San Antonio Councilwoman Rebecca J. Viagran, The Longest Serving Latina In The District 3 History, Completes Term

Press release from the City of San Antonio:

June 15, 2021

SAN ANTONIO (June 15, 2021) — Councilwoman Rebecca J. Viagran, the longest serving Latina in the District 3 representing the past present and future of San Antonio, completed final City Council Meeting this morning. Sentiments are expressed in the statement below:

“Today as this tenure ends, reflecting back to eight years ago, first arriving on the dais, we knew we were facing many challenges.

Since 2013, we have worked hard to address our neighborhoods' issues and concerns. We have worked to get stray and abandoned animals off the streets, improved a multitude of streets, help stop code violations, promote economic development in our community - all while preserving and respecting the culture and heritage of District 3. We listened and advocated to keep our parks, community centers, and libraries open and to ensure adequate police and fire protection. Together, we have pushed forward a construction contract for extending the Salado Creek Hike and Bike Trail System that will provide walkable and bikeable access from Southside Lions Park to SE Military Drive. During these eight years, District 3 has seen $148,394,200.00 in Bond dollars come in for much needed improvements.

Our community is now home to the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas, a four-year university, and the second medical school in San Antonio. We have created the VIVA SA Healthy Corner Store Initiative, we have opened three new dog parks, and we have a spay and neuter facility – the only one in the southern sector.

There is a great sense of accomplishment having led the economic, cultural, housing, job-creating and educational resurgence of District 3 and the Southside. The Southside has gained many large corporations to include Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, with job and investments into our community by TJX Companies Inc., Cuisine Solutions, Amazon, Okin BPS, Navistar, and Nissei Plastic Industrial Co. The resident’s support, input, and trust in me, has allowed us to achieve so much and we are incredibly proud of the work we have done.

Although we did not foresee this last year on the dais would include a pandemic, we knew our residents needed help. We brought testing and vaccine sites into the Southside as we already knew inequalities existed. But the pandemic exacerbated them and caused great heartache. This last 6 months on council, we fought hard and opened a mass vaccination hub on the Southside. Without this vaccination hub, we would not be at the safety level we are now.

While the recent times were tough, we have shared wonderful memories together that will be cherished forever – from our annual 5k run and walk – to our annual senior holiday parties, the revival of Mission Marquee Plaza and all its programming, our D3 Legacy Leadership Initiative program, Coffee with the Councilwoman, and all the office visits.

It is an honor to have been part of the first female elected majority-led City Council. The memories, our accomplishments and good times shared with my council-sisters will be cherished forever.

Many thanks to our Mayor, City Manager, Assistant City Managers, and all City Departments. The work we have done together is incredible with an abundance of respect for you all.

District 3 staff, thank you for your service, commitment, and hard work throughout my tenure. Because of you, we were able to serve our residents, build relationships and strengthen our community.

Finally, to my family, thank you for always sticking by my side.

Being the only District 3 Councilmember to serve out their entire term in 20 years, it is an honor and humbling to have served the south and southeast side of San Antonio. It will be exciting to see District 3 continue to thrive.”

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