City Council Proposes $94.8M Human Services Budget for Fiscal Year 2026

San Antonio's City Council has proposed a significant budget for human services in fiscal year 2026, totaling $94.8 million. This budget aims to enhance community support through designated funding agreements and contract extensions for various agencies. The plan includes $24.38 million allocated to 8 designated agencies, which provide essential services such as after-school programs for over 6,200 students and medical support for individuals in police custody.

The council's strategy emphasizes transparency in funding processes by separating designated and competitive funding. This approach is designed to clarify the available funding pool and improve engagement with community stakeholders. Notably, the budget reserves $4.5 million for a new funding cycle set to begin on June 1, 2026.

In addition to extending contracts for 40 agencies for an 8-month term, the proposed budget also introduces a four-year contract term for future funding, allowing agencies to better understand the impact of their services and secure longer-term commitments. The council plans to gather input from agencies and community members in upcoming sessions to refine funding priorities.

Overall, the proposed budget reflects a commitment to supporting essential services and enhancing community engagement, with a focus on efficiency and reducing administrative burdens. The council will revisit these recommendations in October for further policy direction following the budget adoption.