151. 8.3 Million New Neighbors by 2050—Henry Cisneros and Bob Rivard on the Austin-San Antonio Megaregion

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we turn our focus to the rapidly evolving corridor between San Antonio and Austin—a megaregion that is reshaping the future of Central Texas. Hosts Cory Ames and Bob Rivard are joined by former San Antonio mayor and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Henry Cisneros, to discuss his and Bob's new book, which examines the unprecedented growth, challenges, and opportunities along this urban corridor.

The conversation moves beyond headlines about population booms to examine the complex realities of life in one of the country’s most dynamic regions. What does steady and fast-paced growth mean for cities like San Antonio, Austin, and the many communities in between? What pressures does the region face, and how are city and state leaders preparing for the future?

They discuss:

• Why population growth in the Austin–San Antonio corridor is inevitable, and what’s driving it
• Visible strains on infrastructure—transportation, water, power—and the urgent need for regional cooperation
• Lessons from other megaregions across the United States—and what Central Texas must do to stay competitive
• How the region’s evolving identity, economic base, and cultural strengths can be preserved as the next wave of growth arrives
• The importance of building—not just roads and runways—but also new structures for cross-community collaboration and planning
• What happens if local and state leaders fail to act, and why the decisions made now will shape quality of life for decades to come

The episode provides a nuanced look at what’s at stake for San Antonio and its neighbors, urging both civic leaders and residents to consider what it will take to create a livable, equitable, and sustainable future for the region.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #144. Building the South Side — How JCB Is Bringing 1,500 Jobs to San Antonio – If today’s megaregion conversation sparked your interest in economic growth and workforce opportunities, don’t miss this episode. Bob Rivard sits down with JCB Texas operations director David Carver to explore how a major new manufacturing facility is transforming San Antonio’s south side and what it means for local jobs, training, and the city’s future.