The San Antonio City Council convened on May 29, 2025, to address several key issues, with a significant focus on affordable housing in District 10. The meeting began with a motion concerning a housing project aimed at increasing affordable options in the northern part of the city.
A council member expressed concerns regarding the affordability of the proposed project, which was set to offer 10% of its units at rates closer to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and 80% of the Income Median for Extremely Low-Income (IMEI). The council member, who has previously served on the housing trust, highlighted that the project does not meet the necessary criteria for true affordability, stating that it should aim for 30% of AMI to effectively serve the community's needs. They pointed out that half of the units would be priced at market rates, which could reach $803,000 for rental properties, making them inaccessible for many residents.
The council member expressed disappointment that the San Antonio Housing Authority, now under a new name, was advancing this project, arguing that it would not adequately support the significant number of individuals living in poverty in the area. They announced their intention to vote against the motion, emphasizing the need for more genuinely affordable housing solutions.
Following this discussion, the council moved to a vote on the motion, which ultimately passed despite the expressed concerns. The meeting concluded with a brief acknowledgment of the agenda's completion and a note that the city administrator would provide a report shortly thereafter.
Overall, the session underscored ongoing challenges in addressing affordable housing in San Antonio, particularly in areas with high demand and limited options for low-income residents.