San Antonio, October 22, 2025
News Summary
San Antonio voters are poised to vote on Project Marvel, a 15-year initiative expected to cost $3-4 billion. The project includes plans for a new Spurs arena, convention center expansion, and downtown development. As early voting starts alongside the NBA season, residents are prioritizing community investments in sports facilities. The proposal has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters touting economic growth while opponents voicing concerns about costs amid various local needs.
San Antonio — San Antonio voters are set to decide the fate of Project Marvel, a 15-year initiative projected to cost $3-4 billion. The proposal would fund a new Spurs arena, an expansion of the convention center and broader downtown development, and it arrives during an early voting period that coincides with the kickoff of the NBA basketball season, highlighting local interest in sports and facilities.
What voters will decide first
The central item on local ballots is Project Marvel, which includes plans for a new Spurs arena, an expansion of the convention center, and overall development in downtown San Antonio. The package is presented as a 15-year plan with an estimated cost of $3-4 billion. Officials and advocates emphasize potential benefits for tourism, events and downtown commerce. Opponents have raised questions about cost, long-term funding and priorities amid other local and statewide needs.
Sports and venue pressures across Texas
The early voting period in Texas coincides with the kickoff of the NBA basketball season, putting emphasis on local sports and facilities. At the same time, the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars are also exploring relocation, contributing to the conversation around sports team venues in Texas. Those developments have added a statewide dimension to voter interest in arena funding and economic development plans.
Legal and community developments
In other notable items affecting Texas communities, Cards Against Humanity settled a lawsuit with SpaceX concerning allegations of trespassing and property damage in Texas. The settlement was reached prior to a jury trial that was scheduled for November 3. Specific details of the settlement between Cards Against Humanity and SpaceX have not been disclosed.
Education and memory in Uvalde
Legacy Elementary, a new school in the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District, has officially opened for students. The school was built to replace Robb Elementary, which was closed after a tragic shooting that resulted in the deaths of 19 children and two teachers on May 24, 2022. Legacy Elementary represents a $60 million investment aimed at providing a safe educational environment for the community. The new campus is intended to meet modern safety standards and to provide long-term classroom capacity for local families.
Events returning to city streets
The Krampus parade is returning to San Antonio for its second year, scheduled for December 5 in the King William District. Organizers are preparing for a parade route and related street closures, and residents are being advised to plan travel and parking accordingly.
Safety concerns for older drivers
The population of Texans aged 65 and older is growing at a rapid pace, raising concerns over driving safety. Transportation authorities report that fatal crashes involving drivers aged 65 and older in Texas have increased by 39% since 2015. Officials project that in 2024, 18% of all fatal crashes in Texas are expected to involve older drivers. The Texas Department of Transportation emphasizes safe driving tips for seniors, suggesting day driving, good weather, and avoiding rush hour traffic. TxDOT also offers safety services: TxDOT offers free CarFit checkups to help older drivers optimize vehicle settings for improved visibility and control.
Federal shutdown risks for food assistance
During the federal government shutdown, Texans receiving SNAP benefits may not receive their November deposits if the situation continues past October 27. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission warns that they require federal guidance to process SNAP benefits during a shutdown. Texans who rely on SNAP are advised that Texans who rely on SNAP can monitor updates via YourTexasBenefits.com and seek alternative food resources through organizations like food banks. Nationally, SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families, with an average of $187 distributed per month to about 41.7 million participants nationally. Other programs including WIC, TANF, Medicaid, and CHIP programs are not currently impacted by the federal government shutdown, though they are being monitored by the Texas HHSC.
What this means for voters and residents
The ballot decisions and parallel events create immediate choices for San Antonio residents about public investment, community safety, and public services. Voters will weigh long-term infrastructure and economic arguments for Project Marvel against other priorities. Families in Uvalde will begin the new school year in a rebuilt campus intended as both an educational facility and a community symbol. Older Texans and their families are being urged to use TxDOT resources and local programs to reduce crash risk. Households that depend on SNAP are advised to stay informed about federal developments that could affect monthly benefit timing.
| Item | Key features | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Project Marvel | 15-year initiative; includes a new Spurs arena and convention center expansion; projected cost $3-4 billion | San Antonio |
| Legacy Elementary | Replaced Robb Elementary; $60 million investment; opened for students | Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District |
| Cards Against Humanity / SpaceX | Settlement over alleged trespassing and property damage; settlement reached prior to Nov 3 trial; details undisclosed | Texas |
| Older driver safety | 39% increase in fatal crashes since 2015; 18% of fatal crashes in 2024 expected to involve older drivers; TxDOT CarFit checkups | Texas |
| SNAP benefits | November deposits may be delayed if shutdown continues past Oct 27; average $187/month; 41.7 million participants nationally | Nationwide (SNAP data); Texas (deposit timing) |
Timeline of recent and upcoming items
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| May 24, 2022 | Robb Elementary shooting that resulted in the deaths of 19 children and two teachers | Historical event; Uvalde |
| 2024 (expected) | 18% of all fatal crashes in Texas are expected to involve older drivers | Projection; Texas |
| October 27 (if shutdown continues past) | SNAP November deposits may not be received | At-risk date; Texas HHSC |
| November 3 | Jury trial originally scheduled in Cards Against Humanity vs SpaceX case | Trial date; settlement reached prior to this date |
| December 5 | Krampus parade scheduled in the King William District | Planned event; San Antonio |
Statistics and simple charts
| Statistic | Value | Visual |
|---|---|---|
| Fatal crashes involving drivers aged 65 and older in Texas (increase since 2015) | 39% | ███████████████████ (39%) |
| Share of all fatal crashes in Texas in 2024 expected to involve older drivers | 18% | ████████ (18%) |
| Average SNAP benefit per month (Nationwide) | $187 | ████████████ (relative) |
| SNAP participants (Nationwide) | About 41.7 million participants nationally | ████████████████████████████ (41.7M) |
FAQ
What are voters deciding about Project Marvel?
San Antonio voters are set to decide the fate of Project Marvel, a 15-year initiative projected to cost $3-4 billion.
What does Project Marvel include?
Project Marvel includes plans for a new Spurs arena, an expansion of the convention center, and overall development in downtown San Antonio.
When does early voting take place relative to the NBA season?
The early voting period in Texas coincides with the kickoff of the NBA basketball season, putting emphasis on local sports and facilities.
Are other Texas teams considering moves?
The Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars are also exploring relocation, contributing to the conversation around sports team venues in Texas.
What happened between Cards Against Humanity and SpaceX?
Cards Against Humanity settled a lawsuit with SpaceX concerning allegations of trespassing and property damage in Texas.
When was the trial scheduled?
The settlement was reached prior to a jury trial that was scheduled for November 3.
Were settlement details released?
Specific details of the settlement between Cards Against Humanity and SpaceX have not been disclosed.
What is the status of the new Uvalde school?
Legacy Elementary, a new school in the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District, has officially opened for students.
Why was Legacy Elementary built?
The school was built to replace Robb Elementary, which was closed after a tragic shooting that resulted in the deaths of 19 children and two teachers on May 24, 2022.
How much was invested in Legacy Elementary?
Legacy Elementary represents a $60 million investment aimed at providing a safe educational environment for the community.
When is the Krampus parade?
The Krampus parade is returning to San Antonio for its second year, scheduled for December 5 in the King William District.
What are the concerns about older drivers in Texas?
The population of Texans aged 65 and older is growing at a rapid pace, raising concerns over driving safety.
How have fatal crashes involving older drivers changed?
Fatal crashes involving drivers aged 65 and older in Texas have increased by 39% since 2015.
What share of fatal crashes will involve older drivers in 2024?
In 2024, 18% of all fatal crashes in Texas are expected to involve older drivers.
What safety guidance does TxDOT provide?
The Texas Department of Transportation emphasizes safe driving tips for seniors, suggesting day driving, good weather, and avoiding rush hour traffic.
Does TxDOT offer services to help drivers?
TxDOT offers free CarFit checkups to help older drivers optimize vehicle settings for improved visibility and control.
How could a federal shutdown affect SNAP in Texas?
During the federal government shutdown, Texans receiving SNAP benefits may not receive their November deposits if the situation continues past October 27.
What does Texas HHSC say about processing SNAP during a shutdown?
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission warns that they require federal guidance to process SNAP benefits during a shutdown.
Where can Texans check for SNAP updates?
Texans who rely on SNAP can monitor updates via YourTexasBenefits.com and seek alternative food resources through organizations like food banks.
What are the national SNAP statistics mentioned?
SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families, with an average of $187 distributed per month to about 41.7 million participants nationally.
Which programs are not currently impacted by the shutdown?
WIC, TANF, Medicaid, and CHIP programs are not currently impacted by the federal government shutdown, though they are being monitored by the Texas HHSC.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Votes on Project Marvel Funding
San Antonio Housing Market Faces Significant Challenges
San Antonio Golf Legend Critiques Politics at Charity Event
Early Voting Begins in Bexar County
San Antonio Unveils $4 Billion Project Marvel Development
San Antonio Spurs Launch Vote Yes Campaign for Arena Funding
Bexar County Voters Favor Stock Show Expansion Over Spurs Arena
Groundbreaking Ceremony Launches The Merc Development
Construction Begins on The Merc Development in San Antonio
Fort Worth’s Booming Economy: A New Era of Growth
Additional Resources
- KXAN
- Wikipedia: Animal Protection
- NBC DFW
- Google Search: SNAP benefits shutdown
- Community Impact
- Google Scholar: Car Wash Business Model
- KCEN TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas
- KFOX TV
- Google News: Senior Drivers Safety
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.
