The business community came out in full force to celebrate the leadership of Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai and the County Commissioners at the Greater San Antonio Chamber’s State of the County on October 15.
The sold-out event was equal parts policy discussion and pep rally! Cowboys on horseback greeted guests, and the Spurs Coyote and Spurs Jesus got the audience charged up with a “Go Spurs Go” chant to kick off the program. Then, Judge Sakai discussed the progress Bexar County has made over the past couple of years and new initiatives intended to lift up the community.
Spurs and Stock Show & Rodeo Urge Community to Seize this Opportunity
A moderated conversation with Stock Show & Rodeo Executive Director and CEO Cody Davenport and Spurs CEO R.C. Buford, along with Sakai, focused on Propositions A & B on the November 4 ballot. If approved, these projects will mean a new downtown arena for the San Antonio Spurs and more major concerts; a revitalized Frost Bank Center, Freeman Coliseum, and rodeo grounds so the Rodeo can provide year-round programming and fund even more student scholarships; new downtown development creating good-paying jobs and bringing more entertainment and cultural attractions to the area; and new revenue to fund local schools, roads, and public safety across the community.
“We have to focus on the revitalization of the county facilities (Frost Center, Freeman Coliseum and fairgrounds),” said Sakai. “So, we then can focus on the revitalization of the East Side. We have to keep the Spurs in town. And we have an opportunity for revitalization of the downtown area, around HemisFair. And we’re not doing this on the backs of the homeowners’ property taxes, and that’s what I want to impress upon you.”
Buford discussed the excitement around the Spurs line-up and the need for a new arena. He summarized it by saying the team wants to improve the fan experience, avoid having to play ten games on the road during the rodeo road trip, and help revitalize the city’s urban core.
“The hoop gods have been really good to San Antonio – David Robinson, Tim Duncan and Victor Wembanyana! This young team is very exciting, and the future of our program is poised to reach the levels that we’ve played in before,” said Buford referring to the team’s five NBA championships.
Davenport said the Stock Show and Rodeo is “busting at the seams.” He said they have one and a half million visitors coming through their gates during the rodeo. They also support over 22,000 youth through a variety of education and engagement programs, including scholarships, vocational training and agricultural projects.
The proposed improvements will enable the rodeo to further their mission of supporting Texas youth, as well as the agricultural, western and livestock industries. They’ll modernize the venue, expand its capabilities, and create a more engaging experience for visitors – positioning the East Side as a vibrant cultural and entertainment destination for locals and visitors.
“What a gift that we have two iconic brands that are so dedicated to this community that we’ve literally outgrown each other,” said Davenport. “That’s a positive thing for this community. We’re ready to seize this opportunity.”
Judge Sakai Touts Economic Development Wins and other Accomplishments
In his remarks, Sakai took a victory lap for the progress he and the Commissioners have made on workforce readiness and economic development initiatives. “We have JCB’s new plant opening in a year or two, and Toyota’s $500-million investment to build a rear-axle plant is a game changer for our community.
He highlighted a delegation he led to Japan to attract new investment in San Antonio. As a result, a joint venture between Japanese company Sanko Texas Corp. and San Antonio-based Operational Technologies Corp. announced they plan to invest $39.8 million in a manufacturing facility near Toyota’s campus.
“These companies nearly signed with Austin, but we were able to get them here by convincing them San Antonio is a special place,” he said.
“We also have a new baseball stadium for the San Antonio Missions coming online and we did it with no new taxes.”
Other initiatives on his progress report included the County’s efforts to educate the public about gun safety, invest in animal control, put more sheriffs on patrol, close the digital divide by investing in high-speed internet, and support VIA Metropolitan Transit’s Silver Line, which will enhance east-west connectivity across the city.
In addressing cuts from the federal government, Sakai announced an initiative to lift up the county’s most vulnerable citizens. “We are planning a summit to deal with food insecurity, and we’re going to do this with access to healthcare too. We are going to have to figure this out at the local government level. Bexar County stands ready to protect the least among us.”
What You Need to Know Before Heading to the Polls
- Proposition A asks for voter approval to upgrade and expand county facilities on the East Side, including the Freeman Coliseum, the Frost Bank Center and the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Grounds. A YES vote authorizes the County to raise the Hotel Occupancy Tax by ¼%, from 1.75% to 2%, as well as an increase in the rental car fee. The new revenue paid by visitors would cover the estimated $191.8 million needed for the upgrades and expansions.
- Proposition B asks for voter approval for the County to spend the remaining revenues raised from tourists, up to $311 million, to help fund a portion of a new downtown arena for the Spurs.
Propositions A & B by the Numbers
- There will be NO increase to property or sales taxes.
- The arena will be funded by visitor taxes.
- No money is being taken from city or county budgets. General funds stay intact for housing, flooding and other needs.
- State law limits these new revenue sources to promoting tourism only.
- The San Antonio Spurs and their partners are investing $2.1 billion in San Antonio.
- $500 million toward arena construction,
- $1.5 billion in job-creating development projects, and
- $75 million in community benefit initiatives.
- The Spurs – not taxpayers – will pay every extra dollar if there are cost overruns.