Mayor Proposes Changes to San Antonio’s 2027 Bond Program

San Antonio’s mayor proposed two amendments to the 2027 Bond Program during the City Council’s Thursday A-Session on October 29, with both proposals focused on $35 million in planned downtown infrastructure investments.

The first amendment would have removed the $35 million for arena-related downtown infrastructure from the bond program. The mayor said the investment could instead be funded through the $1.9 billion Project Finance Zone.

The second amendment would have made the $35 million a separate bond proposition, allowing San Antonio residents to vote on that item independently.

Both amendments failed. The first received four votes in favor, six opposed and one abstention. The second failed on a 5-6 vote.

The mayor said the proposals reflected a position that bond funding should prioritize residents’ basic infrastructure needs, while other eligible funding sources should be used for infrastructure when possible. The mayor also said residents should have more influence over how bond dollars are spent.

Despite the failed amendments, the mayor said the administration remains committed to a bond program focused on economic development and addressing the city’s historical inequities.

The 2027 Bond Program will continue to include the proposed $35 million for arena-related downtown infrastructure unless changes are made through the city’s ongoing bond process.