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This week on bigcitysmalltown, host Cory Ames sits down with Jaci Randel, executive director of the Bexar Branches Alliance, to examine the ongoing decline of San Antonio’s urban tree canopy and the push to restore regional “tree equity.” Since 2000, Bexar County has lost 20% of its tree cover, while the state of Texas has lost nearly 25%. Achieving equitable canopy coverage across neighborhoods would require planting more than 1.5 million trees in San Antonio alone. In this episode, they discuss the challenges facing urban forestry, the impacts of canopy loss on public health, local climate, and neighborhood resilience, as well as the collaborative, data-driven approaches necessary to address these issues. Jaci Randel shares insights from Bexar Branches Alliance’s work, including tree plantings in schools, citizen forester training, and regional partnerships, as well as the practical barriers to large-scale restoration—from nursery supply chains to long-term maintenance funding. Topics covered include: • The main drivers of San Antonio’s tree canopy loss • The connection between canopy decline, rising temperatures, and pollution • Strategies for planting and preserving trees at the household, school, and city levels • Barriers facing urban forestry efforts and what local organizations are doing to overcome them • How residents can get involved—from volunteering to choosing climate-resilient native species for their own yards This episode is essential listening for anyone concerned with the future of San Antonio’s environment, its neighborhoods, and the role trees play as vital infrastructure in the city. RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: ▶️ #127. What If We Replaced Every Lawn in San Antonio? – Explore how transforming our yards could reshape the city’s health and environment. Guest host Cory Ames interviews Monika Maeckle about native plants, water-wise landscapes, and practical tips for building a more sustainable, biodiverse San Antonio—one lawn at a time. -- --  CONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram 🔗 Join us on LinkedIn 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube SPONSORS 🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we focus on Bexar County leadership and the ongoing challenges facing San Antonio’s county government. In light of the upcoming March 3 primary election, Bob Rivard and Cory Ames interviews Judge Peter Sakai, the incumbent county judge seeking re-election. The conversation covers Judge Sakai’s decades-long public service, his approach to “back to basics” government, and the county’s response to acute issues, including economic instability, food insecurity, affordable housing shortages, and reforms within the county bureaucracy. Judge Sakai speaks to his non-political background, his philosophy of collaborative problem-solving, and recent crisis management with federal funding cuts and strained social programs. Topics discussed include: • The impact of federal policy changes on Bexar County agencies and vulnerable families • County government’s evolving strategies regarding public safety, health care access, and workforce development • Efforts to make elections secure and transparent in the face of technical and legal challenges • Implementation plans and long-term goals for Proposition A—Bexar County’s commitment to east side revitalization and major venue investments • Collaboration and tension between county leadership, city hall, and local nonprofits The episode also addresses Judge Sakai’s record on immigration policy, the complexities of jail staffing and overtime, and the challenges of balancing immediate needs with future planning. With early voting approaching, Judge Sakai reflects on his leadership style, campaign strategy, and the stakes for Bexar County’s direction over the next four years. RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶️ #153. The Race to Lead Bexar County: Ron Nirenberg – Catch last week's episode, where we interview opponent Former Mayor Ron Nirenberg. Bob Rivard and Cory Ames interview Nirenberg on why he is running, the state of the county, and what is at stake for this race.  -- --  CONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram 🔗 Join us on LinkedIn 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube SPONSORS 🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the race for Bexar County Judge through the lens of former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg’s candidacy. After serving as mayor from 2017 to 2025—a period marked by both crisis and growth—Nirenberg is now challenging incumbent Judge Peter Sakai. As one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation, Bexar County faces new and unresolved questions around public safety, health care access, infrastructure, and the organization of local government. Cory Ames and Bob Rivard sit down with Ron Nirenberg to discuss the motivations behind his campaign, his thoughts on county government’s preparedness for rapid growth, and his outlook on public service. The conversation considers the discomfort some San Antonians feel over choosing between two long-serving and well-known public officials in a race that will shape regional policy for years to come. Key issues covered: • Persistent operational and accountability challenges in the justice system and county bureaucracy • Widening gaps in health care access despite significant local resources • The impact of state and federal policy uncertainty—on everything from economic development to emergency management • The need for a unified vision on growth, affordable housing, and essential infrastructure across city and county lines • Reflections from Ron Nirenberg on crisis leadership, including lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and severe winter storms As local government takes on a greater share of responsibility for daily life in a changing Texas, this episode explores what effective, accountable leadership might require at the county level—and why it matters for San Antonio’s future. We will be hosting incumbent Judge Peter Sakai next week. Stay tuned.  RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: ▶️ #152. What’s Ahead for San Antonio in 2026: Bob Rivard & Cory Ames on City Politics, Growth, and Civic Trust – Dive deep into the pivotal issues shaping San Antonio’s near future, as Bob Rivard and Cory Ames break down key local elections, rapid regional growth, and challenges in civic engagement. This episode provides crucial context for understanding the high-stakes county judge race and why downtown investment, infrastructure, and media transformation matter for every San Antonian. -- --  CONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram 🔗 Join us on LinkedIn 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube SPONSORS 🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify

In the first episode of bigcitysmalltown of 2026, we reflect on a pivotal year for San Antonio and look ahead to the challenges and opportunities of 2026. Bob Rivard and Cory Ames examine how shifts in media—from the podcast’s expansion into video to the growing influence of YouTube—are changing civic engagement and local news consumption. They discuss the impact of major regional elections, including the controversial mayoral race and the county’s vote on the Spurs arena proposition, and consider their long-term implications for city governance and development. Key themes include: • The changing landscape of San Antonio politics, with a focus on Mayor Gina Jones’s first year and the upcoming county judge race between Peter Sakai and former Mayor Ron Nirenberg • Regional growth and strain along the Austin-San Antonio corridor, including water, housing, and infrastructure pressures • The effect of national policy shifts on local research grants, military presence, and San Antonio’s role as “Military City USA” • The critical importance of robust downtown investment, especially around UT San Antonio’s expanding campus and student housing • Ongoing debates over public works delivery, infrastructure bonds, and the future relationship between city and county agencies Bob Rivard and Cory Ames also look at upcoming stories to watch: San Antonio’s adaptation to climate and energy challenges, continued revitalization efforts downtown, and what the Spurs’ promising season could mean for the community. RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: ▶️ #151. 8.3 Million New Neighbors by 2050—Henry Cisneros and Bob Rivard on the Austin-San Antonio Megaregion – If conversations about Central Texas’s explosive growth and the challenges ahead grabbed your attention, this episode dives even deeper. Bob Rivard joins Henry Cisneros to unpack their new book and discuss how infrastructure, leadership, and collaboration will shape the future of the Austin–San Antonio corridor. Tune in for a compelling look at what’s really at stake for our region’s next chapter. -- --  CONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram 🔗 Join us on LinkedIn 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube SPONSORS 🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we turn our focus to the rapidly evolving corridor between San Antonio and Austin—a megaregion that is reshaping the future of Central Texas. Hosts Cory Ames and Bob Rivard are joined by former San Antonio mayor and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Henry Cisneros, to discuss his and Bob's new book, which examines the unprecedented growth, challenges, and opportunities along this urban corridor. The conversation moves beyond headlines about population booms to examine the complex realities of life in one of the country’s most dynamic regions. What does steady and fast-paced growth mean for cities like San Antonio, Austin, and the many communities in between? What pressures does the region face, and how are city and state leaders preparing for the future? They discuss: • Why population growth in the Austin–San Antonio corridor is inevitable, and what’s driving it • Visible strains on infrastructure—transportation, water, power—and the urgent need for regional cooperation • Lessons from other megaregions across the United States—and what Central Texas must do to stay competitive • How the region’s evolving identity, economic base, and cultural strengths can be preserved as the next wave of growth arrives • The importance of building—not just roads and runways—but also new structures for cross-community collaboration and planning • What happens if local and state leaders fail to act, and why the decisions made now will shape quality of life for decades to come The episode provides a nuanced look at what’s at stake for San Antonio and its neighbors, urging both civic leaders and residents to consider what it will take to create a livable, equitable, and sustainable future for the region. RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: ▶️ #144. Building the South Side — How JCB Is Bringing 1,500 Jobs to San Antonio – If today’s megaregion conversation sparked your interest in economic growth and workforce opportunities, don’t miss this episode. Bob Rivard sits down with JCB Texas operations director David Carver to explore how a major new manufacturing facility is transforming San Antonio’s south side and what it means for local jobs, training, and the city’s future.

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we sit down with Chef Nicola Blaque, the force behind San Antonio’s only Michelin-recognized Jamaican restaurant, The Jerk Shack. Chef Nicola shares her journey from immigrating to the U.S. as a child, navigating life in New England, and serving in the Army through three tours, to eventually reclaiming and expressing her Jamaican heritage through food in San Antonio. Host Cory Ames joins Nicola in the restaurant to discuss how her identity, family, and military experiences have shaped her work—along with the challenges of introducing authentic Caribbean cuisine to the city. They examine the evolution of San Antonio’s food culture, its openness to new flavors, and the collaborative spirit found among local chefs. Topics include: • Bridging cultures and reclaiming identity through food • The transition from military service to entrepreneurship • The realities of building a restaurant in San Antonio—including obstacles, opportunity, and community support • The role of local chef collaboration in fostering a diverse food ecosystem • Reflections on parenthood, legacy, and the future for Black and Caribbean cuisine in Texas The episode offers a candid look at Chef Nicola’s path, the resilience needed to thrive in an ever-changing city, and what the next chapter might hold for San Antonio’s culinary landscape. RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: ▶️ #83. Chris Cullum and San Antonio's Culinary Legacy – Discover how Chris Cullum, chef-owner of Cullum’s Attaboy and James Beard finalist, draws on family heritage and jazz roots to shape San Antonio’s vibrant dining scene. Host Bob Rivard explores the challenges of sustaining culinary innovation while honoring tradition—perfect for listeners inspired by Chef Nicola Blaque’s journey of identity and authenticity. -- --  CONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram 🔗 Join us on LinkedIn 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube SPONSORS 🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the Alamo Promise program—a tuition-free initiative from the Alamo Colleges District aimed at lowering barriers to higher education for Bexar County high school graduates. The program, now entering its sixth year of enrollment, has set out to make college accessible to all students regardless of income, academic standing, or background. Host Bob Rivard is joined by Stephanie Vasquez, Chief Program Officer for Alamo Promise, to discuss the impact of the program, the challenges facing students in San Antonio, and the realities of retention and completion in the community college system. They discuss: • Why Alamo Promise provides universal access and how students qualify • The growth of college-going rates in Bexar County and persistent completion gaps • What wraparound supports—like transportation, childcare, and counseling—exist for students facing obstacles beyond tuition • How the program is funded and what sustainability looks like for universal tuition • The lessons learned from serving over 30,000 Promise scholars • Efforts to improve graduation rates and debate over enrollment requirements • The evolving discussion around educational attainment, local workforce needs, and the fight to reduce San Antonio’s high poverty rate For students, parents, and community leaders tracking equity and opportunity in local higher education, this episode provides an in-depth look at one of San Antonio’s boldest experiments in college access. RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: ▶️ #11. How To Achieve Your Higher Education Dreams through Alamo Colleges with Dr. Mike Flores – Discover how Alamo Colleges breaks down barriers to college access for all students. In this episode, Bob Rivard talks with Chancellor Dr. Mike Flores about busting higher ed myths, the power of the Alamo Promise, and how flexible pathways support student success in San Antonio. -- --  CONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram 🔗 Join us on LinkedIn 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube SPONSORS 🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine one of San Antonio’s newest and most debated cultural gatherings: the Krampus Parade in King William. Host Bob Rivard is joined by Bob Crittenden, senior Scrum Manager at USAA and founder of San Antonio’s Krampus event, which drew approximately 10,000 participants and spectators in its inaugural year. Together, they discuss the origins of Krampus in Central European Alpine traditions, its transformation from private house visits to public festivals, and how Krampus found its place in San Antonio’s holiday calendar. The conversation also highlights the unexpectedly large turnout, the local protests that fueled wider interest, and the logistical changes for this year’s parade—now expanding its scope and moving to Beethoven Manicore. Topics include: • The roots of Krampus, St. Nicholas, and winter folklore across cultures • The evolution of the Krampus parade in San Antonio—from idea to city-permitted event • The intersection of German immigrant history and contemporary celebrations in King William • Public response, including media coverage, protest, and “Krampus Gate” • What to expect at this year’s parade: route changes, street closures, entertainment, and costume contests • How Krampus is being localized—incorporating elements like the “devil in the dance hall” from Mexican American folklore • The growth of Krampus-themed events in San Antonio, from Fiesta medals to afterparties For plugged-in San Antonians, this episode explores how global folklore shapes hyper-local celebrations—and why new traditions can provoke both controversy and community. Find more information on the 2025 Yuletide Parade at https://krampusportal.com/. RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: ▶️ #108. What It Takes to Host the Final Four—Inside San Antonio’s Big Moment – Dive deeper into San Antonio’s cultural evolution with host Bob Rivard as he chats with Elena Wells and Jenny Carnes about the city’s preparations to host the 2025 NCAA Men's Final Four. From economic impact to community festivities, this episode reveals how major events continue to shape San Antonio’s identity and future. -- --  CONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram 🔗 Join us on LinkedIn 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube SPONSORS 🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine dyslexia—one of the most common, yet frequently misunderstood learning challenges affecting up to one in five individuals. Host Bob Rivard is joined by Jasmin Dean, founder and CEO of Celebrate Dyslexia, a San Antonio nonprofit advocating for better diagnosis, intervention, and public understanding of dyslexia across schools, healthcare, and society. Drawing on both personal experience and current research, Jasmin Dean discusses the realities facing families navigating the education system and the urgent need for early identification and specialized intervention. Bob Rivard and Jasmin Dean address the evolving legislative landscape in Texas, the challenges of public- and private-sector solutions, and what is being done at the local level—including the opening of Celebrate Dyslexia Schools, a tuition-free public charter dedicated to evidence-based support for dyslexic students. They discuss: • What dyslexia is—and isn’t—according to current scientific and medical evidence • Why early intervention and teacher training are critical, and how local schools are responding to new requirements • The intersection of dyslexia with equity, economic mobility, and juvenile justice • Barriers to adult diagnosis, workplace accommodations, and the lack of insurance coverage • The role of advocacy, nonprofit partnerships, and new models for curriculum access • Ongoing efforts in San Antonio to change the narrative, build resources, and improve outcomes for children and adults with dyslexia For parents, educators, and community leaders, this episode provides context and updates on a complex issue impacting thousands of San Antonians—highlighting both the challenges and the progress underway to support local families. For more information on Celebrate Dyslexia, visit their website: https://celebratedyslexia.org/.

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the San Antonio Botanical Garden at a pivotal moment—its 45th anniversary year. Known as a living museum, the Garden has grown into a statewide leader in plant conservation and environmental education, serving hundreds of thousands of visitors annually while shaping the city’s approach to urban nature and sustainability. Cory Ames speaks with Katherine Trumble, President and CEO of the San Antonio Botanical Garden, about the Garden’s newly unveiled ten-year master plan and its implications for San Antonio and Texas. Their conversation explores what it means for the Botanical Garden to center “access” in its mission, how conservation efforts are responding to drought, floods, and ecological stress, and why restoring native landscapes matters for future generations. They discuss: • How the Garden aims to make nature and education accessible for all residents • New projects on the horizon, including a statewide seed bank and a major Orchid Pavilion  • The Garden’s leadership role in restoring Texas ecosystems after recent floods  • How programming connects San Antonians—from schoolchildren to adults—to the value of native plants  For more information on the San Antonio Botanical Garden, visit https://www.sabot.org/. RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: ▶️ #135. Planting Change in San Antonio through Community Gardens – If you enjoyed learning about the Botanical Garden’s impact on conservation and community, don’t miss this episode where Cory Ames sits down with Gardopia Gardens founder Stephen Lucke to discuss how urban gardening is driving public health, food access, and neighborhood safety in San Antonio. Discover inspiring stories and practical solutions connecting nature, education, and local empowerment. -- --  CONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram 🔗 Join us on LinkedIn 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube SPONSORS 🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine San Antonio’s housing crisis and the challenges facing public housing as both federal support and affordability decline. Bob Rivard is joined by Michael Reyes, CEO and President of Opportunity Home—San Antonio’s housing authority—to discuss what’s at stake for the city’s most vulnerable residents and the future of local affordable housing. With an annual operating budget of $250 million and 600 employees, Opportunity Home provides housing assistance to nearly 50,000 San Antonians, while managing a waiting list of over 60,000 people. Yet, as costs rise and federal investment dwindles, Michael Reyes candidly addresses deferred maintenance, government gridlock, and why public ownership remains critical. Key topics include: • The impact of federal funding cuts and the shift toward vouchers • Strategies to renovate 6,000 public housing units over the next decade • NIMBYism, economic segregation, and distribution of affordable housing across city council districts • Collaboration with the City of San Antonio and future prospects for housing bonds • The legacy and controversy surrounding renovations at Alazan Apache Courts • How the current waiting list reflects growing need—and evolving city priorities With deep ties to San Antonio and global expertise in housing policy, Michael Reyes offers a forward-looking but pragmatic take on what’s needed to address systemic poverty, support families, and ensure all San Antonians have a place to call home. RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: ▶️ #110. San Antonio’s Model for Homelessness: Why Other Cities Look to Haven for Hope – This episode is a compelling companion to Michael Reyes’s insights on affordable housing, as host Bob Rivard speaks with Kim Jeffries, CEO of Haven for Hope, about how San Antonio’s collaborative approach to homelessness is becoming a national model. Hear how the city’s innovative strategies, partnerships, and responses to recent crises are shaping support for its most vulnerable residents. -- -- CONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram 🔗 Join us on LinkedIn 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube SPONSORS 🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine one of the most significant recent developments in San Antonio’s advanced manufacturing and economic landscape: the arrival of JCB Texas. British construction equipment manufacturer JCB broke ground on a new plant on the city’s south side in 2023—an investment that promises to bring 1,500 new jobs to the area and reshape the region’s industrial ecosystem. Bob Rivard sits down with David Carver, operations director for JCB Texas, to discuss the progress on the massive 400-acre manufacturing site, JCB’s philosophy on workforce development, and why San Antonio’s south side was chosen for this major expansion. Carver, who relocated from JCB’s UK headquarters to oversee the project, provides insight into the company’s long-term commitment to the local community, hiring timelines, and what the day-to-day experience will be for the plant’s future employees. They discuss: • The current status and ambitions for JCB’s San Antonio facility • Workforce needs—from welders and forklift drivers to engineers—and how locals can apply • JCB’s approach to training, career progression, and the influence of the company’s UK-based educational academy • The expected impact on local suppliers and the broader regional economy • Collaboration with other major employers like Toyota, and the company’s strategy to “manufacture and sell where we build” • The role of global trade dynamics and tariffs in JCB’s U.S. expansion For San Antonians interested in the city’s economic development, workforce opportunities, and the future of advanced manufacturing on the south side, this episode provides in-depth perspective from the leader at the center of one of the city’s most watched projects. RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: ▶️ #125. The Man Behind Brooks: How Leo Gomez Reimagined the Southside – Dive deeper into San Antonio’s south side resurgence with host Bob Rivard and Brooks Development Authority CEO Leo Gomez. This episode unpacks the transformation of Brooks from military base to thriving community hub—highlighting the visionary leadership, strategic investments, and partnerships shaping new opportunities for local residents and businesses. -- -- CONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram 🔗 Join us on LinkedIn 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube SPONSORS 🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we turn our attention to one of San Antonio’s most significant entrepreneurial success stories: Supergoop! and its founder, Holly Thaggard. From its origins here in Texas, Supergoop! has grown into an internationally recognized skincare company, known for its innovative approach to sun protection and public health. Host Bob Rivard sits down with Holly Thaggard to explore her journey from third grade teacher and professional harpist to award-winning entrepreneur and member of the Texas Business Hall of Fame. Together, they discuss the deeply personal experience that sparked Supergoop!, the scientific rigor and product development that set it apart, and the practical business lessons learned along the way. They discuss: • The founding story of Supergoop!, and its mission to address skin cancer through daily sun protection • Thaggard’s early advocacy for sun safety in schools and her efforts to de-seasonalize sunscreen • The challenges and milestones of building a national brand from San Antonio, including funding, product development, and retail partnerships • Insights into company growth, from niche retail launches to global expansion and acquisition by Blackstone • The importance of local family support, community investment, and maintaining San Antonio roots during rapid growth • Thaggard’s continued work advising new founders, her approach to entrepreneurship, and her commitment to public health innovation This episode offers a close look at the impact one San Antonio founder has made—locally and globally—and what her example means for the next generation of Texas entrepreneurs. RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: ▶️ #138. Alamo Angels: The Future of South Texas Startups – If Holly Thaggard’s Supergoop journey inspired you to think bigger about entrepreneurship, dive into this episode to learn how San Antonio’s startup ecosystem is taking shape. Host Bob Rivard sits down with Sebastian Garzon of Alamo Angels to discuss how early-stage investors and founders are fueling the next wave of innovation and success across South Texas. -- --  CONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram 🔗 Join us on LinkedIn 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube SPONSORS 🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the critical decisions facing Bexar County voters and their impact on the future of San Antonio’s east side, the Spurs, and the Stock Show & Rodeo. Bob Rivard sits down with Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai to discuss what’s at stake in the upcoming countywide election, where voters will decide on two propositions affecting the Frost Bank Center, potential new development, and the future economic direction of the city. Judge Sakai shares his perspective on the use of the tourist tax to fund county facilities, clarifies public misconceptions around Referendums A and B, and details the legal constraints that govern how these funds can—and cannot—be spent. The conversation sheds light on long-standing issues of eastside economic revitalization, the importance of keeping the Spurs in San Antonio, and the unique roles played by both the Rodeo and Spurs in the city’s civic, economic, and cultural identity. They discuss: What Referendums A and B would actually fund—and what they won’tHow the tourist tax works and why it doesn’t impact local property taxesThe future of the Frost Bank Center and what losing the Spurs could mean for San AntonioLong-term visions for east side redevelopment, small business growth, and new public-private partnershipsHow state law restricts local governments’ ability to redirect venue tax funds to other priorities like housing or educationLessons learned from previous facility deals and how new contractual stipulations could benefit the communityListen in for a fact-based, unvarnished look at one of the most consequential local decisions in recent years and the broader vision for Bexar County’s future. ▶️ #133. How the Spurs Arena Could Change the San Antonio Rodeo – As Judge Peter Sakai discusses the future of Bexar County venues and east side revitalization, dive deeper into how a new Spurs arena could transform the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and the surrounding community. Host Bob Rivard sits down with Rodeo CEO Cody Davenport to explore potential year-round impact, cultural shifts, and what these changes mean for local youth and economic development. CONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram 🔗 Join us on LinkedIn 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube SPONSORS 🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the present and future of San Antonio’s water supply—a topic at the center of new rate increase discussions and long-term regional planning. San Antonio has quietly become a national leader in water conservation, with steady water use despite decades of rapid population growth, distinguishing itself from many fast-growing Texas cities now facing water shortages. Host Cory Ames sits down with Robert Puente, CEO of the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), to discuss how decades of planning, innovation, and strategic failures led to San Antonio’s robust and diversified water portfolio. They explore the historical context behind recent rate hikes, how SAWS manages a “wet water” supply, and the implications of upcoming infrastructure investments. This episode addresses: • The origins and timeline of San Antonio’s water conservation success • Why San Antonio draws on multiple water sources—and what that means for resilience • The rationale behind the anticipated rate increase, what it would fund, and how residents can hold SAWS accountable • Major challenges ahead, from aging wastewater infrastructure to climate change and regional growth • How SAWS is planning for the city’s future needs, including conservation targets and adaptation to extreme weather Puente also discusses the unique rule changes that govern local aquifers, collaboration (and competition) with neighboring cities, and how San Antonio’s approach could serve as a model for regional water strategy. For those invested in San Antonio’s long-term sustainability, water security, and civic planning, this episode offers an in-depth look at one of the city’s most critical—and often overlooked—success stories. RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN: ▶️ #131. Too Much, Too Fast: San Antonio’s Floods and the Fight to Adapt – Dive deeper into the environmental challenges facing San Antonio with this timely episode. Host Cory Ames is joined by local experts to unpack the aftermath of record-breaking floods, explore climate change’s impact on water management, and discuss what it takes to make our city more resilient. If you’re interested in how San Antonio tackles water security, flooding, and smart growth, this conversation is a must-listen. -- --  CONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram 🔗 Join us on LinkedIn 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube SPONSORS 🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors THANK YOU ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts ⭐ Rate us on Spotify