The San Antonio City Council convened on June 5, 2025, to address critical housing issues facing the community. The meeting began with discussions on the ongoing challenges related to affordable housing and the need for increased housing units in the city.

Councilmember College initiated the conversation by highlighting the importance of field visits that provide valuable insights into the housing situation. He emphasized the necessity of recognizing the scale of the housing challenge, asking Mark, the city's housing czar, to provide an update on housing needs. Mark reported that the city requires an additional 28,000 housing units to meet community demands, a significant increase from the current projections.

The council reviewed the progress made since the adoption of the Strategic Housing Plan (SEP) four years ago, noting that approximately 10,000 units are currently in development as part of the 2022 bond project. However, this figure falls short of the identified need, prompting discussions about securing more financial resources to address the housing gap.

Councilmember College proposed the idea of a separate housing bond to ensure that housing remains a priority, rather than being overshadowed by other projects, such as sports and entertainment facilities. He expressed concern that combining housing initiatives with other funding could diminish the focus on affordable housing.

The council also revisited the initial investment of $300 million approved for affordable housing, which was later adjusted to $150 million as a starting point. This discussion underscored the ongoing need for substantial financial commitments to meet the housing goals set forth in the SEP.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the urgent need for San Antonio to address its housing crisis, with council members acknowledging both the progress made and the significant work that remains. The council plans to continue exploring funding options and strategies to meet the community's housing needs effectively.