Councilwoman Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia’s statement about the FY2022 Budget Adoption

CONTACT: Rosana Galaviz
Office: (210) 207-5785
[email protected]

SAN ANTONIO (September 16, 2021) - The following is a statement from Councilwoman Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia regarding the adoption of the FY 2022 Operating and Capital Budget totaling $3.1 billion:
'Today City Council approved the adoption of the FY 2022 Operating and Capital Budget without an increase in the city property tax rate for San Antonio residents. As we continue to grapple with the effects of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, I hope this budget reflects a commitment to meet the needs of our residents, small business owners, vulnerable populations, and historically neglected communities.
I will continue advocating for our City to re-direct its focus from the 'Decade of Downtown' to what I call the 'Decade of Neighborhoods'. We have a unique opportunity to align several policy plans and implementation strategies, including the upcoming 2022 Bond Program, SA Tomorrow Plan, a city-wide response to homelessness, the amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC), the Strategic Housing Implementation Plan (SHIP), and other long-term housing policies.
The need to revitalize our communities is critical and warrants strategic investments in public infrastructure, housing, community resources and other quality of life services. In District 4, part of the work begins with ensuring the $13 million in funding for the Infrastructure Management Program reflects the needs of our residents based on their direct feedback. Additional funding for some infrastructure projects in District 4 will be sought through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which will be discussed in October.
Several projects like the Watson Road project, require long-term planning and this year's budget will include $1 million in funding set aside for the design and scope of what will be a transformative reconfiguration of this roadway. The two libraries in District 4 will also receive funding for improvements, including an HVAC replacement at Johnston Library and general improvements for Cortez Library.
Other key projects in District 4 include the $1.3 million South Zarzamora Street/Applewhite Road Intersection, the $2.1 million Leon Creek Park improvements as well as the $624,000 Lackland Corridor Drainage project.
The $1.5 million Cedarhurst Drive drainage improvement Project and $2.3 million Heritage Community Center are some of the 2017 Bond Program projects included in the FY2022 Budget. Additionally, the Palo Alto College Aquatic Center and the Southwest ISD Natatorium are exemplary examples of leveraged partnerships transforming the landscape of our District 4 community.'