San Antonio City Council Regular Meeting – March 5, 2026

The San Antonio City Council met on March 5, 2026, starting at approximately 9:00 AM. The meeting included proclamations for Women's History Month, National Nutrition Month, and Social Worker Week, as well as a youth mental health survey presentation. The council received a report on the implementation of the immigration resolution passed on February 12, 2026, and debated a resolution to initiate zoning code changes for detention centers. Public comment was heard on multiple items. The council voted to approve the consent calendar (minus two items), a resolution to begin the detention center zoning process (including a moratorium consideration), the Code Enforcement Strategic Plan, and the SATX economic partnership agreement. The meeting went into executive session at 1:58 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from February 11, 12, 18, and 19, 2026.
• Approved numerous routine items including contracts, appointments, and grant acceptances, with several council members highlighting specific items: Item 14 (I-37 access contract), Item 45 (Eisenhower and Midland intersection project), Item 12 (Culebra Street safety improvements), Item 30 (appointment of Dr. Rocha Garcia to Housing Trust), Item 22 (Mike Vazquez to Veterans Advisory Commission), Item 41 (Goodwill San Antonio building), Item 46 (Women's Center for Recovery funding), Item 13 (additional funding for public outreach and grant project), Item 23 (appointment of Cheyenne Rendon), Item 43 (opioid crisis response funding), Item 20 (anti-gang program funding), Item 21 (appointment of Daniel Mesa to Small Business Advisory Commission), and Item 28 (appointment of Adrian Berumen to Commission 16).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Antonio Díaz (on consent item 14) and Jack Finger (on consent item 33) spoke; Finger objected to the appointment of a LGBTQ+ council member, citing religious beliefs.
• Herschel Boyd urged the council to change meeting times to allow public participation.
• Priscila Olivares and Hilda Santiago gave emotional testimony against ICE detention centers; Hilda described her husband's detention and the family's financial and emotional toll.
• Pedro Ruiz raised concerns about parking and warned of civil unrest if detention centers are built.
• Ricardo Jiménez Reyes, a pastor and psychologist, urged the council to reject detention centers, citing trauma to families.
• Antonio Díaz (second appearance) called for a moratorium and stronger intergovernmental agreements.
• Diana Flores Uriegas and Diana López spoke against detention centers, invoking history and the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Thomas Robinson (name only, no speech recorded).
• Don Balmonte and Montgomery Howard spoke in support of the Code Enforcement Strategic Plan, praising improved communication and proactive enforcement.

Discussion Items

Proclamations and Recognitions

• Women's History Month – The council recognized former councilmember María Antonieta de Zavala, the first Latina elected to the San Antonio City Council (1991). Several council members thanked her for paving the way. The proclamation declared March 8, 2026 as International Women's Day and March as Women's History Month.
• National Nutrition Month – Councilmember Villagrán highlighted food deserts in the South Side, the Viva S initiative (started in 2019 with $50,000), and challenged colleagues to promote farmers markets. Representatives from Metro Health, San Antonio Food Bank, and Texas Academy of Nutrition spoke about the importance of healthy food access.
• Social Worker Week – Council recognized social workers in schools; Irma Hess spoke about their role in addressing mental health, poverty, and trauma.
• Youth Mental Health Survey – Youth representatives Natalie Salcedo (District 6) and Erin Logan (District 8) presented results: 36% of youth felt hopeless in 2024 (down from 49% in 2022), but LGBTQ+ youth still face higher rates. They requested $70,000 for mental health support. Several council members pledged $2,000 each from their district funds.

City Manager Report on Immigration Resolution Implementation

• City Manager Maria Villagomez presented an update on the resolution passed February 12, 2026. Actions completed: continuation of legal status referrals, "Know Your Rights" training by American Gateways, economic impact report on migrants (available on city website), identification of city resources, intergovernmental coordination, and tracking of ICE assistance requests (none as of Feb 12). Actions in progress: staff training on protocols, a public dashboard of ICE activity (to launch March 6), and a third-party mechanism for reporting rights violations (expected by end of March). Items needing additional evaluation: procurement policies, detention facility codes, environmental review, and a justice fund for victims (estimated completion April 15). Council discussed the need for a moratorium and asked for clarification on points 20 and 21 (insurance/risk and training). Councilmember Makki Rodríguez proposed exploring a moratorium alongside the zoning changes.

Agenda Item 5 – Resolution to Initiate Zoning Code Changes for Detention Centers

• Assistant City Manager Andy Tomás presented two options: a standard 3-month process or an accelerated 1-month process. He noted a moratorium would be limited to 180 days and require lengthy public hearings. Council debated the effectiveness of a moratorium versus a permanent zoning amendment. Councilmember Rodríguez moved to amend the resolution to include a moratorium process. The amendment passed by voice vote. The main motion (as amended) passed with Councilmember White and Spears voting against. The resolution directs staff to begin the zoning code amendment process and simultaneously consider a moratorium.

Agenda Item 33 – Code Enforcement Strategic Plan

• Councilmember Corr (who pulled the item) expressed concerns about vague metrics. Councilmember Munguía and others supported the plan, noting it was developed with community input. Public comments from Don Balmonte and Montgomery Howard praised the plan and requested evening/weekend enforcement. Councilmember Villagran emphasized the need for performance metrics. The plan was approved unanimously.

Agenda Item 34 – SATX Economic Partnership Agreement

• The agreement is for one year (up to $759,250) with two renewal options. Councilmember Corr asked about metrics and verification. Director Brenda Hicks explained that verification is based on public announcements and documentation. Several council members expressed support for SATX and its role in economic development. The item was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved (minus items 33 and 34).
• Resolution on Detention Center Zoning (Item 5) – Approved as amended to include a moratorium process. Staff instructed to begin the accelerated zoning amendment process and simultaneously pursue a moratorium ordinance.
• Code Enforcement Strategic Plan (Item 33) – Approved unanimously. Staff will report quarterly to the Community Development Committee on metrics, using 2025 as a baseline.
• SATX Agreement (Item 34) – Approved. Staff will provide a detailed verification process and consider additional performance metrics.
• Executive Session – Held at 1:58 PM under Texas Government Code sections 551.087 (economic development), 551.072 (real property), and 551.071 (attorney consultation). No action taken.
• Youth Mental Health Funding – Council members collectively pledged $2,000 each from district funds to support a pilot program, with a report expected in April.