A sold-out crowd of 400 people gathered Oct. 14 for one of the Greater San Antonio Chamber’s signature events, the State of the County. The annual luncheon, held at The Westin San Antonio, offered insight from county leadership on the region’s priorities and gave attendees a chance to connect with the business and civic leaders shaping San Antonio’s future.
This year’s event was especially meaningful as the Chamber celebrated Judge Peter Sakai’s more than 30 years of dedicated public service to Bexar County. Sakai was elected Bexar County judge in 2022. Before serving in the countywide seat, Sakai served as a judge for the 225th State District Court, and in 1995, the civil court judges unanimously appointed him associate judge of the Children’s Court.
To kick off the luncheon, the Brackenridge High School JROTC Color Guard presented the colors, and Cadet 1st Lt. Louis Perez sang the national anthem. Bexar County Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores led the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a blessing.
Greater San Antonio Chamber Chairman Kevin C. Dinnin introduced Sakai and thanked him for his career of service to the community. A video highlighting Bexar County’s progress and Sakai’s service played before Sakai took the stage to give his address. Sakai’s State of the County address highlighted several accomplishments during his four-year term, including accountability and transparency, economic development, public safety, public health, and infrastructure and transportation.
Sakai looked out to the crowd and said, “Growth brings energy and possibility, but it also brings pressure to meet growing needs. Can families get help when they need it? Can families get to work? Can a family build a future here and afford to stay?” These are the questions Sakai focused on during his term as county judge.
He was determined to find solutions and fix systemic problems. During Sakai’s term, Bexar County used $20 million in federal pandemic relief funds to provide mental health services to 13 San Antonio school districts. The county also strengthened its ability to respond when people are in danger and experiencing a behavioral health crisis through innovative mental health training called STAR and SMART, which strengthened law enforcement.
Other highlights from Sakai’s term include expanding broadband internet for all of Bexar County, especially in the underserved areas, and supporting a $102 million investment with Via called Rapid Silver Line, a route connecting the East and West sides through downtown. Another major county investment followed the tragic flooding of Beitel Creek in June 2025. The county, in partnership with the San Antonio River Authority, invested $21 million in a next-generation flood warning alert system.
Transparency in government was also a priority for Sakai. During his term, the county hosted county budget town halls in each precinct for the first time, launched a user-friendly website, and implemented initiatives to educate the public about how county government works.
Sakai shared, “We are building a better Bexar, a stronger Bexar, a Bexar County that cares for families.” He highlighted employers expanding their businesses and bringing jobs to the region. JCB Manufacturing will open this fall and plans to hire up to 1,500 employees. Toyota is expanding and is breaking ground on a $200 million manufacturing site near Brooks. “Let me put a number on it for the Chamber of Commerce crowd. I’m talking about a $5.7 billion investment that will create 8,000 jobs. They are coming. That is reality, and I’m proud to have done it in my four years,” Sakai said.
As the county continues to grow, so does technology and artificial intelligence. Sakai talked about county grant investments to organizations such as Geekdom, Tech Block and Velocity Texas, all grants supporting entrepreneurship and innovation. Sakai said, “We’re moving forward, and things will never be the same. There’s no looking back. We must prepare.”
In addition to manufacturing industries growing in Bexar County, aerospace industries are on the rise. Sakai said none of this happens without public and private partnerships. Government can define the purpose, but businesses, universities, nonprofits and community organizations bring additional resources, expertise and innovation to the table. “Working together, we can turn plans into roads, ideas into housing, workforce training, health services and opportunities.”
As Sakai prepares to leave office at the end of the year, he hopes county leaders will have the business community, nearby suburban cities, schools, nonprofits and residents supporting them in the decision-making process.
He challenged the business community with, “Growth reaches beyond skylines, beyond balance sheets. Vision without leadership is still vision. This is the challenge I want to leave with you. Keep bringing jobs here. Keep helping businesses grow, especially small businesses. But keep asking the deeper question, ‘Who can reach those opportunities?’”