services (first in Texas for code enforcement, zero corrective actions in 2024).
  • Proposed FY26 Budget: Total $69.3 million ($18.5 million general fund for code enforcement, $48.8 million enterprise fund for development). 7% reduction from prior year; 42 positions frozen (33 currently vacant) to control expenses.
  • Permit Activity: Commercial permits stabilizing; residential permits declined since 2023 due to interest rates. FY26 forecast small dip. Average processing times: commercial 29 days (209 days total including customer time), residential 15 days.
  • Plan Review: Completed 3,700+ residential and 2,200+ commercial permits year-to-date; 18,700 walk-ins; 167,000 customer interactions.
  • Building Inspections: 210,000 inspections; 99% completed within scheduled time.
  • Land Development: 147 major plats, 267 minor plats, 491 zoning verification letters.
  • Code Enforcement (General Fund): 90% compliance rate within 45 days (target exceeded); proactive rate 76% (target 65%); 62,598 graffiti abatements year-to-date.
  • Fee Increases Proposed: Junkyard license (first update since 2012) to $1,000/year; donation containers to $240 (last updated 2009); dangerous/vacant lot abatement admin fee to $250 (last updated 2010); absentee property owner permit to $500 (last updated 2013). Estimated $200,000 revenue increase.
  • Programs:
    • Short-Term Rentals: 3,278 permitted units; dedicated code officer conducted 1,400 investigations, 448 violations, 82% compliance. Top violations: operating without permit or delinquent hotel occupancy tax.
    • Residential Street Lights: Since 2022, $8.8 million allocated; 927 lights installed, 107 pending; 3,241 lights still needed (estimated $27.8-$32.4 million). Proposed $2 million for FY26 (approx. 200 solar lights at $8,500-$10,000 each). Program now uses solar lights avoiding need for right-of-way easements.
    • Proactive Apartment Inspection Program: Since 2023, 61,000 inspections of 2,031 complexes; 49 (2.4%) had violations requiring program enrollment; 24 graduated, 25 actively working on corrections. Annual cost $100,000.
    • Senior Assistance Pilot Program: For elderly/disabled with fixed income; $100,000 citywide first-come-first-served; 57 households completed (avg cost $1,700). Funds nearly exhausted.
    • Code Enforcement Strategic Plan: Consultant hired; community listening sessions held in all districts; final report expected in 1-2 weeks; presentation to PCDC in October, then B session December, A session January 2026.

Discussion Items

  • Council Member Comments & Questions:
    • Councilwoman Mungia asked about senior assistance program costs and proposed partnership with Solid Waste for mulch. Supported street light funding increase and inquired about permit timeline comparisons (San Antonio 209 days vs. San Diego 176 days).
    • Councilwoman Alderete commended airport achievements and DSD fee increases. Supported proactive apartment inspection and senior assistance program. Asked about FIS fee (increase to $12.50).
    • Councilwoman Corr noted airport resiliency and requested $3 million from the Community Safety Fund (UTSA crime plan) to add to street light budget. Asked about customer satisfaction decrease (4.25 to 4.18) and suggested prioritizing street lights near schools and bus stops. Asked for data on code enforcement case closure accuracy.
    • Councilwoman Castillo supported fee increases for dangerous premises and absentee owners, suggested exploring higher increase for metal recycling licenses. Asked about tree mitigation fund replenishment and requested infographics on permitting process. Appreciated accessibility efforts at airport (sensory rooms, sunflower program).
    • Councilman White expressed concern about code enforcement cases marked closed but unresolved; discussed permit processing frustrations from developers and requested review of fees and timelines. Asked about commercial permit decline.
    • Councilwoman Meza Gonzalez asked for history of non-airline revenue and requested info on jobs from terminal development. Supported street light funding increase. Asked about short-term rental compliance and state law changes.
    • Councilman Viegran praised Stinson airport's historic and economic role. Encouraged local branding and merchandise at airport concessions. Asked about code enforcement performance metrics and requested more staff for DSD. Suggested regulating home-based businesses (renting pools, parking for events).
    • Councilwoman Galvan asked about DSD connecting seniors to other assistance programs, supported street light funding, inquired about cluster mailboxes and code enforcement communication improvements.
    • Councilwoman Castillo Angiano requested breakdown of DBE participation in airport contracts and asked about impact of 42 frozen positions on service delivery. Requested equity impact analysis.
    • Councilwoman Spears echoed developer frustrations on permitting times (209 days commercial). Asked about coordination with utilities to avoid construction delays. Expressed concern over stormwater management and floods. Requested follow-up on code enforcement strategic plan in her district.
    • Councilwoman Mesa Gonzalez asked about hotel occupancy tax from short-term rentals ($9.1 million projected). Asked about number of District 8 apartments in proactive inspection program. Noted zero seniors from her district using senior assistance program and requested better communication.
    • Mayor Jones asked about federal grant reimbursement status (no funds lost), JSX air service updates (under NDA), ride-share fee ($2.50 each way staying on airport property), and Stinson development. Questioned DSD's ability to handle increased demand after state law changes. Requested comparison of fees with other cities and cautioned against disproportionate impact on small businesses.

Key Outcomes

  • No formal votes were taken; the work session was informational in preparation for budget adoption.
  • Council members expressed support for several proposed amendments to be considered in the budget process:
    • Additional $3 million for residential street lights from the Community Safety Fund (proposed by Councilwoman Corr, supported by several members).
    • Increased funding for the Senior Assistance Program and exploration of long-term solutions (e.g., mulching partnerships).
    • Higher fee increases for metal recycling/auto parts licenses and vacant/absentee properties (supported by Councilwoman Castillo and others).
    • Review of permitting processes to reduce delays and costs for developers (raised by Councilman White and Councilwoman Spears).
    • Continued focus on DBE participation and accessibility at the airport.
  • Directives:
    • Airport staff to provide historical non-airline revenue data, DBE reports, and updated info on federal grants.
    • DSD to provide breakdown of frozen positions, service impact analysis, and comparative fee data with other cities.
    • Code Enforcement strategic plan to be presented to PCDC in October.
  • Next Steps: Budget will be further discussed in upcoming sessions; council may propose formal amendments before final adoption.

Meeting Transcript

Good morning. The time is now 9 a.m. on Tuesday, uh September 2nd, 2025, and the City of San Antonio budget work session is called to order. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Councilmember Councilmember Corps. Councilmember Castillo Angiano. Councilmember Viegran. Here. Councilmember Mungia. President. Councilmember Castillo. Councilmember Galván. Councilmember Aldarete Gabito. Councilmember Meza Gonzalez. Councilmember Spears. Councilmember White. Mayor Jones. Here. Mayor, we have Quorum. Great. This meeting is to hear about budgets for the airport and development services departments. Eric, over to you. Thank you, Mayor. Good morning, Mayor and Council. So we're going to start off with Jesus and the airport 2026 proposed budget, and then transition over to a mean uh for our development services proposed budget presentation. Thank you. Council. Happy belated Labor Day. My name is Sushou Sines, Director of the Airports here for the City of San Antonio. Very proud and honored to serve for this city and all that we've been able to accomplish. Today's annual budget presentation. It's a culmination of our team's contributions, their efforts, and the amazing commitment to our city. A big thank you to all of our team members for all that they do every day. And a very it's a very talented group of leaders that are here with me today here. Many are at the airport, but really talented group of leaders that are behind me here to support as well. So I give a lot of thanks to them. Today's presentation is going to encompass a department overview with a summary of our team's overall makeup at each of our two airports with emphasis on this specific strategic priorities we perform to provide the best level of service to our citizens. A high level overview of our department's proposed budget and capital improvement program, and then I'll close out with a review of our grants program, some important service initiatives, and the summary of our 2026 strategic initiatives and activities. This paved the path and provides clear and adaptive direction for us to accomplish predetermined activities and initiatives, as I mentioned earlier. We remain focused on our vision, delivering an authentic and elevated travel experience for the 11 million passengers that are traveling through our airports each year. It's beginning to the separating of us as one of the top performing U.S. medium airports in the country. How do we do that? We do that through our mission, and that's delivering the San Antonio experience through transformation and talent. That's how we get the things accomplished that we need to get accomplished. I could sit here and talk to you for hours about the things that we've been able to accomplish in 2025, and I could sit here and talk to you for hours about what we're going to do in 2026. I'm going to highlight some of the big things because if not, um, as a city manager says, hey, get Jesus out of the way because he's going to continue to talk about things and we need to move on. I remind everyone we're an enterprise fund. We're funded by tenant and passenger user fees and federal grants governed by the federal law. And we substantiate ourselves by the revenues that must support our overall airport operations and everything that we do.

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