Economic Workforce Development Committee Meeting - April 6, 2026

The Economic Workforce Development Committee of the San Antonio City Council met on April 6, 2026, from 10:01 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. The meeting covered updates on the Ready to Work program, tourism and hospitality by Visit San Antonio, a proposed artificial intelligence certificate and workforce program, veteran small business support initiatives, and a report on the San Antonio trade mission to Taiwan. Public comments were heard on the AI program and veteran support.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Melanie McCoy (Supply SA): Expressed full support for the AI certificate and workforce acceleration program, stating it provides upskilling opportunities for military spouses, single parents, and displaced workers. She committed to hiring a graduate from the program. Also expressed excitement about the veteran small business accelerator and pitch competition, noting that veterans currently have to look outside San Antonio for such programs.
• Francisco Martinez (Project Quest): Commended Councilwoman Spears for bringing the AI program forward, saying it turns the problem of AI displacement into an opportunity for upskilling residents. Urged a strategic and concerted approach.
• Janet Burton (TriStar Talent): Emphasized the need for employer engagement and co-design of training programs to ensure alignment with real hiring demand. Stated that training programs become hiring engines when employers commit to hiring graduates.
• Henry Griffiths (Northwest Vista College): Highlighted the college's existing data science and AI associate degree, developed with AWS, Nvidia, and Microsoft. Reported 110 applicants and successful initial coursework, with students experiencing economic mobility even after just one or two classes. Noted state support from Texas Workforce Commission grants and a focus on upskilling residents displaced by automation.
• Mihir Shah (Learn2 AI): Reported that his company has trained 82 people in San Antonio across 14 cohorts, from basic literacy to advanced AI applications. He expressed support for the AI acceleration program and offered to partner. Highlighted partnerships with Ready to Work and Supply SA.

Discussion Items

Ready to Work Program Update and FY27 Budget

• Staff Presentation (Mike): Provided an update on the Ready to Work program. Key statistics: 39,000 applicant targets, 15,477 individuals enrolled in training to date, 4,724 still in training, 6,502 completed training, 4,358 placed in approved jobs. Training completion rate of 62% (target 70%), 73% placed within 12 months. Average annual salary increase of $33,000+. A three-year ROI study found $11.7 billion in total local economic impact, with $125 return for every $1 invested. The program is accelerating: 258 completers per month (up 166%) and 200 placements per month (up 255%) over the last 12 months.
• FY27 Budget Proposal: Total $42.8 million, the apex of funding before sunset by 2030. 50% for tuition, 21% case management, 10% intake, 5% emergency assistance, 5% admin, 4% marketing, 3% evaluation, 2% child care. Program enrollment will stop in FY29, all training completed by January 2030. Proposed contract amendment for Restore Education from $6.285 million to $11.591 million over six years.
• Council Discussion: Councilmembers noted increased constituent requests for gas cards and transportation support. Staff confirmed emergency assistance funds can be shifted to meet transportation needs. Councilmember Castillo asked about social savings—staff explained savings from reduced SNAP/TANF benefits. Councilmember Galvane inquired about braided funding with college promise programs; staff confirmed Ready to Work participants can stack institutional funding. Councilmember Spears expressed concern about the gap between training completers and job placements, particularly in IT. Staff acknowledged IT is challenging due to employer demands for experience. Discussion on Guide House internship model: 8 hired, with plans to scale to 40. Child care budget (2%) is currently not fully expended; staff will seek additional funds if demand increases.

Visit San Antonio Strategic Plan and Tourism Update

• Staff Presentation (Mario Bass, President/CEO): Reported 39 million visitors in 2024, nearing pre-pandemic levels. Regional visitors (75%) and meeting attendees (5.7 million) are key. International visitors reached 2.4 million (up 15% from 2023). Tourism economic impact hit a record $23.4 billion, generating $284 million in tax income and supporting 150,000 jobs. Visit San Antonio directly generated $1.9 billion in economic impact with a 45:1 ROI. A new marketing campaign "Unmistakably San Antonio" focuses on the city's people and culture.
• Convention Center Competition: A chart showed strong group booking pace through 2029, but a sharp decline for 2030-2032 as competitors open new centers. Staff emphasized that a convention center expansion is critical to stay competitive. Fourth quarter 2025 saw a downturn due to tariffs and economic uncertainty affecting medical groups (pickup dropped from 80-85% to 50%). Short-term rentals increased from 400,000 room nights in 2019 to 1.1 million in 2025, shifting demand away from hotels.
• FIFA World Cup: San Antonio was not selected as a base camp due to scheduling and match location, not city attributes. The city will use a three-prong marketing strategy including geofencing Dallas and Houston, airport billboards, and messaging to escape the World Cup crowds. Sports diplomacy and boxing were discussed as potential growth areas.
• Council Discussion: Councilmember Spears asked about medical tourism tracking; staff responded they track group medical but not individual medical tourism. Councilmember Galvane inquired about transit connectivity for FIFA; staff said conversations occurred. Councilmember Mesa Gonzalez asked about Spurs finals impact; staff did not have conclusive data but noted interest from out-of-towners. Councilmember Castillo suggested leveraging San Antonio's boxing heritage to attract events.

Artificial Intelligence Certificate and Workforce Program

• Staff Presentation (Mike): Proposed a seven-phase plan to evaluate AI skills gaps and develop a workforce program. Phases include employer demand validation, training provider curriculum review, feasibility of apprenticeships/internships, participant support structures, financial analysis, performance metrics, and pilot implementation. Estimated timeline of 6-9 months, with overlapping phases. Estimated consultant cost of $30,000-$50,000. Key employers to engage include CPS Energy, HEB, Methodist, Port SA, RackSpace, USAA, and BAE.
• Council Discussion: Councilmember Spears championed the initiative, emphasizing the need to upskill workers and position San Antonio as a pioneering city. Councilmember Castillo asked about responsibility for phases; staff said the city workforce development office will lead, possibly with consultant support. Councilmember Galvane raised concerns about workers displaced by AI and the need for reskilling within sectors. Councilmember Mesa Gonzalez asked to involve training providers early and stressed the importance of digital literacy, especially for seniors and creatives losing jobs to AI. Chair Via Gran noted the need for city policy on AI use and the link between AI and data centers, and suggested a 9-month timeline for thoroughness. Councilmember Spears added that higher education and the Texas Cyber Command create a strong foundation for state/federal funding.

Veteran Small Business Support

• Staff Presentation (Alfred Brewer): Responding to Councilmember Spears' request, proposed a $350,000 pilot program including a 12-16 week accelerator, pitch competition, mentorship, and capital access. San Antonio has 8.2% veteran civilian workforce and 5% veteran-owned businesses, well above peer cities. Current programs include the Economic Development Framework, Growth Stage Grants, and Launch SA. Launch SA provides one-on-one advising and workshops (300 events this year). A veteran business advisor (Carlos Acosta) is on staff. Recommendation: study veteran programming needs alongside Launch SA and Geekdom, run pilot initiatives, and report back in late summer.
• Council Discussion: Councilmember Spears emphasized marketing to veteran families and spouses, and the need to create a structured pipeline. Councilmember Mesa Gonzalez asked about connections with college veteran centers and Launch SA’s current veteran statistics. Matthew Espinosa (Launch SA director) noted a peer group model and willingness to explore veteran-only cohorts. Councilmember Castillo suggested briefing the Veterans Advisory Commission and including older veterans. Councilmember Galvane advocated connecting with American Legion, VFW, and veteran groups. All members expressed strong support.

San Antonio Mission to Taiwan

• Report by Councilmember Spears: Joined Mayor Ortiz Jones on a week-long trip to Taiwan visiting Taipei and Kaohsiung (sister city). Met with American Institute in Taiwan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, trade councils, and companies like TSMC and Seven Starlake. Signed a trilateral MOU committing to economic and workforce development. Focus areas: quantum technology, AI, bioscience, space, and advanced manufacturing. Key takeaway: San Antonio is a trusted partner; Taiwan is interested in two-way investment and workforce pipelines. Councilmember Spears highlighted the alignment with San Antonio’s military and medical strengths.

Key Outcomes

• Ready to Work FY27 Budget: The committee received the briefing; the budget will be presented to full City Council at a B session on April 15, followed by Pre-K for SA board approval on April 28, and City Council A session on May 7.
• AI Certificate Program: Staff will initiate the seven-phase plan and provide regular updates to the committee. A pilot cohort may be considered after the 6-9 month research period.
• Veteran Small Business Support: Staff will study veteran programming needs in coordination with Launch SA and Geekdom, run pilot initiatives, and return to the committee in late summer with findings and recommendations for the Launch SA renewal.
• Taiwan Mission: The committee took the report as information. Future travel reports will be encouraged to share economic development insights.
• Next Steps: The next committee meeting was not specified; the meeting adjourned at 12:20 p.m.