The San Antonio Special Session Mayor’s Address on June 9, 2025, highlighted significant economic challenges and progress within the city. Mayor spoke about the current unemployment rate of 3.7 percent, noting that despite recent economic growth, approximately 60,000 residents still rely on food banks weekly. The mayor emphasized that only 26% of the workforce holds a post-secondary education, contributing to a troubling underemployment issue where many residents are classified as working poor.

The address underscored the need for San Antonio to address these disparities, particularly as the city has experienced rapid growth and diversification beyond its traditional reliance on military and tourism sectors. The mayor posed a critical question regarding the city's future direction, emphasizing that the path to economic mobility lies in improving housing affordability, education, workforce training, and transit infrastructure.

In response to these challenges, the city has made significant strides. Voters approved three sales tax referenda aimed at expanding pre-K education, launching workforce readiness programs, and enhancing mass transit systems. Additionally, a charter change allowed for the execution of a housing affordability bond, resulting in the completion or construction of 10,000 homes for residents.

Overall, between 2020 and 2022, San Antonio voters approved nearly $2 billion in investments for physical and human infrastructure without raising taxes. The mayor concluded by stressing the importance of harnessing the potential of the city's residents to ensure that growth benefits all citizens, not just a select few.