San Antonio City Council Regular Meeting - October 1, 2026

The San Antonio City Council met on October 1, 2026, at 9:10 AM, with Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones presiding and all council members present. The meeting included three proclamations (San Antonio Neighbors Together Night, Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, and Manufacturing Month), points of privilege recognizing community organizations and achievements, approval of the consent agenda (with item 8 pulled for individual consideration), public testimony, and a unanimous vote to authorize eminent domain for a SAWS sewer project. The council recessed into executive session at 10:40 AM and reconvened at 12:57 PM, taking no further action before adjourning.

Proclamations

• San Antonio Neighbors Together (SANT) Night – October 6, 2026: Proclaimed by the mayor. Chief Salome reported 349 neighborhoods signed up and recognized community engagement supervisor Yolanda Ambrose. Multiple councilmembers praised the initiative for fostering police-community trust.
• Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month – October: Proclaimed by the mayor. Maria (Metro Health) and Judge Monique Diaz (CCDV co-chair) spoke, noting that last year the community saw nearly seven family violence-related 911 calls every hour and 28 deaths (including five children). Councilmembers emphasized the importance of collaboration, prevention, and continued funding for Metro Health and delegate agencies.
• Manufacturing Month – October: Proclaimed by the mayor. Francisco Garcia (new VP of Manufacturing, Toyota Texas) announced Toyota’s $3.6 billion investment, doubling the plant size and adding 2,000 jobs by 2030. Councilmembers highlighted the regional economic impact and partnerships with local school districts and workforce programs.

Points of Privilege

• Mariachi Connection 30th Anniversary: Josie Benavidez was recognized for growing a business from selling strings out of her car into the nation’s largest supplier of mariachi and ballet folclórico equipment, now funding scholarships through SAISD Foundation.
• South San ISD Recognition: Superintendent Dr. Saul Inoja and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Gutierrez were recognized for a 10-point increase in TEA accountability rating, the largest in Bexar County, moving the district up a full letter grade.
• SA Digital Connects Closing: Councilmember Aldrete Gavito and Executive Director Rhea Pape recognized the organization’s work connecting over 25,000 homes to the internet and announced a legacy fund to continue digital opportunity efforts.

Consent Calendar

Items 5–17 were on the consent agenda. Item 13 was withdrawn by the applicant. Item 8 was pulled by Councilmember Viagran for individual consideration. The remaining items were approved by unanimous vote. Notable consent items included:

• Item 15: Ordinance designating a portion of North Main Avenue as Erica Andrews Memorial Way (funded by District 1 funds, $5,000).
• Item 16: Ordinance renaming Splash Town Drive to Willie Mitchell Place.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Luis Vasquez (Executive Director, San Antonio LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce) expressed support for Item 15, stating that Erica Andrews was a trailblazing trans performer and that the designation honors LGBT history and supports economic revitalization of the North Main corridor.
• Jack Finger opposed Item 15, arguing that Erica Andrews (born Eddie Salazar) was a drag queen performer, not a public leader or figure as required by city code, and that no documented civic leadership or community benefit had been presented. He urged the council not to approve the designation.
• Jacqueline Ali (United Homeowners Improvement Association) supported Item 16, honoring Willie Mitchell—a San Antonio native, NFL Super Bowl champion, and founder of San Antonio Fighting Back—stating that elders should be honored while alive.

Discussion Items

• Item 8 – SAWS Salado Creek Sewer Main Replacement Project: Councilmember Viagran moved to authorize the use of eminent domain to acquire four temporary construction easements on private property in Council District 3 for a public sewer project. The motion was seconded and approved without further discussion.
• Item 15 Highlight: Councilmember Corps recognized Erica Andrews’ family and supporters, noting that the Office of Historic Preservation identified Andrews as a leader in the Pride Cultural Heritage District. Family members and community advocates spoke about Andrews’ impact as a performer, mentor, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
• Item 16 Highlight: Councilmember Micky Rodriguez noted that Splash Town closed in 2021, and after community input, the street is being renamed to honor Willie Mitchell, who played in Super Bowl I, won Super Bowl IV, and returned to San Antonio to lead community organizations. Attendees gave Mr. Mitchell a standing ovation.

Key Outcomes

• The consent agenda (minus item 8) was approved by unanimous vote, including the street designations for Erica Andrews Memorial Way and Willie Mitchell Place.
• Item 8 was approved, authorizing SAWS to acquire temporary construction easements through negotiation or condemnation for the Salado Creek Sewer Main Replacement Project.
• All three proclamations were adopted.
• No official action was taken during executive session.
• The meeting adjourned at 12:57 PM.