Youth Advocates Demand Urgent Funding for San Antonio Programs

In a recent city council meeting, advocates for San Antonio's youth and city employees voiced their urgent calls for increased funding and support for essential services. The discussions highlighted the need for a collective effort to enhance the voices of city employees and the youth, emphasizing the importance of investing in the future of the community.

City employee representative, Mr. Vasquez, expressed pride in the upcoming opportunity for city employees to have a say in their governance, marking a significant step towards inclusivity. He urged council members to support measures that would empower employees and enhance city services, particularly in a climate where voter suppression tactics are prevalent across the nation.

Youth advocate Lola Sanchez passionately reiterated the need for more funding directed towards youth programs, arguing that investing in young people is crucial for the city’s future. She emphasized that youth should be seen as contributors to the community, deserving of opportunities that allow them to thrive and return to advocate for their peers.

Ryan Lugalia Holland, CEO of a local partnership, called for the formation of a joint task force to explore revenue options for youth services, highlighting the alarming statistic that over 125,000 young people in San Antonio live in poverty. He stressed the necessity of expanding support systems for youth, particularly in mental health and educational resources.

Christina Martinez, a youth development professional, echoed these sentiments, pointing out the limitations of current school systems in meeting the needs of children and families. She urged the council to recognize the critical role of public funding in sustaining youth programs, as philanthropy alone cannot bridge the existing gaps.

Dr. Paul Rodriguez, director of policy and development, revealed that only 6% of the city’s budget is allocated to child and youth services, despite young people making up a significant portion of the population. He called for a tracking mechanism to ensure that funding is effectively directed towards programs that support youth development.

The meeting concluded with a strong call to action for council members to prioritize youth and employee advocacy, ensuring that the voices of those most affected by policy decisions are heard and acted upon. The collective message was clear: investing in the city’s youth and employees is not just a moral obligation but a necessary step towards building a stronger, more equitable community.