City Budget

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.

The final days of budget discussion focused on what started as 66 potential amendments that came from $20 million in unexpected revenue from CPS Energy.

The 2024 plan is about $300 million more than 2023, about a 9% increase. Among the city's priorities: Increase the number of officers for Animal Care Services, police, and fire department.

The council approved the budget Thursday 10-0 with one member abstaining from voting. During the meeting, several amendments were proposed including a reduction of funding in support to VIA Metropolitan Transit by District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry and cutting an increase in the San Antonio Police Department by District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, both of which failed with not enough support from council members.