San Antonio City Council Bond Process Update Meeting – September 30, 2026

The San Antonio City Council held a meeting on September 30, 2026, at 10:05 a.m. to discuss the process for the 2027 bond program. City Manager Eric Walsh and Director of Capital Improvement Mike Shannon presented an overview of the bond capacity, community needs inventory, and financing options. The council debated the size of the bond package, with some members advocating for a $1 billion bond and others supporting the staff recommendation of $442 million to avoid property tax increases. The meeting concluded with a directive to staff to provide further details for the next session on October 14, 2026.

Discussion Items

• 2027 Bond Program Overview – City Manager Eric Walsh introduced the bond process, emphasizing the goal of following a program of over $200 million in property tax cuts. The total community needs inventory identified $5.8 billion in potential projects across 304 projects, but the estimated bond capacity is only $442 million. Walsh stressed that community input will be critical.
• Capacity and Financing Scenarios – Mike Shannon reviewed the bond capacity, noting that the current conservative estimate allows for $442 million. He presented two possible bond sizes: $1 billion (which would require a property tax rate increase) and a continuation of the $442 million plan. Two financial scenarios were shown: one assuming a flat assessment growth (0% in 2028) requiring a 21-cent tax rate increase in 2028, and another with optimistic growth that could avoid the tax hike. Shannon explained that the $1 billion option would be outside the city’s moderately conservative approach.
• Council Member Positions – Several council members expressed clear positions:
  • Councilwoman Viagran: Strongly supported a $1 billion bond, stating, “I don’t want less than $1 billion for the bonds.” She argued that the city should take the opportunity to invest and that voters would support it.
  • Councilman Munguia: Also advocated for a $1 billion bond, emphasizing that the need is massive and delaying projects only increases costs. He highlighted the inequitable distribution of past bond funds.
  • Councilman White: Opposed any increase beyond $442 million, warning against putting citizens at risk of a significant tax hike. He said, “We need to live within our means.”
  • Councilman Rodriguez (Micki): Supported $442 million initially but floated three options: a $442 million bond, a $744 million bond focused on streets and sidewalks, or a $1 billion bond. He expressed openness to negotiation.
  • Councilwoman Galván: Supported increasing the stormwater fee and a larger bond, calling it a transformational generational investment. She requested more detail on the combined impact of a larger bond and fee increase.
  • Councilwoman Alderete Gavito: Agreed with the staff’s $442 million recommendation, stating it is not time to raise taxes. She expressed concerns about a potential bond failure.
  • Councilwoman Castillo: Emphasized that underinvestment in historic districts is a choice and that bond funds must address equity in Districts 1-5.
  • Councilwoman Mesa González: Favored a $1 billion bond and supported the May 2027 election date. She requested a breakdown of projects by council district.
  • Councilman Corps: Noted the inequity in past bond allocations, citing District 1’s 7% share versus District 10’s 12% in the 2022 bond. He wanted to see the worst-case scenario for a $1 billion bond.

Key Outcomes

• Decision on Bond Size Deferred – The council did not reach a consensus on the bond amount. Staff will return on October 14, 2026, with more detailed recommendations, including project lists, potential impacts of a $1 billion bond on residents, and an equity analysis.
• Election Date – The council’s current timeline aims for a May 2027 ballot, as preferred by most members. Staff will continue to refine the schedule.
• Housing Bond – Staff, led by Veronica, will provide an analysis of how $150 million or $75 million in housing bond money would meet the city’s affordable housing goals. This will be presented at the October 14 meeting.
• Stormwater Fee – Several council members expressed interest in increasing the stormwater fee to fund drainage projects. Staff will assess the feasibility and impact.
• Community Engagement – The city will hold further town hall meetings, with the next one in the district of one council member scheduled for October 2026.
• Project List Refinement – Staff will remove projects already completed or no longer viable from the potential list, and will clearly mark which projects from the 2022 bond are still pending.