San Antonio – In a packed Midtown TIRZ board meeting on Friday, council members voted 7‑4 to commit $166 million toward several high‑profile civic projects. The vote includes a $60 million contribution that will enable the city to purchase a 13‑acre parcel, formerly the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures, for the proposed downtown Spurs arena.
Funding Details and Conditions
The total funding package for the arena component of Project Marvel is expected to reach roughly $115 million when principal and interest are accounted for. In addition, the San Antonio Zoo, the Botanical Gardens and Brackenridge Park each will receive $10 million over five years, plus financing costs, bringing the total to nearly $17 million per institution.
These allocations are contingent on the cultural institutions raising matching private funds for their planned expansions and improvements. Board members emphasized the need for community input and alignment with the city’s housing‑affordability and anti‑displacement policies.
Community Reaction
The meeting drew a standing‑room‑only crowd, with dozens of residents voicing support and a few expressing opposition. Support came from the Texas Restaurant Association, the San Antonio Board of Realtors and Centro San Antonio. Centro’s President and CEO Trish DeBerry called the vote “very, very important” for the city’s future.
Opponents, including residents George Grimes, Seema Kairam, Joe Bravo and Councilman Jalen McKee‑Rodriguez, argued that the arena land lies outside the traditional Midtown TIRZ boundaries and that public input had been insufficient. Councilwoman Kathy Vale warned that using TIRZ funds for a ticketed arena could limit true public assembly.
Board Composition and Future Planning
The board includes city officials such as CFO Troy Elliott, Chief Downtown Officer Shanon Shea Miller, Councilwoman Sukh Kaur, and leaders from the Zoo, Botanical Gardens and Brackenridge Park. New councilman Jalen McKee‑Rodriguez, appointed at Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones’ request, called for greater public engagement and highlighted the need for affordable‑housing strategies using the TIRZ’s remaining $7.5 million for 2024.
Board member Johnny Hearn advocated for upgrades at Brackenridge’s Sunken Gardens, noting the Zulu Association’s contributions to the city through event fees and parking revenue.
Financial Outlook and TIRZ Extension
The Midtown TIRZ, originally slated to expire in 2041, is projected to generate about $200 million in tax revenue over the next 15 years. Extending the zone to 2060 would require City Council approval. Councilman McKee‑Rodriguez urged staff to explore how uncommitted funds could support affordable‑housing and anti‑displacement projects.
Compared with the city’s upcoming 2027 bond program, which anticipates $450 million in spending, TIRZ funds are positioned as a complementary financing tool. Recipients of TIRZ dollars this cycle should not expect additional bond funding, according to McKee‑Rodriguez.
Next Steps
The board will continue reviewing applications for future projects, including a mixed‑use development near the San Antonio Art Museum led by the McCombs family. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in upcoming work sessions to shape how TIRZ resources are allocated, ensuring they align with the city’s broader goals of growth, cultural enrichment, and housing affordability.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
