San Antonio Adopts $4B FY 2026 Budget with Targeted Investments in Housing, Homelessness, and Safety
San Antonio City Council has approved a balanced $4 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026 that preserves core services, invests in community needs, and keeps the city’s property tax rate unchanged. The plan also lays the foundation for balance in FY 2027 despite slower revenue growth and rising costs.
Closing a $111 Million Gap
At the start of the budget process, officials faced projected shortfalls. The city closed the gap by:
• Cutting $111 million in spending
• Shifting costs into the Capital Budget
• Increasing targeted fees and fines
• Eliminating 67 positions (with employees placed in existing vacancies, avoiding layoffs)
Major Initiatives by Category
Homelessness
• Creation of a Homeless Services & Strategy Department to coordinate immediate aid and long-term solutions
• $30.5 million investment in homelessness services
• $4.8 million allocated to keep a low-barrier shelter open after federal funds expired
• Target to clear 1,300 encampments within 14 days of 311 reports
Infrastructure
• Establishment of a Capital Delivery Department with 188 existing positions to focus on major bond projects
• $122 million dedicated to street improvements to complete 1,464 projects and maintain 416 miles of road
• $17 million for sidewalks, including 21 new miles and 11 miles of repairs
Affordable Housing
• $31.4 million investment through the Strategic Housing Implementation Plan (SHIP)
• $22.8 million directed toward home rehabilitation, rental assistance, and down payment programs
• Goal of 13,100 affordable homes completed, underway, or planned by end of FY 2026
Public Safety
• $631.5 million for police services
• $428 million for the Fire Department
• Funding for 40 new police officers assigned to patrol
• 28 officer positions added for the S. Flores substation (opening 2027)
• 12 new firefighters to help with medical calls
Animal Care Services
• $33.6 million investment in Animal Care Services
• Projected 85% live release and placement rate
• 100% response rate to critical calls by FY 2026
• 41,459 spay and neuter surgeries — a 6.5% increase over FY 2025
City Leader’s Thoughts
City leaders emphasized that the budget not only preserves essential services but also advances priorities in housing, safety, infrastructure, and animal care. By balancing immediate needs with long-term planning, San Antonio’s FY 2026 budget aims to protect taxpayers while strengthening community resources. Hear from some of them below:
District 9 Councilwoman, Misty Spears, said “The best day to begin work on next year’s budget is tomorrow,” Councilwoman Spears added. “Public safety, infrastructure, and economic growth will continue to guide every decision.”
District 10 Councilmember, Marc Whyte, said, “While there are investments worth noting, the final product fails to deliver on a key commitment to public safety. Despite the positives, the budget authorizes only 40 new patrol officers instead of the 65 originally proposed from the 2023 staffing study.“
District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo championed community priorities approved in the budget stating, “This budget shows that even with limited resources, we always prioritize the needs of our residents. I remain committed to ensuring critical investments are made to support working families, improve our neighborhoods, and prepare for the future.”
District 6 Councilmember Ric Galvan celebrated the passing of the budget noting although pointing out future planning, “As we approach another deficit in FY 2027, we must pivot toward a forward-looking strategy that allows us to weather economic challenges and overcome legislative barriers imposed by state and federal officials. We need a budget process that rethinks how we grow, spend, and invest — one that prioritizes the long-term health and well-being of our community.”
District 8 Councilmember Ivalis Meza Gonzalez commended the budget saying, “I am proud of the work we have done, and remain committed to ensuring that as we face the challenges of the years ahead, the voices and priorities of District 8 will continue to guide my decisions.”
District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran lauded the passing stating, “I want to extend heartfelt thanks to my colleagues on City Council, our dedicated City staff, and the countless District 3 residents and neighborhood associations in the community who advocated for their needs throughout this budget process. Your voices were heard, and this balanced budget reflects our collective vision for a thriving San Antonio.”
City Manager, Erick Walsh, shared his thoughts on the passing of the budget stating, “Even in a challenging environment, this budget stays true to our values: protecting core services, minimizing the impact on vulnerable residents, and avoiding long-term risks.”
