SATX-NSA: Impact 9/23/2025

On Sept. 18, the San Antonio City Council voted unanimously to approve a $4.04 billion total budget for fiscal year 2025-26, representing a 2.2% increase from FY 2024-25.

The overview: On top of approving the FY 2025-26 budget, City Council also set the tax rate; approved an ordinance, which carried forward center FY 2024-25 funds; amended prior appropriations and appropriated funds for requirements in city projects and departments; amended existing fees within the general fund and certain restricted funds; and approved projects in a six-year capital improvements program.

A closer look: The City Council also voted to add amendments to the general fund and to adjust fees and permits. Prior to the vote, District 10 council member Marc Whyte spoke against the fee increases.

Zooming in: The budget also includes funds for 13,723 city positions, including 2,893 police officers and 1,815 firefighters.

Santikos Entertainment is building a new 33-acre, multipurpose development in North San Antonio.

The details: Known as the Trinity Oaks development, the site will include multiple entertainment and retail options as well as residential accommodations, according to a news release. The new development will be located near the Timberwood Park area at the corner of Trinity Park and US 281.

Trinity Oaks will feature 10-12 premium screen theaters, multiple bowling lanes and a gaming area. 

The entertainment project is estimated to be completed in late 2027, with retail spaces available in early 2026.

Per a Sept. 12 press release, the American Cancer Society and Occidental have partnered to expand access to life-saving cancer treatment to patients across Texas. Occidental’s half-million-dollar donation will help the American Cancer Society continue to deliver the resources patients need to access cancer care that could save their lives.

The details: With the new contribution, Occidental is helping fund essential access to care programs that remove barriers often standing between diagnosis and survival for cancer patients, according to the release.

Programs the partnership is helping with include free lodging, rides to treatment and 24/7 support for cancer patients and caregivers.

Quote of note: “We are honored to contribute to the American Cancer Society and help remove barriers to accessing vital care so people can focus on their healing journey,” said Rob Stevens, vice president of supply chain with Occidental.

This school year, students who are eligible for reduced-price meals can receive free breakfast and lunch at public schools across Texas.

The overview: During the recent legislative session, state lawmakers approved $19.8 million to cover the cost of reduced-price meals for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.

What parents should know: Eligibility for free school meals is determined based on a family’s income through the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.

Families can contact their school district to fill out an application for free or reduced-price meals at any time during the school year. Students who are deemed eligible for reduced-price meals will receive them at no cost through the 2026-27 school year.

What they're saying: “Kids who would have paid a small fee for meals will now receive them at no cost,” said Stacie Sanchez Hare, director of No Kid Hungry Texas. “[School] is where we know so many kids get their meals—it is a guaranteed place for kids to have access to free and nutritional meals.”