The San Antonio City Council convened on June 5, 2025, to discuss critical housing initiatives and the ongoing challenges of affordable housing in the city. The meeting highlighted the progress made under the Strategic Housing Implementation Plan (SHIP) and the pressing need for additional affordable housing units.

The session began with Councilmember Sikore expressing gratitude to the Neighborhood and Housing Services Department for their leadership and efforts in engaging with constituents. This was followed by Councilmember Courage's inquiry into the city's affordable housing needs. Mark Carmona, identified as the city's housing czar, reported that the city aims to develop 28,000 affordable housing units, a target set in 2021. Currently, approximately 10,000 units are either completed or under construction, indicating that while progress is being made, the city still faces a significant shortfall.

Councilmember Courage emphasized the necessity for deeper affordability in housing options, particularly for families earning 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or below. He raised concerns about the potential merging of housing bonds with infrastructure projects, suggesting that housing should not be overshadowed by sports and entertainment initiatives. The council acknowledged the influx of new residents, approximately 20,000 annually, many of whom struggle to find affordable housing.

Further discussions included the need for a dedicated housing bond, as the current allocation of $150 million from the 2022 bond program falls short of the originally proposed $300 million. Councilmember Mckee Rodriguez requested regular updates on SHIP goals and the status of various housing projects, particularly focusing on the need for permanent supportive housing.

The council also discussed partnerships with developers and the importance of identifying suitable properties for affordable housing projects. Councilmember Abderate Gavito highlighted the role of federal funding in supporting housing initiatives, while Councilmember Munguia suggested developing metrics to measure the impact of supportive services for residents.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of maintaining focus on affordable housing and the need for ongoing collaboration among council members, city staff, and community partners. The council expressed commitment to revisiting SHIP goals and ensuring that housing remains a priority in future planning and funding decisions.