San Antonio City Council Meeting – March 19, 2026

The San Antonio City Council met on Thursday, March 19, 2026, beginning at 9:18 AM, with Mayor Pro Tem Jalen McKee Rodriguez presiding. The meeting opened with an invocation by Nathan Clardy of Calvary Hills Baptist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The council approved minutes from previous meetings, issued proclamations, recognized community members, and approved the consent agenda. One public comment was heard regarding eminent domain. The meeting then entered executive session and reconvened briefly before adjourning at 10:39 AM.

Consent Calendar

• Items 5 through 38 were approved as a group without opposition. Highlights included:
  • Item 23: Grant from the federal bipartisan infrastructure bill for five quick-build projects.
  • Item 36: Resolution of no objection for 4% housing tax credits for Quantum Drive construction in District 4.
  • Item 37: Amendments to the TIFF program policy.
  • Item 19: Parks department cooperation with schools to provide nadatorium pool access.
  • Item 21: Funding for HIV and STI testing, education, and prevention staff through Metro Health.
  • Item 8: Construction contract for Maverick Creek Greenway (UTSA Boulevard to Loop 1604).
  • Item 20: Lease and management agreement with Phil Hardburger Park Conservancy, including assignment of the dairy barn.
  • Item 7: Improvements at Lady Bird Johnson Park funded by the 2022 bond program.
  • Items 27-30: Reappointments and appointments to the Building Standards Board, Port Authority of San Antonio, Multimodal Transportation Commission, and Animal Care Services Advisory Board.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Herschel Boyd spoke on Item 6, opposing the city’s eminent domain practices as exercised by VIA. He stated that VIA’s takeover of his property at 107 Mary Louise Drive, along with two rental units, ruined his tenants' livelihoods. He criticized the “Landowner’s Bill of Rights” as unfair and called for the council to slow down the process and ensure authentic investigations into appraisal practices. He urged the council not to grant private corporations the power to take citizens’ property without adequate oversight.

Proclamations and Recognitions

• Persian New Year (Noruz): The council proclaimed March 20, 2026, as Noruz Day in San Antonio. A community representative accepted the proclamation, highlighting the holiday’s 3,000-year history and its celebration by over 300 million people worldwide, and noted the estimated 5,000 Iranians in San Antonio.
• Theater in Our Schools Month: The council proclaimed March 2026 as Theater in Our Schools Month. Aidan Winfield, Vice President of Taft Theatre’s Troop 4557, accepted on behalf of Texas Thespians. Councilmember Galvan spoke about his own background as a theater student and encouraged support for arts funding.
• Points of Personal Privilege:
  • Councilmember (District 2) honored Mia Morris, a counselor and MLK Commission March Committee chair who recently passed away. Family members, including Dr. Shawanda Riley and Jennifer Morris, shared remarks.
  • Councilmember Galvan honored Bert Pikel (passed November 7, 2025) and Andy Green (passed February 12, 2026), both long-time community volunteers and advocates in District 6.
  • Councilmember Villagran invited the public to District 3’s annual 5K and Women’s History event on March 19, 2026, at Stinson Airport Trailhead, with a one-mile senior walk and local vendors.

City Manager’s Report

• City Manager Eric provided three updates:
  1. The Texas Town and City magazine cover features a Westside San Antonio mural created through the city’s Revitalized SA Corridor Leadership Program.
  2. Airport construction updates: Beginning March 23, 2026, the first phase of a zero-curb transition will begin, closing the far right lane. Travelers should plan for temporary changes. The terminal development program is on schedule and on budget, with five construction cranes on site.
  3. A Women’s History Month spotlight video highlighted Rebecca Valdez and Shamika Henry of the Homeless Services and Strategy outreach team, emphasizing teamwork and integrity.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes of the City Council meetings of February 23, 27, and March 4, 5, 2026, by voice vote.
• Approved consent agenda (Items 5-38) by voice vote with no dissenting votes.
• No votes were taken on proclamations or recognitions.
• Executive session was held from 10:00 AM to 10:39 AM to discuss economic development, real estate, legal issues, and collective bargaining. No official action was taken.
• The meeting adjourned at 10:39 AM.