1. San Antonio expands digital connectivity with new broadband initiative
San Antonio City Council voted April 6 to approve a new broadband connectivity initiative with AT&T to expand digital connectivity to underserved areas. According to city officials, the initiative will link more than 20,000 residents and businesses to broadband internet.
2. San Antonio City Council, nonprofits expand rental aid, homelessness services
San Antonio City Council on June 2 approved a total of $7.5 million in contracts with three community partners—SAMMinistries, Endeavors and the Salvation Army—to further provide tenant-based rental aid and homelessness prevention services.
3. San Antonio City Council expands homestead tax exemption
San Antonio City Council unanimously voted June 22 to raise the city’s homestead exemption from 10% to 20%. City officials said homestead exemptions reduce the taxable value of a home and reduce the owner’s property tax bill. According to local leaders, a home valued at $100,000 will see an additional $55 of savings on the city’s portion of their property tax bill.
4. San Antonio council adopts water-break ordinance
San Antonio City Council voted 9-2 on Aug. 31 to require water breaks be provided for contractors working on city-funded projects.
5. Public safety anchors San Antonio’s $3.7B budget
San Antonio City Council voted Sept. 14 to approve a $3.7 billion budget—the city’s biggest budget to date—as city leaders said they are committed to a larger focus on public safety and infrastructure.
6. San Antonio council approves $30M solar energy project
San Antonio officials said a planned $30 million public solar energy project affecting dozens of city buildings will generate energy savings for the local government in the long run. City Council on Nov. 9 approved what local officials called Texas’ largest municipal on-site solar project, which will involve the installation of rooftop, parking and park canopy solar photovoltaic systems at 42 city facilities.
7. San Antonio council approves CPS Energy rate hike
San Antonio City Council on Dec. 7 approved CPS Energy’s base rate hike request by an 8-3 vote. Council’s vote followed a Dec. 4 CPS Energy board meeting where trustees for the city-owned utility approved a 4.25% base rate increase, which will go into effect Feb. 1, 2024.
