SAN ANTONIO – Dozens of nonprofit leaders gathered at City Hall on Wednesday to express their opposition to a proposed $5.1 million reduction in city funding. They argue that this reduction jeopardizes crucial services provided to thousands of residents throughout San Antonio.
The San Antonio Nonprofit Council has indicated that the proposed cuts could impact nearly 50 programs over the next couple of years, potentially affecting more than 9,300 individuals in the community. These programs address critical needs such as food assistance, housing, workforce training, and crisis support.
“This is more than about a budget line,” stated Cory McRae, advocacy chair for the San Antonio Nonprofit Council. “It’s about what happens when organizations serving families, young people, seniors, and those in crisis have fewer resources to carry out their missions.”
Nonprofit leaders warned that the funding reduction could lead to program shrinkage, job losses, or even the difficult decision to turn away individuals in need of assistance.
A local teenager poignantly articulated the potential consequences of these cuts, saying, “When funding is reduced, young people lose so much more than you expect. We lose programs and people who help us grow, leaving us to navigate difficult paths alone.”
Council Members Stand with Nonprofits
Several members of the San Antonio City Council joined nonprofit leaders in voicing their disapproval of the funding cuts. District 4 Councilman Edward Mungia highlighted that the cuts would disproportionately affect residents in the city’s eastern and western core, stating, “70% of the people who would be dropped from these programs as a result of these cuts are in Districts 1-5. That is unacceptable.”
District 1 Councilwoman Sukh Kaur echoed these sentiments, advocating for more support for youth programs. “The city should be doing more for our youth, not less,” Kaur asserted. “If we genuinely care about workforce development, education, and reducing crime, how can we justify cutting funding from the organizations that are addressing these issues?”
Mayor Acknowledges Budget Constraints
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones recognized the city’s projected $158 million budget deficit but emphasized the need for city leaders to support essential services. “We have to be fiscally disciplined and financially responsible while also ensuring we show up for our most vulnerable populations,” Jones remarked.
The mayor suggested exploring alternative funding sources and creative approaches to maintain services in light of the budget challenges. She referenced potential revenue through initiatives like the Ready to Work program and the city’s hotel occupancy tax to help bridge the funding gap.
As the city navigates its budget planning for FY 2028, the proposed funding cuts remain under discussion and have not yet been finalized. City officials are actively working to address the projected deficit while considering the needs of the community.
