San Antonio, TX, August 21, 2025
News Summary
San Antonio city officials are proposing a $4 billion budget for fiscal year 2026, facing a $21 million deficit that could lead to the reduction of at least 68 city positions. The budget prioritizes housing and homelessness spending, with $30.4 million allocated for affordable housing and $30.5 million for homeless assistance. Public engagement through Budget Town Hall meetings will commence to gather community feedback until August 27, 2025, as city leaders weigh financial trade-offs and staffing impacts on public safety amid community priorities.
San Antonio
San Antonio city officials have proposed a $4 billion budget for fiscal year 2026 that currently shows a $21 million deficit and would reduce at least 68 city positions. The shortfall is attributed to a drop in property tax revenue. The proposal includes targeted spending on housing and homelessness and has prompted a series of public Budget Town Hall meetings across city districts through August 27, 2025.
Key details at a glance
The proposed spending plan sets aside $30.4 million for affordable housing initiatives and $30.5 million to support people experiencing homelessness. City leadership is also debating investments in public safety with a proposal to add 25 new patrol officer positions, while a group of council members is pressing for 65 new patrol officers immediately as part of a broader, multi-year plan to increase the police force by 360 officers.
Council budget discussions have highlighted both the immediate fiscal gap and competing priorities for limited funds. Concerns have been raised about the additional costs tied to hiring more officers, including vehicles, equipment and related operating expenses. City leadership has questioned assumptions about whether increasing officer numbers alone will improve community safety and has suggested directing attention toward underlying causes of crime.
Staffing impacts and community priorities
The proposed budget requires workforce reductions of at least 68 city employee jobs to help close the gap. At the same time, elected officials and residents have emphasized ongoing priorities that include infrastructure repairs, public safety strategies, and economic development. Community members attending early sessions have requested better transportation options for people with disabilities, improved health care for veterans, and completion of outstanding street repair projects.
Public engagement: Budget Town Halls
City officials have scheduled a citywide series of Budget Town Hall meetings to solicit community feedback on the proposal. The meetings are open to residents across all council districts and will continue through August 27, 2025. Upcoming meetings include sessions tailored to individual districts and a Youth Town Hall to encourage participation from younger residents.
- Aug. 21, 6:30 PM — District 2 at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex
- Aug. 21, 6:30 PM — District 7 at Garza Community Center
- Aug. 23, 10:30 AM — Youth Town Hall at Central Library
- Aug. 25, 6:30 PM — District 5 at Normoyle Community Center
- Aug. 25, 6:30 PM — District 6 at Cuellar Community Center
- Aug. 26, 6:30 PM — District 1 at Central Library
- Aug. 26, 6:30 PM — District 4 at Robinette Community & Senior Center
- Aug. 27, 6:30 PM — District 8 at Phil Hardberger Urban Ecology Center
Budget trade-offs and next steps
As the budget process advances, city leaders will weigh how to close the $21 million deficit while maintaining or expanding key services. Options under consideration include personnel reductions, reallocations within city departments, and potential adjustments to revenue assumptions. The public engagement series is intended to inform council decisions before final budget adoption.
Background context
The proposed $4 billion spending plan reflects a municipal budget cycle for fiscal year 2026. The current deficit stems from a decline in property tax receipts that reduced projected revenue. In this environment, targeted investments such as the $30.4 million for affordable housing and $30.5 million for homelessness assistance are presented alongside difficult choices on staffing and public safety resourcing.
FAQ
What is the size of the proposed budget and the current shortfall?
The proposed budget totals $4 billion for fiscal year 2026 and currently shows a $21 million deficit attributed to a decrease in property tax revenue.
How many city jobs would be cut under the proposal?
The proposal would reduce at least 68 city employee positions as part of measures to address the shortfall.
What spending is included for housing and homelessness?
The proposed budget includes $30.4 million for affordable housing initiatives and $30.5 million to assist people experiencing homelessness.
Are there public meetings about the budget?
The city is holding a series of Budget Town Hall meetings across council districts through August 27, 2025. A schedule of upcoming meetings is publicly available.
What is the plan for public safety staffing?
The budget discussion includes a proposal for 25 new patrol officer positions. A group of council members is advocating for 65 new patrol officers as part of a long-term plan to grow the force by 360 officers over several years. Additional costs for vehicles and equipment have been noted as concerns.
Key budget features
| Feature | Amount / Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total proposed budget (FY2026) | $4,000,000,000 | Baseline spending proposal |
| Projected deficit | $21,000,000 | Due to decreased property taxes |
| Planned job reductions | 68 positions | At least 68 city employee jobs |
| Affordable housing allocation | $30,400,000 | Targeted housing initiatives |
| Homeless assistance | $30,500,000 | Support services and programs |
| Proposed new patrol officers | 25 positions | Included in current budget discussion |
| Council proposal for new officers | 65 positions | Part of multi-year build toward 360 officers |
Timeline: Budget Town Hall schedule
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 21, 6:30 PM | District 2 Town Hall at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex | Scheduled by city |
| Aug. 21, 6:30 PM | District 7 Town Hall at Garza Community Center | Scheduled by city |
| Aug. 23, 10:30 AM | Youth Town Hall at Central Library | Scheduled by city |
| Aug. 25, 6:30 PM | District 5 Town Hall at Normoyle Community Center | Scheduled by city |
| Aug. 25, 6:30 PM | District 6 Town Hall at Cuellar Community Center | Scheduled by city |
| Aug. 26, 6:30 PM | District 1 Town Hall at Central Library | Scheduled by city |
| Aug. 26, 6:30 PM | District 4 Town Hall at Robinette Community & Senior Center | Scheduled by city |
| Aug. 27, 6:30 PM | District 8 Town Hall at Phil Hardberger Urban Ecology Center | Scheduled by city |
Simple visual charts: allocations and staffing comparisons
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New York State Fair Unveils New Food Offerings
San Antonio Council to Decide on $1.3 Billion Spurs Arena
San Antonio City Council Approves $4 Billion Budget Plan
Mayor Urges Delay on Arena Agreement Vote in San Antonio
Texas Nonprofits Face Major Job Cuts Amid Funding Reductions
Comal County Commissioners Meeting Information Released
Broken Bow Public Schools Address Cyber Theft and Funding Issues
U.S. Cities Ranked for Affordability for Recent Graduates
San Antonio Mayor Requests Delay in Spurs Arena Negotiations
Mayor Proposes Pause on Spurs Arena Funding Decision
Additional Resources
- KSAT News: San Antonio Police Budget
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- News 4 San Antonio: City Budget Deficit
- Google Search: San Antonio 2026 Budget
- Community Impact: Proposed $4 Billion Budget
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Budget
- Community Impact: Bexar County Budget
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bexar County
- SA Current: Budget Town Hall Debate
- Google News: San Antonio Budget Town Hall
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
