Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Antonio public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in general
Proposed East Side Immigration Detention Facility
Community members and council members pushed back against a proposed federal immigration detention center on the East Side, requesting utility impact studies and exploring potential legal actions.
Property Maintenance and Dilapidated Structures
The city is pursuing enforcement actions and code appeals for dilapidated residential and accessory structures to ensure compliance with community safety standards.
NIOSA agreement
San Antonio's beloved NIOSA festival is in limbo after the Conservation Society suddenly pulled out of its agreement with the city. This means a massive shakeup for one of our biggest annual traditions, and nobody quite knows what's next for Fiesta's biggest party.
Street Renaming (Cesar E. Chavez to Durango)
The city honored local history and community leaders by renaming public roadways to commemorate figures who shaped San Antonio's cultural and athletic landscape.
Utility Leadership
San Antonio's city-owned utility, CPS Energy, is dropping the "interim" label and making Frank Almaraz the permanent CEO. He's stepping into a tough spot, though, with looming budget problems and heavy breathing from state politicians.
Property Appraisal Policy
Bexar County's chief appraiser is catching heat for changing a popular rule that usually saves homeowners from having to fight their property value hikes year after year. If you're a local homeowner, this means your property tax appeals could get a whole lot more annoying.
Hotel Fee Increase
San Antonio wants to raise hotel fees so it can pull in extra cash to market the city and reel in massive conventions. Basically, tourists and visitors will be chipping in a bit more to help boost the local tourism scene.
Public Art Expansion
San Antonio's rainbow crosswalk is causing a bit of a fuss, and now the city is asking the state for the green light to keep it painted. It's a colorful debate about public art and what the state will allow.
Burn Ban
Bexar County just slapped a 90-day ban on outdoor burning because things are super dry and the wildfire risk is no joke. Leave the backyard fire pits and brush burning alone until we get some rain.
County Leadership Retirement
Bexar County Manager David Smith is stepping down at the end of the year, meaning big leadership changes are coming right as a new judge takes the bench. Since Smith is the only person who's ever had this job, finding his replacement will set a totally new tone for county government.
Utility Competition
Governor Abbott wants to open up city-owned utilities to more competition, which could shake up how San Antonio's local providers operate. If this goes through, it might end up changing the monthly utility bills you pay.