San Antonio Mayor Discusses Bond Priorities, Failed MLS Attempt

Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones talks budget outlook, downtown development, and repayment for missed MLS deadline.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:48am

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a San Antonio city street corner with a government building in the background, bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, capturing the quiet contemplation of urban planning decisions.San Antonio's downtown skyline reflects the mayor's careful balancing act between infrastructure needs and economic development priorities as the city prepares its next bond proposal.San Antonio Today

In a recent interview, San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones discussed the city's budget challenges and how that will shape the upcoming $600 million bond proposal. She highlighted priorities like flood infrastructure, streets, economic development, and downtown projects, while noting the need for 'ruthless prioritization' due to limited funds. The mayor also addressed an outstanding $5 million repayment agreement related to the city's failed attempt to land a Major League Soccer team.

Why it matters

As San Antonio faces a tighter fiscal environment, the mayor's bond priorities will have a significant impact on the city's infrastructure, economic development, and overall livability for residents. The failed MLS bid also raises questions about the city's ability to meet financial obligations and maintain transparency around public-private partnerships.

The details

Mayor Jones said the city's next bond, expected to be around $600 million, will be significantly smaller than previous proposals due to 'flat' property tax revenue after more residents claimed homestead exemptions. This will require 'ruthless prioritization,' with the mayor highlighting flood infrastructure, streets and sidewalks, economic development, and downtown projects as the main focus areas. She noted downtown development alone has been discussed in the $220 million to $250 million range, 'almost half' of the current $600 million projection.

  • Mayor Jones delivered her State of the City address on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • The city's next bond proposal is expected to be issued every five years, with the previous bond being $1.2 billion in 2022 and $800 million in 2017.

The players

Gina Ortiz Jones

The current mayor of San Antonio, Texas, who is navigating the city's budget challenges and shaping the priorities for the upcoming $600 million bond proposal.

Spurs Sports & Entertainment

The ownership group of the San Antonio Spurs NBA team, which had a $9 million agreement with the city and county related to the failed attempt to land a Major League Soccer team.

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What they’re saying

“We probably should have been already collecting.”

— Gina Ortiz Jones, Mayor of San Antonio

What’s next

The city manager and attorneys will determine the next steps regarding the $5 million repayment agreement with Spurs Sports & Entertainment related to the failed MLS bid.

The takeaway

San Antonio's budget constraints will force difficult decisions on the upcoming bond proposal, with the mayor prioritizing critical infrastructure and economic development projects over more discretionary items. The city's failed attempt to land an MLS team also highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability around public-private partnerships.