Public testimony splits as San Antonio staff seek two‑year pilot to allow digital signage; final council vote not recorded in transcript

City staff presented a proposal on June 12 to create a two‑year pilot program permitting digital display signs (advertising and curated art) in specific areas of San Antonio. The Development Services presentation outlined size and location limits, community protections and a revenue model; numerous members of the public offered testimony both for and against the pilot. The transcript for this meeting does not record a final council vote on the measure.

Why it matters: the proposal would change sign regulations (City Code, Chapter 28) to allow screens in limited locations, including parts of the urban core and several designated districts, and could affect the historic character of downtown tourism areas while generating new city revenue and a funding stream for public art.

Staff presentation and proposal details Amin Tomás of the Department of Development summarized the staff recommendation: a two‑year pilot with a maximum of 10 digital signs citywide, up to three signs per designated area, and a size limit tied to building façades (the presentation referenced up to “25 percent of a building façade” as a maximum). Staff proposed an initial…