All six propositions in the city of San Antonio’s $1.2 billion bond proposal received voter approval in the May 7 election.
As of 9:30 p.m. May 7, Bexar County election totals showed two propositions containing infrastructure upgrades citywide receiving more than 70% voter approval.
Three other propositions supporting improvements to parks and recreation, cultural facilities and libraries, and public safety facilities each received at least 60% approval, according to county election totals.
A sixth proposition allocating $150 million for affordable housing development tallied more than 59% approval.
Local leaders thanked voters for backing the city’s biggest bond issue in terms of total number of dollars committed to nearly 200 projects around town.
“The 2022-27 bond program is making historic investments in all areas of the community, with a major focus on neighborhoods. Seventy-six percent of the funding is dedicated to improving our streets, sidewalks, drainage and parks,” City Manager Erik Walsh said in a news release.
“For the first time ever, the city will also invest bond dollars to create and preserve much-needed affordable housing. No matter where you live, the bond program will improve your community. The voters agreed that there is tremendous need in our community, and the city is going to move quickly to make all 183 projects a reality.”
The city said approved bond propositions will not require a new property tax rate or increase, but some residents and taxpayer advocates charged the city with not being forthcoming about the long-term effect that new debt will have on taxpayers.