New holidays, quick build projects and green space construction were discussed at San Antonio’s latest city council meeting.
In the absence of Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, District 2 Councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez served as Mayor Pro Tem: a position that is elected by council members, with the responsibility of filling in for the mayor when they are absent. McKee-Rodriguez began the meeting by announcing the proclamations and recognitions.
The first proclamation was for the Persian New Year.
“The city of San Antonio is proud to join the Mayor Foundation, celebrating Nowruz,” McKee-Rodriguez said. “I, Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, on behalf of Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, Mayor of the city of San Antonio, and recognition thereof, do hereby proclaim March 20th 2026 to be Nowruz Persian New Year Day in San Antonio, Texas, and encourage all residents to participate in this meaningful cultural celebration.”
The proclamation was then accepted by representatives from the Merh Foundation.
The next proclamation was for Theatre in Our Schools Month. After declaring the new celebration, District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran addressed the Taft theatre group, who attended to extend their gratitude for the proclamation, to discuss funding.
“As we look at budget season, when we think about fine arts and our theatre program, we make sure that we are looking at the HOT tax and make sure that funding is going to all the arts,” Viagran stated.
Following the proclamations, Councilmember Ric Galvan and Viagran took a point of personal privilege. Galvan recognized members of his district who passed away, and Viagran mentioned an upcoming 5-K and Women’s history event.
District 1 Councilmember Sukh Kaur highlighted a grant for a quick build project, which would allow the city to do five projects – which are aimed to make transportation more efficient throughout the city.
“I would like to highlight item number 23, which is a grant from the federal government from a bipartisan bill in 2021 that allows for us to do five quick build projects. Councilman Castillo and I are currently working on a policy to create a long-term solution for quick builds within public works and transportation, but this is going to give us a grant to test that out,” Kaur explained.
District 8 Councilmember Ivalis Meza Gonzalez spoke about the upcoming construction for the green space that is planned for UTSA Blvd.
“Item 8 is the ordinance approving a construction contract for the Maverick Creek greenway UTSA Boulevard to Loop 1604 project. This project will expand access between surrounding neighborhoods, UTSA and the broader Howard Peak greenway trail system,” Gonzalez said. “Furthering [and] strengthening the cities that work with interconnected hike and bike trails. Expanding the trail system provides residents access to safe outdoor spaces that support visible activity, recreation and overall public health.”
The last council member to speak was District 10 Councilmember Marc Whyte, who highlighted Lady Bird Johnson Park improvements.
“The project’s going to make some bike improvements, general park improvements, including ADA parking, shade enhancement including some additional trees and irrigation,” Whyte said.
City council meetings are open to the public and take place weekly on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. and Thursdays at 2 p.m. at Municipal Plaza Building
