City Budget

The city had to balance the budget after starting out with a $20 million deficit.

Ric Galvan, the youngest member of the San Antonio City Council representing District 6, is currently 25 years old. The unabashed progressive from the city's West Side has become a dependable ally for Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones as he questions the benefits of Project Marvel and prevent cuts to social services in a tightening city budget.

The new council held its first official meeting to discuss next year's budget as the city faces a $21 million deficit in 2026 and a $152 million deficit in 2027.

Nirenberg reflected on his last eight years as San Antonio's mayor — what he's accomplished, where the city's fallen short, and what he sees for the future for San Antonio and himself.

An inaugural report on homelessness from the city's Department of Human Services showed that Bexar County recorded the highest number of unhoused individuals in the last decade during a survey in January, despite a stable homelessness rate over the same period.

The city budget has not been directly affected by federal spending changes, but city council members expressed concern over how future cuts could affect city services.

The $3.96 billion budget includes $36.6 million in cuts needed to balance the budget as revenue growth has slowed significantly compared to the last several years.

SAPD plans to hire 65 new patrol officers. SAFD plans 15 new positions to staff medical teams at the three busiest fire stations — Fire Stations 4, 19, and 44.

In the first tentative agreement reached between the city and the fire union since 2009, firefighters are receiving a 7% raise in 2025, an 8% raise in 2026, and a 5% raise in 2027.

The budget includes $10 million in cuts across the city and some new fees for residents on garbage carts and city event tickets, but no new taxes.