Beyond the Bite

While San Antonio City Councilman Marc Whyte is quick to discuss the important issues facing San Antonio, he is just as quick to pay homage to his colleagues for working as a problem-solving team. 

Perhaps known most for his focus on fiscal discipline in order to stretch taxpayer dollars, Whyte isn’t shy about diving into other issues. He praises the unanimous Council support for the firefighters' new contract, which includes a significant 20% raise over three years and he helped develop a policy that strategically allocates CPS revenue from surplus energy sold on the open market into a capital reserve fund to help mitigate future CPS Energy rate hikes. The conversation shifts to a recently approved financing plan for the San Antonio Missions' new downtown stadium, with Whyte asserting that the project is vital for keeping the team in the city without imposing new taxes on voters.

He also shares his accomplishments in his first year in office, notably working with city staff to adopt a budgeting system that is performance-baseda and outcomes-based to improve efficiencies in the city operations. And he led the way to add a shot clock to the Governance Committee to ensure that every Council Consideration Request (CCR) is addressed promptly, ushering in more disciplined and transparent council operations.

This episode also looks at the controversial zoning case for an apartment complex in a District 10 residential neighborhood. Whyte expressed admiration and praise for the project and his opposition sparked considerable debate over the location. Whyte’s commitment to responsible development, core municipal services, and effective budgeting is evident throughout the discussion. Additionally, Host Eddie Aldrete and Guest Marc Whyte touch on the upcoming mayoral and council elections in May 2025, the implications of which could significantly impact council dynamics and city policy outcomes. Tune in to hear comprehensive insights on city management, budget strategies, and community-focused governance from an active and reflective councilman.

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In this episode of "Beyond the Bite," we focus on the challenges and opportunities for small businesses in San Antonio. Guests Steve Alaniz and Luis Rodriguez applaud collaborative efforts in economic development and underscore the significance of a strategic focus. Alaniz and Rodriguez discuss the transformative impact COVID-19 had on chamber memberships and events, emphasizing the need for chambers of commerce to reinvent themselves and offer tangible value propositions through rapid adaptation.

The conversation transitions into an examination of local economic developments in San Antonio, including the redevelopment of Hemisfair Park and the anticipated new downtown baseball stadium. Rodriguez stresses the importance of including small minority, veteran, and women-owned businesses in such projects. The guests highlight the need for exposing more students to potential careers in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields through the Hispanic Chamber’s Core Four STEM Expo, an initiative aimed at engaging middle school students in STEM fields, celebrating its enduring success and role in maintaining the Chamber's five-star accreditation status.

The episode wraps up with insights into the Chamber’s upcoming leadership transitions, advocacy efforts for the 2025 Texas legislative session, and the continued importance of supporting local businesses for economic growth and community engagement.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-alaniz-787a264a/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-rodriguez-7452b58/

https://www.sahcc.org/

https://www.sahcc.org/10-12-sahcc-95th-annual-gala

https://www.sahcc.org/core4-stem

https://www.sahcc.org/hld-foundation

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In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Charter Review Commission Co-Chair David Zammiello to discuss the upcoming charter propositions on the November 5th ballot. They dive deep into key topics, including the proposal to lift the cap on the city manager’s compensation and tenure, drawing from the robust debates and public input that shaped the Commission’s recommendations.

Zammiello brings his extensive expertise in executive compensation oversight, offering a thoughtful perspective on the need to attract top talent for key positions while maintaining a balance between elected officials and the citizens they serve. The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of city council compensation, tracing its shift from a nominal $20 per meeting to the current structure established in 2015. With the rising cost of living, Zammiello explains why the commission recommends adjusting salaries ensuring that serving in these roles is accessible to a broader range of individuals.

Despite concerns about increased compensation, the commission’s data-driven proposal underscores the importance of fairly compensating public servants who often work 60-70 hour weeks. This ensures that financial barriers don’t prevent qualified individuals from running for office.

The episode wraps up with a reflection on the comprehensive work of the Charter Review Commission, the need for residents to learn more about the propositions, and the importance of voting in the November 5th elections.

Resources Mentioned:

• https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/CAO/City-Charter/Charter-Review-Commission
• www.renewsanantonio.com

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City Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda may have evolved over time, but she has remained loyal to the concepts of inclusivity, transparency, and community engagement in her decision-making. She believes that should be the goal for all city leaders to better represent the people of San Antonio.

In this episode, Cabello Havrda shares candid experiences regarding the city's charter review process, her positions on the charter propositions, and touches on the complexities of municipal governance. She advocates for significant changes in city structure, such as transitioning council member terms to four years for effective project continuity and supporting the removal of the cap on the city manager’s pay and tenure. Additionally, Cabello Havrda discusses the appeal of performance-based budgeting and her support for banning horse-drawn carriages.

Throughout the conversation, Cabello Havrda shares her passion for direct community engagement as she emphasizes the value of block walking and door-to-door interactions. With a strategic eye on a potential 2025 mayoral run, she reflects on the timeline and techniques for an impactful campaign announcement. Their dialogue provides a comprehensive look at Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda's vision for the future of San Antonio and the intricate balance between current responsibilities and future aspirations.

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In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Jon Gary Herrera to discuss the transformative impact of San Antonio's advanced rapid transit system. Herrera highlights the stark contrast between the city's transit budget vs the systems in Houston, Dallas and Austin. The conversation delves into the vital role of federal funding and the significance of maintaining an efficient transit system, especially in connecting residents to jobs and educational opportunities. Herrera also underscores the economic challenges faced by low-income individuals who struggle with transportation costs and limited access to employment opportunities.

The discussion moves on to the technical and planning aspects of the project, including the cost-efficiency and flexibility of the bus rapid transit system including signal priority, automated pay stations, and level boarding to enhance efficiency and accessibility. Herrera also cites initial calculations indicating significant time savings for commuters, which could revolutionize public transit in San Antonio. The importance of community involvement and feedback is evident, as construction plans strive to minimize disruptions and strategically locate stations to maximize ridership. Upcoming public engagement open-houses aim to gather input and ensure that the Silver Line and other future developments meet the community's needs.

Lastly, Herrera shares exciting plans for an innovation zone downtown and partnerships with local entities like Centro and UTSA. An extension of the existing electric vehicle service, aptly named the Little Runner, will expand into a Via Link product, significantly enhancing mobility within the downtown area. With the flexibility to adapt alongside the community's growth, the new transit system promises not only to support current users but also attract new ones. Herrera's vision for improved bus services, and the integration of ride-sharing options cements the advanced rapid transit system as a cornerstone for San Antonio's future mobility landscape.

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In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Romanita Matta Barrera to discuss the strategic rebranding and initiatives of greaterSATX, formerly known as the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation. The conversation kicks off with a focus on the organization's 2021 rebranding, which aims to highlight its collaboration with eight regional partners in the San Antonio/Bexar County region. Matta Barrera underscores the importance of partnerships with neighboring regions like Austin to enhance geographic competitiveness and foster talent and trade flows. The integration of the Free Trade Alliance and SA Works into greaterSATX underscores their commitment to addressing workforce and talent supply chain issues, particularly through foreign direct investment from Asian countries.

The dialogue delves into the multifaceted efforts to bolster workforce and educational attainment, setting an ambitious goal for 70% of high school seniors to enroll in post-secondary programs by 2030. Matta Barrera emphasizes the significance of mayors acting as champions for their cities to attract new businesses, pointing out the upcoming 2025 elections as a critical juncture for economic development advocacy. The discussion moves to the essential role of long-term strategic planning by city leadership and infrastructure development, such as mobility, housing, and road projects, to support the growing population and business needs. She details collaborative endeavours with public partners, such as CPS Energy and TxDOT, in successful recruitment initiatives and operational changes to prioritize global business advancement.

Wrapping up, the episode touches on the proactive engagement with a host of university presidents to enhance employer recruitment and educational outcomes. Matta Barrera shares insights from employers on best practices for talent recruitment and retention, including investing in upskilling and supporting entry-level roles. The discussion also highlights her team's efforts addressing broader business concerns, such as infrastructure, safety, and expansion into Mexico, alongside her work in the K-12 education space promoting bilingualism and biculturalism. Throughout the episode, Matta Barrera’s comprehensive understanding of workforce, education, and economic competitiveness illustrates the integral connection between these elements in driving the San Antonio region’s long-term success.

https://greatersatx.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanitamattabarrera/

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In this episode of Beyond the Bite, Host Eddie Aldrete sits down with former City Councilman Clayton Perry to delve into a host of issues facing San Antonio and Perry's personal journey. Perry opens up about a past mistake that was highly embarrassing, reflecting on the incident with an understanding of the subsequent consequences. He shares the lessons learned from it and emphasizes his commitment to avoiding similar pitfalls in the future. Perry's dedication to community service and his love for San Antonio shine through as he discusses his compassion for people and the importance of collaboration to address the city's pressing issues.

The conversation turns to specific challenges such as rising crime rates, homelessness, and his support of zero-based budgeting as long as it is implemented correctly to ensure its end goal. Perry discusses his critique of the way council member salaries are structured, advocating for a tie to the median income of San Antonians, and debating the pros and cons of extending council terms. He also touches on the role of the city manager, expressing mixed feelings about removing salary caps and term length limits. Concerns about transparency, performance reviews, and the mechanics of budget allocation highlight Perry's focus on improving governance and accountability.

Lastly, Perry shares his thoughts on the upcoming 2025 elections and his thoughts about jumping into the race for San Antonio Mayor. He identifies key issues like infrastructure, crime, education, and property taxes as central to his campaign platform. Reflecting on his record and past accomplishments, he stresses the importance of voting records and leadership track records for voters. With aspirations of bringing significant changes to the city's leadership and leveraging his experience and community connection, Perry remains optimistic about San Antonio's future and dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

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In this engaging episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Joe Irizarry, Board Chair, and Brett Finley, CEO of the North San Antonio Chamber, to discuss an array of significant topics as the chamber prepares for the upcoming legislative session in 2025. Among the key highlights are the proactive efforts being made in 2024 with interim study committees and advocacy work around the November charter election.

Joe, Brett, and Eddie also explore the chamber's initiatives around leadership development, including programs such as the Chamber’s Civic Leadership Academy and Leadership Lab. There is an emphasis on adapting in the post-COVID world by staying relevant in an ever-changing environment. An exciting portion of the episode features discussion on the upcoming city council elections races in San Antonio, including the mayor's race in 2025, where the guests share qualities they hope to see in future leaders.

Lastly, the episode underscores the North San Antonio Chamber’s commitment to strategic rebranding efforts, marking its 50th anniversary while striving to remain dynamic and forward-thinking. Brett and Joe also touch upon the chamber’s pro-business scorecard initiative, which has been instrumental in shaping policy discussions and influencing the stance of elected officials.

So, tune in for a comprehensive overview of how the North San Antonio Chamber is positioning itself as a pivotal player in driving business-centric policies and fostering community growth.

https://www.northsachamber.com/

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In the latest episode of "Beyond the Bite," City Councilwoman Marina Alderete-Gavito highlights the primary concerns of residents, starting with safety and security, as many people feel unsafe due to the growing homeless population. Alderete-Gavito emphasizes the importance of treating the homeless with care and compassion while also addressing the dangers they face living in unsafe conditions. She stresses the necessity of connecting them to adequate resources to improve the overall health of the community.

Alderete-Gavito has also pushed to the forefront, the rise in stray dog populations as another significant safety issue affecting District 7 and the city at large. During her block walking, she experienced firsthand the dangers residents face with loose and potentially dangerous dogs. She argues for a more preventative approach, including the implementation of low-cost and free spay/neuter programs and improved reporting mechanisms for dangerous dogs. She calls for collaboration with Animal Care Services (ACS) to manage and mitigate this growing problem effectively.

Infrastructure and government accountability are also critical priorities for District 7 residents. Alderete-Gavito points out the daily frustrations faced by commuters on Bandera Road due to traffic congestion and inadequate infrastructure. She advocates for collaborative efforts with local and state officials to address these issues and move existing projects forward. Additionally, she underscores the need for greater transparency and communication from city government regarding the status of community projects, aiming to reduce resident frustration and foster a more informed and engaged community.

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In this episode of "Beyond the Bite," host Eddie Aldrete is joined by special guest, San Antonio City Councilman Manny Pelaez, to delve into the complexities of promoting economic growth while preserving San Antonio's unique culture and authenticity. Pelaez shares insights on the city's economic development efforts, and extends to topics like business recruitment in Latin America, challenges in disaster preparedness, and the critical role of elected officials in addressing everyday issues that impact their constituents' lives. Pelaez emphasizes the need for a mayor who can balance preparing for growth with preserving the city's identity, tapping into the arts community, and leveraging San Antonio's Spanish-speaking identity to forge stronger ties with Latin American countries.

https://mannyforsa.com/

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