The Greater San Antonio Chamber's Board of Investors gathered Monday to discuss the region's top legislative priorities heading into the 90th Texas Legislature, which convenes in January 2027. Greater Chamber leaders highlighted initiatives to strengthen the region's economic competitiveness, improve quality of life and prepare the community for future growth, while State Sen. José Menéndez shared his outlook on education, infrastructure and key legislative priorities.
Kevin Dinnin, Chair of the Greater Chamber, highlighted several chamber initiatives, including efforts to reduce homelessness and eliminate encampments, address the region's behavioral health challenges, and develop an ambitious strategic plan for the organization.
He devoted much of his remarks to the newly formed Homelessness Task Force, which will bring together business and community leaders to develop compassionate, sustainable solutions. The group will identify advocacy priorities and recommend strategies involving education, partnerships and targeted investments.
"We cannot allow people living on the streets of San Antonio with significant mental health issues. It's inhumane. We need to tackle this issue with great compassion and urgency."
Dinnin said the group will hear from subject matter experts and develop actionable recommendations to ensure a coordinated, comprehensive and effective strategy. The task force is expected to continue its work through 2030 and will present recommendations to community leaders and policymakers as they are developed.
"The goal needs to be a moonshot of no one living on the streets and not one encampment anywhere in this county," he said.
Sen. Menéndez Outlines his Priorities for the Upcoming Session
Following Dinnin’s remarks, Jeff Webster, Greater San Antonio Chamber President & CEO, talked with Menéndez about some of the region’s most important priorities, including transportation, education and workforce development, water and energy infrastructure, military growth, and economic development.
Menéndez stressed the importance of adequately funding the state’s public schools. "We should be focused on making sure that every single public school in Texas is the best public school it can be, so every child has an equal opportunity to fulfill their potential."
He also commented on the delicate balance between providing property tax relief and maintaining funding for infrastructure, public safety, and services. "Our number one job is to be good fiscal stewards of taxpayer money. Being a good fiscal steward doesn't mean making sure people pay as little tax as possible. It means making every tax dollar stretch as far as possible."
Webster also outlined several of the chamber's legislative priorities, including renewed efforts to secure state funding for a cyber campus for the Sixteenth Air Force at Port San Antonio. Menéndez voiced strong support for continued investment in San Antonio's military missions, noting that Joint Base San Antonio remains one of the region's largest economic drivers and a cornerstone of its future growth.
"Being Military City USA is more than a sign as you leave the airport. It's something we've got to earn every day. Military money keeps this city going. We've got to be careful not to kill that golden goose."
Menéndez said he’s hopeful the Bexar County delegation will be able to deliver some wins for the community but acknowledged the increasing divisiveness in politics. He said his philosophy is to try to work across the aisle, "You take your political party, lock it in the car, go inside and do what's best for Texas. Period."
He encouraged local business leaders to build relationships with elected officials and remain engaged throughout the legislative process, emphasizing that collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to maintaining San Antonio's economic competitiveness.
His final words of advice to local business leaders hoping to influence the future direction of San Antonio and the state were, "Build relationships. Get to know folks."
The discussion is part of the Greater Chamber's ongoing efforts to engage business leaders and policymakers in conversations about the issues that will shape San Antonio's future.
The Greater Chamber will host a similar conversation with State Sen. Donna Campbell in September. Exclusive Board of Investor meetings are available to Premier and Major Investors and provide opportunities to engage directly with elected officials, civic leaders and business executives. To learn more about Chamber membership, visit sachamber.org or call 210-229-2163.