D5 Councilmember Champions Community Priorities in FY 2026 Budget

Published on September 18, 2025

District 5 Councilmember Champions Community Priorities in Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Approval

SAN ANTONIO (September 18, 2025) – Today, the San Antonio City Council unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2026 $4 billion budget.

“Today’s budget is an investment in working families across District 5 and San Antonio,” said Councilmember Castillo. “I am proud we were able to secure resources that will uplift our neighborhoods while holding the line on property taxes.”

The Councilmember’s priorities reflected the needs of District 5 residents, focusing on housing, support for seniors and youth, public safety, infrastructure, workers’ wages, and small business development.

Despite a slimmer budget year, the District 5 Councilmember actively championed initiatives to protect workers, strengthen community safety, and support families. This advocacy led to funding for a cost-of-living adjustment for city employees, restoring the Capital Improvements Program, and securing resources for community organizations such as American Gateways, For Her, Big Mama’s Safehouse, and Family Violence Prevention Services. 

“This budget shows that even with limited resources, we always prioritize the needs of our residents. I remain committed to ensuring critical investments are made to support working families, improve our neighborhoods, and prepare for the future,” the Councilmember said.

Key highlights in the FY 2026 Budget include:

• Passage of the budget without raising property taxes.
• Increased fines and fees to hold vacant and nuisance property owners accountable.
• Significant investments in staffing for firefighters and EMS personnel.
• Continued support for community-based public safety programs, including Big Mama’s Safehouse.
• Over $1.1 million in improvements for parks, playground shade structures, and the Normoyle Pool.
• $15.7 million for housing initiatives, including $7.7 million for major repair programs and nearly $8 million for minor home repairs.
• $5.7 million for rental and relocation assistance.
• Restoring one vacant building Code Officer