San Antonio City Council Meeting - March 5, 2026

The San Antonio City Council met on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 9:13 AM to 1:58 PM. The meeting included proclamations for Women's History Month, National Nutrition Month, and Social Work Week, recognitions of former councilwoman Maria Antoinette Berizoval and the late Colonel Gil Coronado, a city manager's report on federal immigration activities, and votes on several resolutions and ordinances. The council approved a resolution directing staff to evaluate code changes for detention facilities, adopted the Code Enforcement Strategic Plan, and approved the Greater SATX Regional Economic Partnership services agreement.

Proclamations & Recognitions

• Women's History Month & International Women's Day: Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones proclaimed March 2026 as Women's History Month and March 8, 2026, as International Women's Day. The council honored former councilwoman Maria Antoinette Berizoval, the first Latina elected to the San Antonio City Council in 1981. Multiple council members expressed gratitude for her leadership and advocacy.
• National Nutrition Month: Councilwoman Viagran presented a proclamation for March 2026 as National Nutrition Month, highlighting the “Discover the Power of Nutrition” theme. Staff from Metro Health and community partners (San Antonio Food Bank, Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Food Policy Council) discussed efforts to improve food access and reduce chronic disease.
• Social Work Week: Mayor Jones proclaimed March 1–7, 2026, as National School Social Work Week, recognizing SAISD social workers. Irma Hess, director of family student support services, spoke about the “Unite to Ignite” theme and the critical role of school social workers.
• Youth Mental Health Survey: Representatives from the San Antonio Youth Commission and Project Worth Teen Ambassadors launched the 2026 Teen Mental Health Survey (open until April 30). They reported that 2024 survey results showed a 15% decrease in self-harm and suicidal ideation compared to 2022, but noted persistent disparities for LGBTQ+ youth. Councilmember Castillo pledged $2,000 in carry-forward funds and challenged colleagues to match; Mayor Jones pledged $5,000.
• Recognition of Meloya Gutierrez: Mayor Jones recognized the outgoing state director of the Human Rights Campaign for her work advancing LGBTQ+ equality.
• Colonel Gil Coronado: Councilwoman Mesa Gonzalez honored the late Colonel Coronado, a West Side native who served 30 years in the Air Force and was instrumental in expanding Hispanic Heritage Week to a month-long celebration.

City Manager's Report – Immigration Activities

Deputy City Manager Maria Villagomez reported on actions taken following the February 12 resolution regarding federal immigration enforcement. Highlights:

• Completed: Legal pathways referrals continue; know-your-rights training via American Gateways; an economic impact report on migrants (available on city website); tracking of ICE requests for SAPD assistance (no requests since Feb 12; monthly reports starting March 31).
• In Progress: Staff training on ICE entry protocols; an ICE dashboard linked to the city website (expected by March 6); community reporting mechanism via third party (evaluation due by end of March).
• Under Evaluation: Procurement changes (referred to Economic Workforce Development Committee), code changes for detention facilities (see item 5 below), assessment of federal law compliance, and a justice fund for victims of ICE activity (legal criteria evaluation by April 15).
• Clarification Sought: Items 20 (insurance liability and risk exposure) and 21 (training on prevention of harm from immigration enforcement). Councilmembers provided direction, including expanding staff training to include bystander rights and protections.

Consent Calendar

Items 6 through 46 were approved together, minus items 33 and 34 which were pulled for individual consideration. Highlights from councilmember comments on consent items:

• Item 14: Contract for improving neighborhood access across I-37 (land bridge).
• Item 45: Funds for design of a community center and park at Mid Crown Drive and Eisenhower Road.
• Item 12: Planning grant for safety improvements on Culebra Road.
• Item 30: Reappointments to the Housing Trust Board.
• Item 22: Appointment to Veterans Advisory Commission.
• Item 41: Goodwill San Antonio operations center in District 1.
• Item 46: Release of remaining funds for YWCA Women's Live and Learn Center.
• Item 43: Opioid settlement funding distribution for harm reduction and treatment.
• Item 20: Grant acceptance for Texas Anti-Gang Unit Program.
• Item 27: Appointment to Small Business Advisory Commission.
• Item 28 & 29: Appointments to SAIS Commission and Stormwater Management Board.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Consent Agenda (Items 33 & 34): Antonio Diaz urged rejection of state grant funds for the Texas Anti-Gang Unit, arguing it would turn local police into ICE agents. Jack Finger criticized the appointment of Hector Barrera to the LGBTQ+ advisory board, citing religious objections. Herschel Boyd spoke about his property being taken by VIA via eminent domain, requesting transparency. Don Bamond and Montgomery Howard spoke in support of the Code Enforcement Strategic Plan, praising the work of code officers and requesting evening/weekend enforcement.
• On Item 5 (Detention Facilities): Several residents spoke against ICE detention facilities. Hilda Santiago shared her personal story of her husband being detained by ICE; she urged the council to use all available powers to prevent the proposed facility. Ricardo Jimenez, a pastor and psychologist, called for humane treatment and noted the trauma of detention. Antonio Diaz rejected the anti-gang grant as a tool for racial profiling. Diana Flores Uriegas and others demanded the council reject all cooperation with ICE.

Discussion Items

Item 5 – Resolution for Code Changes on Detention Facilities The council considered a resolution directing staff to evaluate Unified Development Code (UDC) amendments for detention facilities. Options presented included creating a new zoning district, requiring specific use authorization, or establishing buffer requirements. Staff recommended an expedited process (45 days) over a standard process (5 months) and explained that a moratorium would be limited to 180 days and take longer to implement. Councilmember McKee Rodriguez moved to amend the resolution to also initiate a moratorium process in parallel. After debate, the amendment passed (vote not recorded by voice but carried). The amended resolution then passed. Councilmembers expressing support: McKee Rodriguez, Viagran, Mungia, Castillo, Mesa Gonzalez, and Corps. Opposition: Councilmembers Spears and White, who argued the resolution was vague, ineffective, and could set a dangerous precedent for local immigration policy. Councilmember White noted it would not affect federal facilities. Councilmember Spears raised concerns about discriminatory zoning and legal defensibility.

Item 33 – Code Enforcement Strategic Plan The council approved the strategic plan for code enforcement. Councilmember Corps expressed concerns about vague metrics and resource allocation. Councilmember Mungia highlighted the importance of community input and proactive vs. reactive enforcement. Councilmember Viagran called for additional weekend and evening officers. Deputy City Manager Villagomez confirmed that 2025 would serve as a baseline for metrics, with quarterly reports to the Public Safety Committee. The plan was approved.

Item 34 – Greater SATX Regional Economic Partnership Agreement The council approved a one-year services agreement (with two one-year renewal options) for up to $759,250 annually. The contract includes a base amount for deliverables and a performance-based component of $150,000 tied to jobs paying over $100,000 (capped at 306 jobs; $500 per job). Councilmember Corps questioned the base amount and the attestation process for job creation. Economic Development Director Brenda Hicks-Ons explained that companies will now sign an attestation form confirming that Greater SATX assistance led to job creation. Councilmembers expressed support for the partnership, noting the importance of wage growth and educational attainment goals. The agreement was approved.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution for Detention Facility Code Changes (Item 5): Approved as amended to include a parallel moratorium process. The amended motion carried. Staff will expedite the UDC amendment process.
• Code Enforcement Strategic Plan (Item 33): Approved. Staff will report quarterly on metrics using 2025 as baseline.
• Greater SATX Agreement (Item 34): Approved. The contract includes a new attestation process for job creation verification.
• Consent Agenda: Approved minus items 33 and 34.
• Executive Session: The council met briefly in executive session (1:17 PM – 1:58 PM) to discuss economic development negotiations, real property, and legal issues. No action was taken.