Government Committee Meeting - April 15, 2026

The Government Committee of the San Antonio City Council met on April 15, 2026, at 10:06 AM. The meeting was presided over by Acting President Maki Rodríguez. Members present: Villagrán, Munguía, Spears, and Rodríguez (quorum established). The committee considered four agenda items: approval of minutes, a pilot program for opportunity youth (ages 16+), relocating council meetings to community venues (B sessions), and reporting on local business spending. Public comments were heard on items 2 and 4.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Motion made, seconded, and passed unanimously with a voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Angélica Cervantes (YWCA San Antonio): Expressed support for the opportunity youth pilot program, highlighting the need for job training opportunities for vulnerable youth and emphasized YWCA's partnership with United Way to expand the program's capacity.
• Juan Ramos (Executive Director of Communication): Stated full support for the pilot program proposed by Councilwoman Castillo. Noted that Bexar County currently has 60,000 disconnected youth. Argued the program provides a legitimate pathway for youth to gain careers, reduce violence and isolation. Referenced successful models in Chicago and Atlanta, citing a 19% reduction in crime, 35% drop in violent crime, and 57% reduction in property crimes from similar programs. Emphasized need for such programs in 2026 given reduced mental health funding.
• Jessica Palacios (Hispanic Chamber of Commerce): Spoke in support of item 4 (local business spending reporting), advocating for transparency and analysis of public dollar distribution. Noted that in industries like engineering and construction, large professional participation occurs but local subcontracting opportunities are limited. Supported efforts to strengthen local economy and business retention.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 – Pilot Program for Opportunity Youth (16+)
  Presentation by María Luzlis (Director of Human Services): Proposed pilot expands the existing Ambassador Program to include youth aged 16+ involved in the municipal court system. Current program: approx. 200 interns each summer, working 30 hours/week for 8 weeks at $18/hour, requiring high school graduation, 2 semesters college, and background check. Budget for FY 2026 is $838,660. Staff recommended next steps: include justice-impacted youth, adopt best practices, and develop cost estimates. Discussion:

  • Councilwoman Munguía supported expansion, citing data from Chicago that reduced incarceration by 10% and mortality by 19%. Noted difficulty for constituents to travel downtown (25-30 minutes from District 4) and that community meetings improve access.
  • Councilwoman Villagrán asked about minimum age; confirmed 16 is the youngest. Emphasized need for council commitment to hire interns from the pilot, possibly using council budget.
  • Motion to approve staff recommendation: passed with voice vote.

• Item 3 – Moving Council Meetings to Community Venues (B Sessions)
  Presentation by Even (Director of Communications and Engagement): Proposed pilot to hold B sessions (public comment meetings) outside City Hall to increase access and participation. Current efforts include online streaming, TV broadcasts, and community budget meetings. Survey showed 58% positive response on participation opportunities. Key considerations: level of participation (informational vs. deliberative), production logistics (Wi-Fi, ADA compliance, Spanish/ASL, security), and need for additional resources. No dedicated budget. Staff recommended creating a pilot to determine impact and return with a report in 60 days, after consulting with legal, city secretary, police, and technology. Discussion:

  • Councilwoman Villagrán expressed support for public comment but not for B sessions; suggested if a council member wants a meeting in their district, they should fund it from their own budget. Raised concerns about technology security and logistics costs.
  • Councilwoman Munguía supported, noting that a 2019 B session at Pre-K 4 SA in east side was successful, with good participation and partnerships. Stressed that commuting downtown is a barrier for many residents.
  • Motion to accept staff recommendation (return in 60 days): seconded and passed with voice vote.

• Item 4 – Reporting on Local Business Spending
  Presentation by Trey Elliott (Chief Financial Officer): Proposed developing standardized reporting on local business participation in city contracts, subcontracts, and spending. Currently multiple programs exist (local preference, SAMSA small business development) with definitions based on city limits or Bexar County (SAMSA). Goal: identify gaps and inform budget presentations. Recommended further dialogue with economic development and budget departments, and potential impact on EWDC (Economic Workforce Development Committee). Discussion:

  • Councilwoman Castillo (sponsor) supported regular reporting and noted successful model for airport concessions. Emphasized need for clear definition of 'local'.
  • Councilwoman Villagrán suggested reporting should include Bexar County as 'local', and urged expanding discussion to include state-level definitions and regional cooperation (seven Texas regions). She stressed the need for parallel conversations with council and purchasing departments.
  • Councilwoman Munguía agreed with expanding 'local' to include Bexar County, noting businesses near city limits should be counted.
  • Motion to approve staff recommendation: passed with voice vote.

Key Outcomes

• Item 2 (Youth Pilot Program): Approved staff recommendation to develop a pilot program for justice-impacted youth aged 16+. Next steps: adopt best practices, cost estimates.
• Item 3 (Community Meetings): Approved staff recommendation to study a pilot for B sessions outside City Hall. Staff to return with a report and recommendation in 60 days.
• Item 4 (Local Business Reporting): Approved staff recommendation to proceed with defining 'local' business and developing standardized reporting. Further discussion to be held at EWDC.

The meeting adjourned at 10:54 AM.