This weekend on bigcitysmalltown, we turn our attention to San Antonio’s mayoral runoff as Bob Rivard sits down with candidate Rolando Pablos for a focused conversation on city governance, economic growth, and the future of San Antonio. 

With early voting underway Tuesday and the race narrowed to two candidates, this episode offers a timely look at the decision facing local voters.

Bob and Rolando discuss the central issues shaping this year’s mayoral race—from economic development and workforce challenges to housing policy, city budget priorities, and the city’s ties to Mexico. Rolando also addresses his record in state and local government, his work in economic development, his views on city management and public safety, and his position on immigration. 

Key topics include:

• The evolving dynamics of the mayoral race and voter turnout in local elections
• San Antonio’s economic development strategies and the mayor’s role in attracting investment
• Workforce retention, education outcomes, and how to tackle the city’s “brain drain”
• Housing affordability, property taxes, and evaluating existing city programs like the housing bond and Ready to Work
• Approaches to addressing homelessness and permanent supportive housing
• City-county relations, possible areas for government consolidation, and budget solutions
• The future of downtown development, including the Convention Center Complex and arena projects
• Immigration, public safety, and city leadership messaging during times of federal uncertainty

As the city prepares to choose its next mayor, this discussion provides insight into Rolando Pablos’ vision and proposals, as well as his reflections on public service and political rhetoric at the local level.

You can subscribe to Monday Musings, our weekly newsletter, by visiting bigcitysmalltown.com.

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RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #117. The Mayor’s Race: Gina Ortiz Jones on Public Service, Equity, and Leading with Data – Continue the conversation on San Antonio’s future with fellow mayoral candidate Gina Ortiz Jones. Host Bob Rivard explores Ortiz Jones’s journey from the Pentagon to the campaign trail, her vision for equity and data-driven leadership, and how she proposes to tackle the city’s most pressing challenges. 

*Gina Ortiz Jones did not accept our invitation to return for a conversation during the runoff. 

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