San Antonio City Council Special Session on Proposed NBA Arena Bond Vote – August 17, 2026

The San Antonio City Council held a special session on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 9:03 AM to consider an ordinance that would place on the November 3, 2026 ballot a question authorizing the city to issue bonds up to $489 million to help construct an NBA arena in a proposed downtown sports and entertainment district. The bonds would be repaid through Spurs operating lease payments, land lease payments, tax increment financing from the Hemisfair area, and project financing zone revenues. After extensive public testimony, the council began its discussion; no final vote was taken during the portion of the meeting captured in the transcript.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Martin Gutiérrez (vice president of a government area group, representing over 14,000 voters, 4,600 in San Antonio): Expressed full support for the arena, stating it will be a catalyst for downtown development and attract private investment. He urged the council to move forward without another election, arguing that the 489 million does not come from the general budget but from dedicated lease and rental payments.
• Kimberly Braggman (District 9): Opposed putting the item on the ballot, saying voters already approved in November 2025 (the county vote) and should not re-vote.
• Benito Acovio (District 10, presenting slides): Asked the council to allow city residents to vote on the $489 million city contribution, arguing that the November 2025 county vote was a different question. He cited declining hotel occupancy (54% in Q4 2025, down 8% year-over-year), canceled hotel rooms near the convention center, and a 3.2% drop in air travelers. He questioned the financial projections and called for an informed, transparent process.
• James Anderson (president/CEO of Bartlett-Cocke, a local general contractor for 65 years): Supported the arena as a generational investment that will create opportunities for contractors, small businesses, and apprentices in trades. He stated voters already approved the investment and the council should proceed with confidence.
• Christine Dronen (District 1, with added time from René González): Criticized the process as "fatally flawed" and secretive, referencing "Project Marvel" and closed-door agreements. She argued the city should negotiate a better deal, suggesting a city contribution of $100–150 million instead of $489 million, and called for a public vote.
• Bobby Pérez (speaking for a group): Supported the arena, citing $156 million in Spurs-related spending during summer NBA games and over $2 billion in total Spurs contributions to the community. He argued the November vote already gave direction and the city should honor it.
• Sonal Eli (speaking after Pérez): Thanked council members for studying the project and making tough decisions. She emphasized the need for leadership, vision, and momentum, noting the excitement around the Spurs and the potential to revitalize downtown with hotels, restaurants, and events.
• Mateo López (downtown ambassador for 7 years): Shared a personal story of homelessness and recovery, urging the council to build for all working-class people and to listen to the voices of those who serve the city.
• Luis Rodríguez (president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, speaking for a coalition): Asked the council to move forward, stating voters have spoken and the project will strengthen commerce, tourism, and jobs. He emphasized fiscal responsibility and transparency.
• Kevin Deno (president of the Greater Chamber of Commerce): Supported the arena as a major investment in downtown, noting the bonds will be paid by visitor taxes and Spurs lease payments, not new local taxes. He urged the council to honor the November vote.
• Graciela Sánchez (executive director of Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, West Side resident): Opposed putting the measure on the ballot unless voters are allowed to decide. She argued the November 2025 vote was only for the county's $31 million contribution, not for the city's $489 million. She questioned the reliability of projected revenues and noted the city would be on the hook for the bonds if revenues fall short. She listed unmet needs in infrastructure, parks, and affordable housing, and urged the council to allow a citywide vote.
• Leticia Vela (District 6, later corrected to District 7): Expressed frustration that the council has not listened to constituents. She described attending a community meeting where the arena location was unclear, and argued that similar promises of economic development have failed in the past. She read a statement criticizing a small group of powerful men controlling the city.
• Susan Storm (with added time from Elaine and others): Questioned the 489 million figure, noting additional costs like $60 million for land and $310 million in other city contributions. She argued that the November vote was about county funds, not city funds, and that voters are confused. She produced a flyer claiming the arena would be paid by visitor taxes, but stated that only 48% of the truth is being told. She called for a public vote.
• Aaron Brasses (speaker): Feared endless discussions would kill the project. He argued the November vote should be respected and that the city should move forward boldly, comparing the arena investment to past transformative projects like the River Walk and HemisFair.
• Dia Cole (District 2, small business owner in District 10): Noted her council member had not asked about the arena's impact on her business. She urged the council to allow a citywide vote and to do things correctly.
• Steven Price (speaker): Questioned why the council fears democracy and allowing residents to vote on the $489 million. He cited the city's obligation to repay debt even if revenues fail, and argued that the city needs better representation.
• Rebeca Flores (with group, added time from Vilma):Stated she is a homeowner in District 9 and a commissioner on the City's Commission for Voter Registration. She cited an editorial from July 15 and supported the right to vote on the arena, arguing the November vote was not for city funds. She expressed concern over transparency and called for an honest answer about the bond structure.
• Trisha Gunabek (4th generation San Antonian, District 9 resident, Spurs fan): Described the issue as a matter of democracy. She attended all five community sessions and heard both sides, but noted that the speakers in favor of re-voting were not present at those sessions. She argued that suppressing a vote is disrespectful and that a good deal should withstand a vote.
• Stephanie Reyes (president/CEO of Reyes Real Estate, representing developers): Opposed a second vote, stating it would create uncertainty for investors. She argued that voters already decided and that the city should focus on execution to deliver jobs and growth.
• Leticia Sánchez (West Side resident, homeowner and taxpayer): Demanded the council allow a vote on the $489 million, arguing that the November vote was for county funds, not city funds. She expressed concern that the city faces a budget deficit while promising huge bond payments, and that working-class residents struggle to pay for basic needs.
• Molly (speaker, emotional): Accused the mayor, Eric Walsh, Marc White Jr., and other council members of lying and fearing a vote because they know the public is better informed. She warned that denying the vote would end their political careers.
• Rebeca Galván (speaker): Recalled childhood memories of children drowning because of inadequate drainage infrastructure. She said the debate is not about the Spurs (whom she loves) but about the city's poverty and misplaced priorities. She argued the city is being extorted by the threat of the team leaving.
• Mary Cabral (retired high school teacher, District 10): Asked why the council fears allowing a vote. She stated that the November county vote was accompanied by $9 million in Spurs-funded advertising and that key details were hidden. She called the denial of a vote "voter suppression."
• Cindy Munch (District 9): Stated she voted in November 2025 but lacked full information. She argued that Texas law requires a separate bond election for this purpose, and that the city could use bond funds for other infrastructure if not used for the arena. She noted that if a proposition fails, it cannot be brought again for three years. She demanded a vote.
• Robert Shelby (District 1, Spurs season ticket holder for 25 years): Supported the bond issuance, arguing that the bonds would be repaid from arena-related revenues, not property taxes. He said the long-term economic impact justifies the short-term cost, and that the team might leave otherwise.
• Antonio Díaz (speaker): Corrected that the county vote included residents of Converse, Live Oak, Balcones Heights, etc., who are not San Antonio city voters. He argued that city residents never voted on this $489 million and deserve the right. He noted that this would be the third arena built for the Spurs and that similar promises have not materialized for the East Side.
• Diana Flores Uriegas (speaker): Echoed that city residents have not voted on the contribution. She accused the council of suppressing the vote and treating residents as if they do not matter. She called for a democratic process.
• Araceli Herrera (house cleaner who also cleaned Spurs arenas for 36 years): Spoke as a worker who remains poor despite the billions made by Spurs owners. She said she and her colleagues earn miserable wages and have not benefited from the team. She urged the council to consider the working class and to allow a vote.
• José Gallegos (District 5, long-time West Side resident): Recalled the fight for single-member districts in 1977, which was supposed to bring representation and transparency. He said 50 years later, the council is again denying constituents a voice. He urged the council to allow a vote.
• Albert Campbell (District 5, veteran): Stated that for decades the Spurs have demanded new arenas and the city has complied, but residents have seen no benefit. He said the $489 million could be used for other needs. He warned that council members who deny a vote will lose their seats.
• Jack Miller (former campaign worker for District 9): Challenged the Spurs organization to be good corporate citizens and allow a vote. He noted that the first Spurs game was in HemisFair Arena and that the team has already had multiple arenas. He called for integrity and a public vote.
• Jack Singer (final speaker): Supported a vote, arguing that the November election was for the county, not the city. He pointed out that hotel taxes are off the table and other uncertainties remain. He said the Spurs have already moved from HemisFair to the Alamodome to the AT&T Center, and now they want another arena.

Discussion Items

After public comments, Councilmember Core spoke first. She noted that the day was the first day of school, and her constituents are concerned about school zone safety and speeding. But she acknowledged that the arena discussion persists. She stated that the numbers had not changed and questioned why a re-vote is being demanded. She emphasized that the city-county partnership was always clear and that she continues to listen to her residents.

Key Outcomes

• No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting captured in the transcript. The council was in the early stages of discussion.
• The item under consideration was a proposed ordinance to place on the November 3, 2026 ballot a question authorizing the city to issue up to $489 million in bonds for an NBA arena.
• Public comment was overwhelmingly split, with many speakers demanding a direct citywide vote and others arguing that the November 2025 county election already settled the matter.
• Council discussion had just begun at the point the transcript ends.