Mayor Jones Statement Regarding Sports & Entertainment District
Last week, the community advocacy group COPS/Metro Alliance held a press conference rejecting both the Spurs-funded economic impact study and the broader public-private arena proposal. Citing concerns over transparency and public accountability. In response to mounting public pressure and ongoing debate, Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones released the following statement following yesterday’s San Antonio City Council meeting.
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones releases the following statement after yesterday’s City Council meeting:
“Based on yesterday’s San Antonio City Council meeting, I believe we need a strategic pause in our negotiations with the Spurs. This is a generational investment, and we need the data to move forward smartly. There is no need to act by August 21. That is a desire by some, but not a deadline for the City.
“The Spurs have stated that they want a $1.3-$1.5 billion arena. In the case of a $1.3 billion arena, based on the Spurs’ $500 million contribution, and the County’s $311 million contribution, the City’s contribution could be up to $489 million. As our residents face economic uncertainty based on federal cuts, and as we face a budget shortfall locally, we should proceed with data and caution.
“The only data we have regarding the economic impact of a new Spurs arena is a study funded by the Spurs. The people of San Antonio deserve an independent, detailed economic analysis to be presented to the City Council that clearly outlines the direct and indirect costs, as well as opportunity costs associated with a new Spurs arena. The people are trusting us to do our due diligence, and we should do that.
“In addition to the above, the independent, detailed economic analysis will:
- Help us understand the highest and best use of the public land within the proposed Sports & Entertainment District
- Provide the analysis that determined a new Spurs arena was the highest and best use for the ITC site
- Explain whether and how the proposed downtown Sports & Entertainment District can support two competing arenas
- Provide an estimate of the initial and future anticipated bond elections, including their respective values, needed to finance the infrastructure associated with the arena and proposed downtown developments
- Identify known and anticipated associated costs related to utility infrastructure modifications
- Independent, detailed economic impact analysis of activities at the Henry B. Gonzales Center and the Alamodome over the last 7 years, specifically noting the ROI for each in that time period
- Independent, detailed economic analysis that shows how proposed expansions at the Convention Center will directly and appreciably increase San Antonio’s competitiveness to attract conventions, in light of peer and other Texas cities similarly expanding their convention center footprint
- The analysis that informed the current approach toward housing in the Mixed-Use District (e.g., amount, type, location, affordability).”
-end-
The Mayor’s call for a “strategic pause” echoes many of the concerns raised by COPS/Metro and community members, who have warned against relying on data funded by the very entity seeking public dollars. As the conversation around the proposed arena intensifies, residents continue to ask for independent economic data, transparency in negotiations, and assurance that any development will truly serve the public interest—not just private gain.
What SA’s new mayor is proposing – an economic transparent cost study of the sports zone – will bring added risk as to the fate of the Spurs remaining in San Antonio. When COPS and Metro Alliance are part of the equation you now have a socialistic impact in the final decision. The Spurs have decided the Frost Bank Center is inadequate for their needs. With the escalating costs of doing business in the NBA it is the Spur’s organization only option to stay viable in the city. I don’t envy City Council’s precarious position on this massive issue. If the deal fails hello Austin, Texas.