Concerns over a proposed pilot program for illuminated advertising in San Antonio took center stage at the Planning and Community Development Committee meeting on April 24, 2025. Local leaders voiced strong objections, highlighting potential economic and aesthetic impacts on the city.

Louis Better, president of the San Antonio Conservation Society, raised alarms about the lack of approval for the project, which he argued could exacerbate existing issues with illuminated billboards. "This chaos has persisted for five years," Better stated, emphasizing that the city’s previous regulations aimed to control such advertising have not been effectively enforced. He warned that the new program could lead to more permanent installations that detract from the city’s visual appeal.

Mary Kidman, executive director of Blue Star, echoed these concerns while advocating for the arts. She urged the committee to ensure that any profits from the pilot program be allocated solely to the Department of Arts and Culture. Kidman stressed the need for adequate funding for arts initiatives, arguing that the current support is insufficient to meet community needs. "We have existing cultural assets that deserve proper promotion and funding," she asserted.

The discussions underscored a broader concern about the balance between economic development and preserving the city’s character. As the committee considers the pilot program, the voices of community leaders reflect a desire for a more thoughtful approach to urban advertising that respects San Antonio's unique cultural landscape. The committee's next steps will be crucial in determining the future of this initiative and its potential impact on the community.