This week, members of the San Antonio community go to the polls to vote on the six propositions that make up the city’s $1.2 Billion bond, by far the largest bond this city has had to date. Though early voting began April 25th and will go all the way until May 3rd, Election Day will be this Saturday May 7th, 2022.
Much discussion has been had within elected officials and community organizations alike about what needs should be addressed by the funding, from infrastructure to, for the first time, affordable housing. Both come at a time where San Antonio, one of the largest metropolitan cities in the United States, has been experiencing record-breaking population growth and environmental catastrophes such as flooding and the snowstorm of 2021.
Also, to leverage these funds are funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as a response to the effects caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
The five-year bond program consists of 183 projects between the six propositions: $471.6 million towards streets, bridges, and sidewalks, $271.9 million towards parks and recreation, $169.9 million towards drainage and flood control, $150 million towards affordable housing, $78.3 million towards public safety facilities, and $58.4 million towards library and cultural facilities.
Of the projects, voters who reside in District 2 should pay attention to Proposition A which will devote spending towards fixing sidewalks and streets in and around the east side area, and Proposition D, which will devote $12,500,00 dollars toward the renovation and expansion of the Carver Branch Library and $11,500,000 dollars towards the renovation of the Ella Austin Community Center.
On the city’s main website: www.sanantonio.gov, a detailed guide, in English and Spanish, has been provided, including brief descriptions of each project within each of the six propositions, and further information such as FAQs, info on bond spending, etc.
If there is anything that has been proven over the course of the last 3-5 years, it is that community investment and input is important now more than ever. Combine the detrimental impact on the city environment and culture due to COVID-19 with the, at one time, loss of faith and trust in the City Council over ethical investment, it seems this upcoming bond election will slowly begin to restore or even recreate what had been lost.
Be sure to visit the City of San Antonio’s website to review the extensive bond guide, but also available are past agenda items from previous committee meetings, guide to polling stations, and what to bring on Election Day.
