San Antonio Housing Department outlines strategic plans for affordable housing and funding

In a recent special session held on August 20, 2025, the San Antonio City Council focused on the critical issues surrounding housing and neighborhood services. The meeting featured a detailed presentation from the Neighborhood and Housing Services Department (NHSD), highlighting the ongoing efforts to address the city's affordable housing crisis and the strategic initiatives outlined in their ten-year Strategic Housing Implementation Plan (SHIP).

The NHSD, established in 2017, aims to tackle complex housing challenges through a collaborative approach involving various community partners. The department's mission is underscored by its commitment to building or preserving over 28,000 affordable homes by 2031, with a significant focus on assisting families earning less than 30% of the area median income. This demographic, which includes households making under $26,000 annually, represents a substantial portion of the city's population in need of affordable housing solutions.

During the session, NHSD officials outlined their proposed budget for the upcoming year, which totals $90.5 million. This budget includes $30.4 million specifically allocated for affordable housing initiatives and reflects a strategic reduction in general fund allocations due to improved service delivery efficiencies. Despite a decrease in funding, the department remains committed to maintaining high service levels across its programs, including eviction prevention, rental assistance, and home rehabilitation.

One of the key highlights of the meeting was the emphasis on the importance of collaboration in achieving housing goals. NHSD plans to work closely with partners to update data and recalibrate housing objectives as part of a new five-year consolidated HUD plan. This collaborative approach is seen as essential for effectively addressing the ongoing housing affordability challenges faced by many residents.

The session also addressed the impact of the $150 million housing bond approved by voters, which has already committed over $127 million to various housing projects. These investments are expected to produce or preserve more than 5,000 homes, with a focus on creating high-quality, affordable housing options that include supportive services for families.

In addition to housing production, the NHSD is launching a citywide public information campaign aimed at raising awareness about the importance of affordable housing and combating stigma. This initiative seeks to foster community understanding and support for long-term housing solutions, emphasizing that stable housing is foundational to health, safety, and overall well-being.

As San Antonio continues to grow, the discussions during this special session highlighted the city's commitment to addressing housing needs through strategic planning, community engagement, and sustained investment. The NHSD's ongoing efforts reflect a proactive approach to ensuring that all residents have access to safe and affordable housing, a critical component of the city's overall development strategy.