City Council Special Session - 2026-01-22
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
San Antonio City Council held a special session briefing on the Wahalote Ranch Municipal Utility District (MUD) request, with a vote scheduled for February 5, 2026. The 1,160-acre development by Lennar Homes proposes 3,000 single-family homes with an on-site wastewater treatment plant over the Edwards Aquifer contributing zone. Multiple council members indicated they will vote against the MUD, citing water contamination risks, lack of governance oversight, and concerns about developer accountability based on Lennar's past compliance issues.
Key Decisions (1)
Briefing on Wahalote Ranch MUD Request
City Council received a staff briefing on Lennar Homes' petition for consent to create Bexar County MUD Number 2 for a 3,000 single-family lot development on 1,160 acres in the city's ETJ near Scenic Loop Road and Babcock Road. The Planning Commission previously voted 5-4 to recommend denial on January 16, 2026. No vote was taken at this special session; the formal vote is scheduled for February 5, 2026.
Development Activity (1)
Wahalote Ranch
3,000 single-family residential lots on 1,160 acres; 580 acres (50%) dedicated open space; on-site wastewater treatment plant discharging up to 1 million gallons daily; estimated infrastructure costs of $150 million
Market Signals (4)
Housing Demand
Developer Lennar stated they intend to proceed with the 3,000-home development with or without MUD approval, indicating strong market demand in Northwest Bexar County despite regulatory challenges.
Infrastructure
Scenic Loop Road is classified as a collector road with 5,500 vehicle/day capacity, but the proposed development would generate over 30,000 daily vehicle trips, highlighting significant infrastructure gaps in the ETJ.
Sentiment
Over 1,500 residents formally opposed the project at TCEQ, 400 appeared in person, and 150 opposed at Planning Commission, with no public testimony in favor across three years of hearings.
Other
City of San Antonio has invested nearly $50 million through the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program to purchase land in the Helotes Creek Watershed, demonstrating long-term commitment to aquifer protection that could influence future development patterns in the area.