Councilman Advocates for Increased Funding for Traffic Calming and Infrastructure Improvements

In the heart of San Antonio's city hall, council members gathered on August 14, 2025, to discuss pressing issues that could shape the future of the city. Among the topics that sparked significant conversation was the allocation of funding for traffic calming measures, a critical component in enhancing road safety and community well-being.

One council member expressed concern over the proposed budget, which allocated only one million dollars for traffic calming initiatives. This amount, they noted, would only cover three projects, leaving many areas in need of attention. The council member emphasized the importance of a more substantial investment in traffic calming, Complete Streets, and Vision Zero efforts, which aim to eliminate traffic fatalities. They suggested that further discussions could take place offline to explore how the Advanced Transportation District could better support these initiatives.

The conversation then shifted to the city’s energy policy, particularly regarding the return of funds to CPS Energy. The council member advocated for a reevaluation of this policy, especially in light of future financial planning leading up to 2030. They highlighted the need for a thorough discussion on whether to maintain the current approach or consider alternatives that could benefit the city’s budget.

Another topic of interest was the stormwater fee, which had not been adjusted in the proposed budget. The council member raised the possibility of using this fee as a revenue source for infrastructure investments, particularly in relation to managing impervious cover and drainage issues. They stressed the importance of finding solutions that would not overly burden residents or non-residential ratepayers.

As the meeting progressed, the discussion also touched on cost of living adjustments for city employees. The council member supported a proposed 3% increase and suggested exploring a scaled approach to these adjustments, which could provide a more equitable distribution of funds across different pay scales. They called for a detailed presentation on the financial implications of various adjustment scenarios to better inform decision-making.

As the session concluded, it was clear that the council's discussions were not just about numbers and policies; they were about the lives and safety of San Antonio residents. The decisions made in these meetings will resonate throughout the community, shaping the city’s infrastructure and the well-being of its citizens for years to come.