126. Mayor Ron Nirenberg on 8 Years of Progress—and What Comes Next for San Antonio

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we sit down with Mayor Ron Nirenberg as he prepares to leave office after serving eight years as mayor and a total of twelve years in San Antonio’s city government. 

Bob and Mayor Nirenberg review major initiatives, including the expansion of Pre-K 4 SA, the $1.2 billion municipal bond dedicating unprecedented resources to affordable housing, and the launch of the Ready to Work workforce development program. The discussion also delves into the city’s approach to protecting the Edwards Aquifer, supporting immigrants and asylum seekers, and guiding San Antonio through the COVID-19 pandemic.

They discuss:

• The evolution of San Antonio’s housing strategy and the impact of recent bond investments
• The complexities and outcomes of workforce development and the Ready to Work program
• City leadership during the pandemic and what it revealed about generational poverty
• Economic development, from global recruitment to the realities of competing with other Texas cities
• The ongoing tension between local and state governments, especially around immigration
• The city’s climate initiatives and the role of public utilities in environmental stewardship
• Reflections on civic participation, local elections, and what it means for San Antonio’s future

As Mayor Nirenberg hands off the reins to a new administration, he shares insights on unfinished work, the importance of systems thinking in local government, and the values that have guided his public service.

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