District 9 Councilwoman’s Statement on Arena Vote

Published on August 17, 2026

“The Voters Have Spoken. Now It’s Time to Move San Antonio Forward.”

SAN ANTONIO (August 17, 2026) — Councilwoman Misty Spears issued the following statement regarding the City Council vote on the proposed Spurs arena and surrounding development district:

“The City, County and Spurs entered this process together,” Spears said. “The term sheet established a framework involving all three partners. While it is not the final contract, entering into that agreement in good faith matters.”

Spears emphasized that the County’s election was part of that larger process.

“The County moved forward based on the framework we established. The Spurs moved forward. And most importantly, the voters acted,” Spears said. “They heard the arguments for and against this project and made their decision.”

Spears said questioning the outcome because some disagree with it risks dismissing the voters who participated.

“We held town halls and information sessions, and the financing and framework were hotly debated publicly,” Spears said. “We should ask hard questions and demand accountability, but we cannot keep voting until a minority gets the result it wants.”

Spears stressed that moving forward does not mean giving anyone a blank check.

“The next step is critical: negotiating the strongest agreement possible for San Antonio, protecting opportunities for local businesses, ensuring accountability and making sure every commitment is delivered.”

Spears said the opportunity extends beyond an arena to a broader vision for downtown.

“This is about creating a destination district with an expanded convention center, restaurants, shops, entertainment and new development. It means jobs, opportunities for small businesses, major investment and a stronger San Antonio economy.”

“Combined with the Alamo, River Walk, our museums, neighborhoods, culture and people, we have an opportunity to build something transformational.”

Spears concluded:

“The City entered this process with every intention of moving forward. The County acted. The Spurs acted. And the voters spoke. Now our responsibility is to focus on cementing a strong agreement, ensure transparency, respect the voters and move San Antonio forward.”

“I want to see what San Antonio can build and what this investment can bring to our residents. This can be good for San Antonio and good for Texas. Go Spurs Go!”