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City authorizes $30M offer for federal parcels tied to proposed arena; residents and some councilmembers press for transparency and affordability safeguards
Summary
Council authorized submission of an offer up to $30 million (with Spurs funding and a $3 million earnest deposit) for five federal parcels downtown to support a Spurs-led arena project; citizens raised concerns about disclosure, tax increment financing and affordable housing safeguards.
San Antonio City Council voted Jan. 15, 2026 to authorize the city manager to submit an offer to the General Services Administration to acquire five parcels (about 5.7 acres) near East Cesar Chavez Boulevard for up to $30,000,000 plus closing and carrying costs of up to $120,000.
Staff said the $30 million figure was based on a joint appraisal ($29,995,000) and that the Spurs have agreed to provide the $30 million and cover up to $3,000,000 in earnest-money deposit and carrying costs. If the Spurs’ arena project advances and is financed, staff said a contingency deed in favor of the Spurs would be destroyed and the city would retain fee simple title. If the arena does not move forward and the city opts not to reimburse…
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