San Antonio Community & Planning Development Board Meeting - March 30, 2026

The Community and Planning Development Board (PCDC) convened on March 30, 2026, at 2:01 PM. The meeting included public comments on housing policy, interviews for the Construction Standards Board, a presentation on Opportunity Home San Antonio's strategic framework, and an update on the Special Housing Supply Task Force. No formal votes were taken on the major agenda items; the board will forward recommendations to the City Council.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the minutes of the previous meeting by a unanimous voice vote (all in favor, none opposed).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tyler Ferguson (Executive Director, Blueprint Ministries): Expressed strong support for the housing report and the work reflected in it, emphasizing the importance of preserving and restoring existing housing for low-income homeowners. He noted that the housing crisis requires multifaceted solutions and that over 60 homeowners his organization serves face physical and mental health impacts from poor housing conditions.
• Isabel Galván (written statement read by Luisa Santibáñez, due to Galván having the flu): Opposed the proposed changes to public housing under Opportunity Home's "Moving to Work" program, arguing that the changes would negatively affect residents, especially families with children and disabilities. She stated that the program would make an already complex system harder to navigate and could lead to loss of homes.
• Leticia Sánchez (on behalf of the West Side Residents Association, including homeowners and renters): Opposed Opportunity Home's strategic plan and policy changes, asserting that the proposals would not help reduce the 30% housing deficit, would remove protections against homelessness, and would undermine the mission of the Housing Authority.
• Olivia Cruz (former public housing resident): Opposed the proposed policy changes, describing the stress and uncertainty of potentially losing public housing, especially for mixed-status families and those without family or financial support.
• Jasmine Herrera (Coalition for Dignified Housing, Centro Esperanza): Urged the board to oppose changes that would prohibit door-to-door communication by community organizers, arguing that such policies would break down community connections and prevent neighbors from sharing resources, including information about gardens, local organizations, and history.
• Alejandra López (President, San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and Support Personnel): Opposed the proposed changes to public housing, connecting them to broader trends of privatization in public education. She noted that SAISD has seen declining enrollment due to lack of housing, leading to school closures, and warned that diverting city dollars to outside private entities would have negative impacts.
• Melody Miranda (16-year-old resident of St. Patrick Courts, student): Opposed the proposed changes, stating that her generation's future is affected by housing insecurity. She argued that termination of payment agreements and prohibitions on door-to-door solicitation would create zero tolerance policies and increase homelessness. She called for protecting public housing and maintaining community connections.
• Aaron Hahn (Texas Housen): Expressed concerns about repositioning public housing, warning that even with safeguards, private involvement could lead to instability for tenants. He opposed eliminating payment agreements and overly broad solicitation policies.

Discussion Items

• Construction Standards Board Interviews: The board reviewed applications for three at-large seats on the Construction Standards Board. Eight applications were received; four candidates were interviewed (Robert Banke, David Valtierra, Anne Hoffman Weiner, and Hassel Hussein, who submitted a written statement). Candidates answered questions about their interpretation that demolition should be a last resort. The board then went into executive session to deliberate. After returning, members nominated and voted to recommend Robert Banke, Hassel Hussein, and David Valtierra for appointment, with terms ending May 31, 2027. The motion passed unanimously.
• Opportunity Home San Antonio Strategic Framework Presentation: Ayana Longoria (Chief of Strategic Framework), Lorraine Robles (Chief Operations Officer), and Malco Reyes (President & CEO) presented a 10-year strategic plan. Key elements included:
  • Three goals: housing preservation & expansion, resident services & advocacy, and innovation (technology, operational efficiency, employee development).
  • Plan to develop or preserve 14,500 units: modernize 6,000 public housing units, produce 5,500 new units (including transit-oriented), acquire 500 existing units as Class A affordable housing, and revitalize 2,500 homes.
  • Need for repositioning due to a $550 million capital infrastructure backlog, with HUD funding falling short by $16 million/year in 2025, projected to grow to a 50% negative margin by 2035 under moderate inflation.
  • Conversion of three pilot properties (District 7 high-need, District 1 easier-to-convert) using project-based vouchers (RAD), not tenant-based vouchers. Opportunity Home intends to retain ownership and property management.
  • Clarified that resident rent would remain at 30% of income; only the federal subsidy stream changes.
  • Discussed solicitation policies: door-to-door communication by outside entities should be coordinated with management, but neighbor-to-neighbor organizing and political canvassing are not prohibited.
• Councilmember Questions and Concerns:
  • Councilmember Castillo: Raised concerns about the language in lease agreements regarding solicitation, asking for clarification that it does not ban resident organizing or campaign canvassing. Sought assurance that the city's bond funds (e.g., $16 million) could support Opportunity Home's financing. Asked about the calculation of income for student loans under Section 8.
  • Councilmember Galván: Asked how many units would be preserved post-RAD conversion (answer: all 6,000 units will be replaced; density may increase on existing land). Sought clarification on long-term financing and relocation plans, noting the importance of ensuring residents can return after any displacement.
  • Councilmember Cor: Emphasized the need for transparent metrics and community trust, especially regarding maintenance costs and contractor selection. Suggested creating a dashboard to track dollars invested per property and maintenance outcomes.
  • Councilmember Mesa González: Asked about relocation plans for the 6,000 units being modernized (answer: a physical relocation plan for each project, regardless of duration). Questioned the 5% reduction rule for vacancies over two years (HUD may reduce subsidy but Opportunity Home intends to replace units). Also asked for more information on MTW and other projects in District 8.
  • Councilmember Mungía (President): Emphasized the importance of transparency and collaboration, noting that many residents fear displacement. Asked about the current status of payment agreements (ongoing, case-by-case) and mixed-status family policies (a federal proposal that would apply to all federally assisted units). Stressed that Opportunity Home must commit to not displacing families and to providing clear relocation assistance.
• Special Housing Supply Task Force Report: Verónica García (Interim Assistant City Manager, Neighborhood Services) presented final recommendations to increase housing for four populations: veterans, people with disabilities (vision/hearing), older adults, and LGBTQ+ youth. Key recommendations include:
  • Veterans (237 unhoused): Use existing vouchers; partner with VA and property managers; create housing near medical centers.
  • People with disabilities (500 homes needed): Provide accessible design incentives; update Universal Design Ordinance; increase proportion of units equipped for vision/hearing impairments.
  • Older adults (2,400 homes needed, goal already met): Encourage shared housing; partner with school districts to use vacant properties for senior housing.
  • LGBTQ+ youth (372 unhoused): Support master-leasing programs; reduce barriers to congregate living; work with nonprofits like Thrive Youth Center.
  • Next steps: Final recommendations expected in August 2026; full report will be available online; adjustments to SHIP plan will incorporate findings.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Minutes approved unanimously.
• Construction Standards Board: Recommended Robert Banke, Hassel Hussein, and David Valtierra for appointment (terms ending May 31, 2027); matter forwarded to City Council.
• Opportunity Home Strategic Plan: No vote taken; board will provide a follow-up memo addressing committee questions and concerns.
• Special Housing Supply Task Force: Received; final recommendations due August 2026; the board will incorporate feedback into the SHIP renewal process.