Mayor Calls for Exercise to Plan Impacts of Federal Cuts and Budget
Published on October 16, 2025
Mayor Calls for Tabletop Exercise to Scenario Plan Impacts of Federal Cuts, Impacts on City’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
SAN ANTONIO (October 16, 2025) – On Wednesday, October 15, Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones led the initial discussion that laid out a framework for a tabletop exercise, in partnership with City Manager Erik Walsh and City Council, to understand the various impacts reduced federal funding may have on the City’s budget and the most vulnerable in the community. The intent of the tabletop, which will take place later this year, is to identify potential gaps, assumptions, and ways to mitigate risks as a result of the loss of federal funding. That information will enable the Council and staff to begin to develop a strategy for addressing the budget gaps.
“The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will cut funding to programs like Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and SNAP that our San Antonio communities rely on. I’m working with our City Manager and City Council to see how we can help those most impacted and align our City’s fiscal responsibilities,” said Mayor Jones. “The City of San Antonio budget has experienced fiscal stress and any reduction of federal funds coming to San Antonio could have a meaningful impact on the services the City of San Antonio and community partners provide. We must be strategic and compassionate, and this tabletop exercise will give us insights into how to meet the needs of our constituents.”
The $4.06 billion FY26 budget includes $153 million in federal grant funds, which support 663 positions across departments in San Antonio. Further, Metro Health relies on the federal government for approximately 40% of its funding.
The planned tabletop will be a collaborative exercise between local key partners to understand the community impact of potential federal funding cuts and develop a plan that City Council can use to inform the FY27 budget.
“As a council, we first need to identify the most pressing issues and challenges we expect to face due to the funding cuts. That’ll focus our discussions, and ensure we have the necessary data and community partners and experts around the table to think through our approach moving forward,” said the Mayor. “Working together, we will develop a plan that ensures San Antonio is not only prepared for what’s ahead, but is ready to innovate and grow amid these challenging times.”