San Antonio Chamber Of Commerce: City Of San Antonio Adopts Its Largest Municipal Budget To Date

Press release from the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce - News:

2021-09-21

On Thursday, September 16, San Antonio City Council approved the 2022 budget. At $3.1 Billion, this is the largest budget in the city’s history. The budget passed with a 10-0-1 vote, with District 1 Councilman Bravo, abstaining. Bravo vocalized his dissatisfaction with the budget process and disappointment that none of his proposed amendments were included as reasons for abstaining.  

Prior to budget adoption, City Manager Erik Walsh proposed reducing the FY 2022 budget for Economic Development Incentives by $1.3 billion and the Inner-City Incentive by $700,000 to address a deficit from CPS Energy revenues being less than anticipated due to lower customer revenues in July and August. This adjustment was included in the budget adoption to avoid the deficit and to achieve a balanced budget.  

City Council proposed $50+ million in amendments before the final vote on September 16, but most were not included. Notably, an amendment proposed by Councilman Clayton Perry to cut $5.7 million in city funding for VIA failed. Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez proposed reducing the San Antonio Police Department budget by $5.7 million. This amendment also failed to pass.  

The adopted budget reflects faster fiscal recovery from COVID-19 and focuses on critical services emerging from the pandemic. Specifically, increased investment in public health and continuing the emergency housing assistance program through the end of the calendar year. The city’s budget takes effect October 1.  

For more information, contact Cacie Madrid, AVP of Public Policy at cmadrid@sachamber.org or by phone at (210) 229-2161. 

This press release was produced by the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce - News. The views expressed here are the author’s own.