In this bigcitysmalltown episode, Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda shares her personal background growing up on the West Side, her legal and public service career, and her early influences—including time spent working under former mayors Ed Garza and Lila Cockrell. The conversation covers key challenges facing the city, from the crowded mayoral ballot and the influx of outside campaign money, to major development projects like Project Marvel. 

They discuss:

• The need for stronger candidate vetting in city elections

• Balancing growth with transparency and public input on development

• Out-of-town PAC money and its impact on local politics

• Small business struggles with city bureaucracy and public works

• Public safety reforms, mental health initiatives, and city policing

• The shortage of affordable and transitional housing, and strategy beyond the next bond

• Climate adaptation, water conservation, and the unfinished business of the city’s climate action plan

Melissa offers her perspective on the future role of the mayor as an advocate for San Antonio, both in raising the city’s national profile and ensuring equitable development across districts. The episode concludes with a candid look at the city’s most pressing issues—including housing, infrastructure, and environmental resilience—as San Antonio navigates historic growth and change.

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RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

🎧 Explore Our Mayoral Coverage – As the 2025 race for San Antonio’s next mayor heats up, don’t miss our full series of interviews with the candidates. Hear directly from those vying to lead the city on the issues that matter most—from housing and economic development to infrastructure and public safety.

🔗 Listen to all episodes here

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