District 8 Councilman Applauds FY 2024 Budget

Published on September 14, 2023

District 8 Councilman Applauds FY 2024 Budget, Including Investments in Public Safety and Homeless Outreach

SAN ANTONIO (Sept. 14, 2023) – Today, City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2024 Operating & Capital Budget. In response, Councilman Pelaez issues the following statement:

“Public Safety, homeless outreach & encampments, affordable housing, and infrastructure remain our top priorities for District 8, and The FY 2024 Budget is thoughtfully aimed at addressing these issues. 

“At the heart of this budget is our commitment to public safety and the protection of our residents. In line with this, we are proud to add 100 new police officers to our patrol unit. This reinforcement of our police force will allow for more comprehensive community policing efforts and quicker emergency response times.

“Homeless Outreach and Encampments also ranked high in priorities for District 8. With the additional resources allocated this year, the number of encampments addressed annually will increase from 500 to 700. 

“The FY 2024 Budget includes $36 million to create and preserve affordable housing within the five approved priority categories: rental rehabilitation, rental production, homeowner production, owner rehabilitation, and permanent supportive housing. 

“The FY 2024 Budget maintains the Street Maintenance Program at $116 million and increases the funding for citywide pavement markings to $11.3 million. This funding level will allow a shorter maintenance cycle of pavement markings, improving from every five years to every three years for arterials, collectors, and local streets. 

“I also want to highlight the astounding advances we’ve made to address the critical issue of domestic violence. With $1.3 million allocated across six delegate agencies, there has never been more attention on this issue. In FY 2024, Metro Health will continue the implementation of survivor-centered domestic violence initiatives through long-term case management services and improved coordination of care in partnership with community organizations. 

“District 8 Parks are getting the much-needed care they deserve. From general park and rehabilitation improvements to new playgrounds, here is a list of what is to come:

• Al Rhode Park: General park and rehabilitation improvements.
• Eisenhower Park: Improvements which may include additional trails, a bicycle skills area, and a new playground.
• Friedrich Park: Improvements which may include and expansion to the parking lot.
• Leon Creek (the Rim to Raymond Russell): The development of a hike and bike trail project.
• New Medical Center Area Park: The construction of a new park!
• Spring Time Park: Improvements which may include a splash pad.

“Thank you to the City Manager, his Executive Leadership team, and the many City employees who work tirelessly to help improve the community, as well as our District 8 team for the customer service and care they provide to our neighbors.”