The San Antonio Government Committee voted April 16 to adopt staff recommendations on 14 Council Considerations (CCRs), approving referrals and budget-study requests that could lead to zoning reviews, traffic changes, a possible second Animal Care Services campus and other policy work. City staff presented the items and the committee approved the package by voice vote; no member objected.

Why it matters: The package sends a set of proposals to committees or to the 2026 budget-goals process, creating the next formal steps for projects that could affect land use, public safety, transportation and city services. Several items named potential funding sources, including the citys 2027 bond program, and asked for more detailed analyses before budget decisions.

Key actions and next steps

- Animal Care Services (ACS) campus study: City staff told the committee ACS receives about 90,000 service calls a year, roughly 55,000 of which staff classified as "critical," and that ACS currently adopts about 5,500 animals annually while transferring roughly 18,500 to rescue partners. Staff recommended a CCR be referred to determine locations for a possible second ACS campus, estimate size and feasibility, and consider the 2027 bond as a potential funding source. Staff noted the existing campus was built in 2007 and that the city recently used 2022 bond dollars to build an on-site hospital; staff said ACS responded to about 82% of critical calls (up from roughly 45%) and aims for 100% by January 2026. The committee recommended referral to the budget-goals process for further study and potential funding discussions.

- Traffic calming and neighborhood speed limits: A District 7 CCR asked that neighborhood speed limits be evaluated for a reduction from 30 mph to 25 mph. The staff recommended referral to the transportation committee. Councilmember Alderete Gabito argued the measure is about safety, saying, "It's not just about lowering the speed, it's about saving lives." The committee agreed to send the item to the transportation committee for further analysis.

- Comprehensive review of development fees: A District 10 CCR requests a full review of development-related fees for residential projects, including a comparative analysis with other cities and an economic impact assessment. Staff recommended the matter be referred to the planning and community committee for study and public engagement.

- Fire Department capacity study: A CCR presented by Councilmember Mackie Rodríguez asked the city to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the fire departments capacity, anticipated needs and projected growth to 2040. Staff recommended including the study in the next budget-goals process so the city can scope costs and priorities.

- Police association and investigator roles: A District 1 CCR asked the city manager to evaluate options related to the San Antonio Police Officers Association, including creating investigator roles that could be filled by retired officers or civilian employees to handle traffic crash reports, found property and enforcement of noise and traffic codes. Staff recommended referral to the public safety committee.

- Supermarket incubator and small grocery support: A CCR proposed a supermarket incubator program to help small self-service stores in underserved areas obtain technical assistance, site-selection support and financial assistance. Staff recommended departments including economic development participate in planning and the item be included in budget-goals discussions.

- RAFT workforce assistance for federally funded employees: A CCR proposed a RAFT program (a city-coordinated workforce assistance effort for municipal employees paid with federal funds). Staff reported a memorandum to council and a March 17 press event; staff also said a hotline received 369 calls over the prior 32 days (about 11 calls per day) and that a job fair begins tomorrow at 9 a.m. at the Food Bank of San Antonio event center. Staff recommended no immediate additional action but asked that departments continue coordination.

- Naming city facilities: A District 4 CCR asked the city to review the process for naming city facilities. Staff cited Chapter 6, Article 17 and recommended councilmembers revisit the distance requirements and committee composition; staff recommended further review by council members.

- Contract integrity and contractor monitoring: A District 5 CCR asked the city to monitor contractors and subcontractors for wages, hours worked and compliance on city projects beyond public-works contracts. Staff recommended referring the item to the infrastructure and transportation committee and involving the citys compliance team.

Other items included a vacant-housing revitalization incentive proposal, a faith-based land-use technical-assistance program for churches, and a traffic-calming review requested by District 5. Staff recommended each CCR be referred to the appropriate committee or included in the next budget-goals process; the committee approved all of the staffs recommendations in a single motion.

Committee action and procedural notes

A motion to implement the staff recommendations as presented was made and seconded; the committee approved the motion by voice vote and the chair stated there were no objections. Where staff requested referral, items were sent to the named committees (planning and community; transportation; infrastructure and transportation; public safety) or slated for inclusion in the 2026 budget-goals process. The committee did not adopt detailed budgets or final policy changes; most items require further analysis, committee hearings or budget actions before any changes take effect.

Where to follow up: Committee members and staff said future committee meetings and the budget-goals process will include presentations and analyses on several of the CCRs, including the ACS campus feasibility study and the fire department analysis. The full list of CCRs and staff recommendations is available in the committee packet on the City of San Antonio website.