SAN ANTONIO – It’s possible the silence itself is the answer.
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones’ office has remained tight-lipped regarding her recent appeal for assistance from the private and philanthropic sectors. This appeal came as San Antonio grapples with a projected $158 million budget deficit over the next two years, prompting Jones to reach out in an “open letter” dated July 24.
In her letter, Jones called upon “business, foundation, and philanthropic leaders” to consider committing to three years of funding for 15 specific outside agency contracts. This list includes well-known organizations such as the San Antonio Botanical Garden, LiftFund, Síclovía, and the MLK Commission, representing less than half of the external contracts proposed in the FY 2026 budget.
Despite a video update shared by the mayor on her social media platforms that provided insights into budgetary developments, she did not address her initial request for funding or disclose any responses received.
Political Science Professor Jon Taylor from the University of Texas at San Antonio characterized Jones’ approach as “relatively unique.” He remarked, “I do not recall a mayor — and I’ll be blunt by saying it — going hat in hand to the community, particularly community leaders and particularly corporations and saying, ‘hey, can you help fund part of our city services?’”
While some may view this as a desperate move, Taylor believes the mayor is attempting to sidestep a potential tax increase as the city navigates its financial challenges. “Politicians are wont to try to find creative ways to either save money or to save services,” he stated, suggesting that Jones might be engaging in a form of creative problem-solving.
Currently, the city is deliberating various strategies, including budget cuts, tax increases, and fee hikes. However, many of the contracts listed by Jones appear to be safe from cuts, as they are expected to receive either full or partial funding in the proposed FY 2027 budget.
Noteworthy exceptions include a $150,000 employment program for military spouses, veterans, and transitioning service members and a $2.2 million scholarship fund for the San Antonio Education Partnership, both of which have faced scrutiny regarding their effectiveness and funding viability.
Although the city reduced its contribution to the San Antonio Botanical Garden by $200,000, it is still set to receive $1 million. Conversely, a $40,000 contract for the Diez y Seis de Septiembre Commission was not included in the next year’s budget proposal.
In a bid to address funding gaps, Jones has proposed a budget maneuver to redirect resources from the Ready to Work job training program. She suggests utilizing voter-approved sales tax funds designated for this initiative to support other priority programs, potentially safeguarding the scholarship funding for the San Antonio Education Partnership.
The San Antonio City Council is anticipated to finalize and approve the budget on September 17, marking a crucial date for the city as it seeks to navigate these financial challenges effectively.
