San Antonio Mayor Forms Advisory Group to Attract High-Tech Industries

The panel will focus on AI, quantum tech, biotech, and space manufacturing to boost the city's economic security.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has created an 11-member Economic Security Advisory Group to help the city attract and grow companies in emerging high-tech sectors like artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, and space manufacturing. The group, chaired by the president and CEO of Port San Antonio, will provide guidance on projects to include in a potential city bond measure and ways to structure economic development agreements to encourage new business.

Why it matters

San Antonio's large active and retired military population, as well as its 99,000 residents with advanced manufacturing backgrounds, make it well-positioned to lead in these high-tech industries. The city also has the largest cybersecurity presence outside of Washington, D.C., further bolstering its tech credentials.

The details

The advisory group will meet quarterly and provide input to the mayor on ways to make San Antonio competitive in AI, quantum tech, biotech, and space manufacturing. This could include recommendations for infrastructure improvements to attract companies, as well as strategies for structuring economic development deals. The mayor will also travel to Taiwan in March with members of the group to meet with government officials and the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association.

  • The advisory group is expected to meet quarterly.
  • Mayor Ortiz Jones will travel to Taiwan on March 14, 2026.

The players

Gina Ortiz Jones

The mayor of San Antonio who created the Economic Security Advisory Group.

Jim Perschback

The president and CEO of Port San Antonio, who will chair the 11-member advisory committee.

Adam Hamilton

The president and CEO of Southwest Research Institute, who is a member of the advisory group.

Larry Schlesinger

The president and CEO of Texas Biomed, who is a member of the advisory group.

Misty Spears

The District 9 councilwoman who will accompany the mayor on the trip to Taiwan.

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What they’re saying

“These are foundational technologies and growing sectors that will be needed to power the global economy and San Antonio will lead the way.”

— Gina Ortiz Jones, Mayor (expressnews.com)

“The advancements within and across these sectors are not exclusive to defense purposes. They'll fuel advances in public health, medical research, educational attainment and communications, to name a few.”

— Gina Ortiz Jones, Mayor (expressnews.com)

“You can't talk about the future of advanced manufacturing without talking about Taiwan.”

— Gina Ortiz Jones, Mayor (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

San Antonio's focus on attracting high-tech industries like AI, quantum tech, biotech, and space manufacturing highlights the city's efforts to diversify its economy and position itself as a leader in emerging technologies. The creation of the Economic Security Advisory Group demonstrates the mayor's commitment to leveraging the city's existing strengths in manufacturing, cybersecurity, and its military presence to drive economic growth and secure San Antonio's future.