125. The Man Behind Brooks: How Leo Gomez Reimagined the Southside

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the transformation underway at Brooks—formerly Brooks City Base—on San Antonio’s Southeast Side. Over the past decade, Brooks has shifted from a dormant military installation to a growing center for business, education, healthcare, and residential development. We explore the decisions and investments that brought this revitalization to life and what it means for the future of the South Side and the city as a whole.

Host Bob Rivard is joined by Leo Gomez, president and CEO of the Brooks Development Authority and Brooks Gives Back. Since taking the helm in 2013, Gomez has spearheaded efforts to reimagine Brooks’ purpose—pivoting away from the original goal of creating a private research and technology park toward building a mixed-use, community-centered campus. Under his leadership, Brooks has seen major infrastructure improvements, new employers, retail and restaurant growth, and the addition of housing and green space.

They discuss:

• The historical significance of Brooks and its role in military and NASA research
• The strategic shift away from a pure science park to a broader community vision
• Infrastructure investments and their link to job creation and revitalization
• The role of partnerships—public and private—in bringing new industry, international investment, and housing options to Brooks
• The development of green space, including the expansion of tree canopy and the forthcoming San Antonio Arboretum
• The broader impact on South Side neighborhoods and access to amenities often out of reach for this part of the city
• What’s next for Brooks, including planned affordable housing, new manufacturers, and continued growth as a vibrant employment and residential center

For San Antonians closely following urban development, local economic shifts, and south side investment, this episode provides a detailed look at one of the city’s most ambitious redevelopment projects and the leadership shaping its outlook.

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RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #9. Henry Cisneros & Tom Corser: Celebrating Heritage Through San Antonio's Trees – Dive deeper into San Antonio’s transformation as Bob Rivard sits down with Henry Cisneros and Tom Corser to discuss the vision, challenges, and legacy of the Arboretum San Antonio project. Discover how tree heritage, city planning, and civic leadership continue to shape the green spaces enriching our community’s future.

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