City Council A Session - 2025-12-18
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
San Antonio City Council approved moving municipal elections from May to November in odd-numbered years by a 7-4 vote, a significant change to increase voter turnout. The council also approved a $1.31 billion guaranteed maximum price contract with Hensel Phelps Construction Company for Terminal C construction at San Antonio International Airport, keeping the project on schedule for mid-2028 completion.
Key Decisions (7)
Municipal Elections Move from May to November
Resolution to move City of San Antonio general elections for city council and mayor from May to November in odd-numbered years, as authorized by Texas SB 1494. The change extends current council terms by six months. Vote was 7-4 with Council members Corr, Castillo, Aldrete Gavito, and Mesa Gonzales voting no.
Airport Terminal C Construction GMP Contract
Ordinance amending construction manager at risk contract with Hensel Phelps Construction Company establishing guaranteed maximum price of $1,309,702,171 for new Terminal C facility and enabling projects at San Antonio International Airport. Funding from airport grants, interim airport financing, passenger facility charge fund, and airport improvement and contingency fund.
Iowa Street Designation as Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Way
Consent agenda item 22 designating a portion of Iowa Street as Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Way to honor the legendary black pilots and support personnel who served in World War II. Led by District 2 Council member Mickey Rodriguez in partnership with San Antonio chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated.
Housing Rehabilitation Policy Improvement
Consent agenda item 25 approving major policy improvement to provide more support for residents after house fires, particularly for uninsured homeowners facing financial difficulties rebuilding their homes.
Third Party Housing Partners Approval
Consent agenda item 27 approving third party partners including Blueprint Ministries for housing rehabilitation services including ramps, rails, and home repairs for residents in need.
Leon Creek Greenway Eminent Domain Acquisition
Item 16 approving acquisition through negotiation or condemnation of 1.321 acres in NCB 34760 along Leon Creek for the Leon Creek Greenway project from the Rim to Raymond Russell Park, a 2015 Proposition to sales tax initiative funded project.
Somerset Road Affordable Housing Development
Consent agenda item 24 approving housing tax credit development along Somerset Road in District 4 for residents at 30% and 60% of area median income. Project adds units to census tract where approximately 39% of units currently receive housing tax credits.
Development Activity (3)
San Antonio International Airport Terminal C
New terminal facility with guaranteed maximum price of $1.31 billion. Total project budget $1.69 billion including additional gate, lounge space, and garage connector added at airline request. 245 employees hired with 80% local. Over $300 million awarded to local firms.
Leon Creek Greenway Extension
1.321 acres permanent easement acquisition for greenway trail connection. Part of 2015 Proposition to sales tax initiative.
Somerset Road Affordable Housing
Affordable housing development serving residents at 30% and 60% AMI. Will increase housing tax credit units in census tract from 39% to approximately 51-52% of total units.
Market Signals (4)
Infrastructure
San Antonio International Airport Terminal C construction proceeding on schedule and budget with mid-2028 completion target, indicating continued investment in regional transportation infrastructure.
Housing Demand
Council approved affordable housing development on Somerset Road despite opposition, signaling continued city support for housing tax credit projects serving 30-60% AMI residents.
Sentiment
Strong community advocacy for increased voter participation with 63 speakers signed up, majority supporting election date change, indicating high civic engagement on governance issues.
Commercial Demand
Airlines requested additional gate and lounge space at new airport terminal, adding $200 million to project scope, suggesting anticipated growth in air travel demand.