District 9 Councilmember Votes No, Says Budget Falls Short

Published on September 17, 2026

SAN ANTONIO (September 17, 2026) — Following the final vote on the FY 2027 City budget, the District 9 Councilwoman Misty Spears voted against the budget, saying she could not support a spending plan that falls short of the priorities San Antonio taxpayers and District 9 residents deserve.

The final budget includes the City’s property tax rate increase, which the District 9 Councilmember opposed throughout the budget process. She cannot support raising taxes on San Antonio families when she believes City Hall should be doing more to prioritize public safety, basic City services, and the needs of local neighborhoods.

Throughout the budget process, Spears consistently pushed for responsible spending, stronger public safety, taxpayer protection, and meaningful investments in District 9. She said she stood firmly behind those priorities throughout the process, but ultimately disagreed with the choices reflected in the final budget.

“I stood up for District 9, fought for our taxpayers, and pushed for the public safety resources our residents are asking for,” the District 9 Councilwoman said. “The property tax increase passed, and I cannot support that, believing we need to be doing more with the money City Hall already has before asking our taxpayers to pay more.”

The District 9 Councilwoman said her vote reflects her commitment to holding City Hall accountable while continuing to advocate for the priorities District 9 residents have asked her to bring forward.

“Throughout this process, work was done to make sure District 9’s priorities are heard and reflected in the budget,” the District 9 Councilmember said. “This was done by bringing our residents’ priorities to the table, asking the tough questions, and pushing for results. As colleagues, we do not always agree on where the City’s priorities should be, and when I believe those priorities are out of order, the District 9 vote stands by our constituents accordingly.”

“Our residents are asking for more police presence and safer neighborhoods,” the District 9 Councilmember said. “We are going to keep fighting for the officers, public safety resources, and basic city services our district needs.”

“The District 9 Councilmember said she will continue holding City Hall accountable for how taxpayer dollars are spent. “I’m going to keep asking the tough questions, fighting for our taxpayers, and making sure our residents’ priorities are not lost when decisions are made at City Hall.”