San Antonio City Council Swats Away November Vote for Spurs Arena Funding
The 5-6 vote keeps the city’s $489 million arena financing off the ballot and moves San Antonio closer to a final deal with Spurs Sports and Entertainment.
- On Monday, the San Antonio City Council voted 6-5 to reject Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones's push for a public ballot vote on the city's $489 million contribution to the proposed $1.3 billion Spurs arena.
- Unlike the county's $311 million arena contribution approved by roughly 52% of voters last November, the city's funding package does not legally require an election, a distinction Jones unsuccessfully challenged.
- Councilwoman Misty Spears argued against establishing a precedent for requiring elections on major revenue bond decisions, while proponents maintained the public deserves transparency on large spending.
- The vote paves the way for the city to finalize negotiations with Spurs Sports and Entertainment later this year, with CEO R.C. Buford stating the decision allows San Antonio to "move forward."
- Despite Monday's rejection, residents may still vote on related measures in 2027, as city law requires voter approval for a $220 million infrastructure bond before the city can disburse its arena contribution.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Spurs' Arena Public Funding Survives City Council Challenge
The San Antonio City Council denied a motion Monday to reopen public funding for the San Antonio Spurs' new arena to a citywide vote, clearing another hurdle for the $1.3 billion downtown project. The arena will be funded in part through $489 million in municipal bonds. The funding plan received council approval after county voters approved a separate $311 million contribution through tourism taxes last November. The Spurs have committed to cove…
City Council votes 6-5 against putting city's $489 million arena contribution on November ballot
In a narrow vote, City Council on Monday rejected Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones’ proposal to add the city’s $489 million contribution towards a new $1.3 billion Spurs arena to the November ballot. Members Sukh Kaur, Phyllis Viagran, Marina Alderete Gavito, Ivalis Meza Gonzalez, Misty Spears and Marc Whyte voted against the measure, narrowly beating out […] The post City Council votes 6-5 against putting city’s $489 million arena contribution on Novembe…
Council rejects public vote on city's $489M Spurs arena contribution
The packed chamber was split between those who said voters are being shut out and those who believe a county vote last year should suffice.San Antonio City Council rejects public vote on $489M Spurs arena contribution was first posted on August 17, 2026 at 1:02 pm.©2021 "San Antonio Report". Use of this feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this article in your feed reader, then the site is guilty of copyright infr…
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