San Antonio council appoints three members to VIA Metropolitan Transit board

The San Antonio City Council voted Nov. 6 to appoint Ramón Flores, Paola Sofía Fernández and Melanie Towil to three openings on the VIA Metropolitan Transit board, filling terms that run through Dec. 31, 2026.

City Secretary Debbie Rocksinger told the council the selection followed the process outlined in Chapter 451 of the Texas Transportation Code and noted the city received 33 applications and shortlisted 11 candidates (one later withdrew). Each finalist gave a two-minute statement and answered follow-up questions from councilmembers before the vote. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones administered the oaths of office.

Councilmembers praised the new appointees— backgrounds in development, planning and community engagement. Ramón Flores, described in council remarks as senior vice president at Port San Antonio with experience in real estate and infrastructure projects, spoke to his experience managing multi-stakeholder projects. Paola Sofía Fernández highlighted her long-term use of and advocacy for public transit and her work in planning and engagement. Melanie Towil cited family experience in transit operations and her community organizing background.

Council members emphasized that VIA remains central to connecting neighborhoods and supporting economic opportunity, and several members reiterated that advancing the Green Line and improving transit service across the city are continuing priorities for the new board members. No roll-call vote tally was read into the record beyond the statement that the motion passed.

The appointees were invited to sign official documents and prepare to assume their duties; the council noted the appointments followed public interviews and committee review earlier in the process.