SAN ANTONIO — Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is asking business, foundation and philanthropic leaders to help fund 15 San Antonio organizations as the city works to close a projected $157.7 million budget deficit without raising property taxes.
In a letter sent Friday, Jones asked community leaders to consider three-year funding commitments that would at least match each organization’s 2026 city budget allocation, potentially freeing General Fund dollars for core city services.
The 15 organizations received a combined $6.52 million from the city’s 2026 General Fund budget. The largest allocations went to the San Antonio Education Partnership Scholarship & Outreach Program, which received nearly $2.48 million, and the San Antonio Botanical Garden, which received more than $1 million.
Jones said the city’s changing financial outlook requires a reassessment of public funding for community organizations.
“Our community is fortunate to have many worthwhile organizations that strengthen our city, and many of them have received financial support from city taxpayers via the city’s General Fund,” Jones wrote. “However, the economic environment has changed.”
City officials are considering several options to address the projected two-year budget shortfall, driven by rising expenses and an expected $8.2 million decline in property tax revenue next year. Proposals include department spending cuts, higher fees and the city’s first property tax increase in 33 years.
Earlier this week, Jones also proposed redirecting some Ready to Work workforce development funds to programs currently supported by the General Fund, a move that would require voter approval. She said shifting eligible expenses could free General Fund dollars for public safety, drainage and other essential services while minimizing budget cuts and property tax increases.
City staff are expected to present a proposed fiscal year 2027 budget to the City Council in mid-August. The council must adopt a final budget by the end of September.