This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine how San Antonio residents are rethinking their relationship with nature—starting in their own front yards. Guest host Cory Ames interviews Monika Maeckle, author, naturalist, and founder of the Texas Butterfly Ranch and the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival. 

Maeckle’s new book, Plants with Purpose, explores why traditional lawns may be a liability for San Antonio, and how reimagining our landscaping choices can have a measurable impact on water conservation, biodiversity, and the city’s resilience to climate extremes.

In this conversation, Cory and Monika discuss:

• The hidden costs of maintaining lawns in San Antonio’s climate
• How native and well-adapted plants can contribute to local ecosystems
• Strategies for residents—homeowners, renters, and educators—to build greener, more sustainable neighborhoods
• Accessible starting points for those new to native gardening, including resources and recommended nurseries
• The cultural and historical narratives tied to landscaping in Texas
• Examples of successful lawn-to-native transformations around the city, and how attitudes on “curb appeal” are beginning to shift

The episode also addresses the broader implications for water policy, environmental education, and the role of public utilities and HOAs in shaping San Antonio’s urban landscape. 

For residents seeking practical steps—and inspiration—on making their homes and communities more sustainable, Maeckle’s perspective is rooted in decades of local experience.

You can find more information about Plants with Purpose, local events, and suggested resources at bigcitysmalltown.com.

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▶️ #125. The Man Behind Brooks: How Leo Gomez Reimagined the Southside – Explore San Antonio’s transformation on a bigger scale as Bob Rivard sits down with Leo Gomez, president and CEO of Brooks, to unpack the revitalization of this former military base into a thriving mixed-use community. Discover how bold leadership, partnerships, and a focus on green space are reshaping the city’s Southside—all connecting back to how we can build a more vibrant, sustainable San Antonio.

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we sit down with Mayor Ron Nirenberg as he prepares to leave office after serving eight years as mayor and a total of twelve years in San Antonio’s city government. 

Bob and Mayor Nirenberg review major initiatives, including the expansion of Pre-K 4 SA, the $1.2 billion municipal bond dedicating unprecedented resources to affordable housing, and the launch of the Ready to Work workforce development program. The discussion also delves into the city’s approach to protecting the Edwards Aquifer, supporting immigrants and asylum seekers, and guiding San Antonio through the COVID-19 pandemic.

They discuss:

• The evolution of San Antonio’s housing strategy and the impact of recent bond investments
• The complexities and outcomes of workforce development and the Ready to Work program
• City leadership during the pandemic and what it revealed about generational poverty
• Economic development, from global recruitment to the realities of competing with other Texas cities
• The ongoing tension between local and state governments, especially around immigration
• The city’s climate initiatives and the role of public utilities in environmental stewardship
• Reflections on civic participation, local elections, and what it means for San Antonio’s future

As Mayor Nirenberg hands off the reins to a new administration, he shares insights on unfinished work, the importance of systems thinking in local government, and the values that have guided his public service.

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

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the transformation underway at Brooks—formerly Brooks City Base—on San Antonio’s Southeast Side. Over the past decade, Brooks has shifted from a dormant military installation to a growing center for business, education, healthcare, and residential development. We explore the decisions and investments that brought this revitalization to life and what it means for the future of the South Side and the city as a whole.

Host Bob Rivard is joined by Leo Gomez, president and CEO of the Brooks Development Authority and Brooks Gives Back. Since taking the helm in 2013, Gomez has spearheaded efforts to reimagine Brooks’ purpose—pivoting away from the original goal of creating a private research and technology park toward building a mixed-use, community-centered campus. Under his leadership, Brooks has seen major infrastructure improvements, new employers, retail and restaurant growth, and the addition of housing and green space.

They discuss:

• The historical significance of Brooks and its role in military and NASA research
• The strategic shift away from a pure science park to a broader community vision
• Infrastructure investments and their link to job creation and revitalization
• The role of partnerships—public and private—in bringing new industry, international investment, and housing options to Brooks
• The development of green space, including the expansion of tree canopy and the forthcoming San Antonio Arboretum
• The broader impact on South Side neighborhoods and access to amenities often out of reach for this part of the city
• What’s next for Brooks, including planned affordable housing, new manufacturers, and continued growth as a vibrant employment and residential center

For San Antonians closely following urban development, local economic shifts, and south side investment, this episode provides a detailed look at one of the city’s most ambitious redevelopment projects and the leadership shaping its outlook.

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

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▶️ #9. Henry Cisneros & Tom Corser: Celebrating Heritage Through San Antonio's Trees – Dive deeper into San Antonio’s transformation as Bob Rivard sits down with Henry Cisneros and Tom Corser to discuss the vision, challenges, and legacy of the Arboretum San Antonio project. Discover how tree heritage, city planning, and civic leadership continue to shape the green spaces enriching our community’s future.

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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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▶️ #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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This week on bigcitysmalltown, host Bob Rivard sits down with Sarah Dingivan, outgoing CEO of the San Antonio Legal Services Association (SALSA), and Gregory Zlotnick, board member for SALSA and faculty at St. Mary’s University School of Law. Together, they discuss the organization’s mission to bridge the gap in civil legal services for San Antonians with limited means—at a time when demand has never been higher.

The conversation explores SALSA’s evolution from a small volunteer initiative to an independent nonprofit, its response to the unique legal needs brought on by the pandemic, and the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable residents—including renters navigating eviction, families struggling with probate, and veterans seeking access to benefits. Dingivan and Zlotnick outline the barriers many encounter when trying to resolve legal problems, and the heavy reliance on a small pool of pro bono attorneys.

They also discuss:

• The extent of unmet civil legal needs in San Antonio and Bexar County
• Key housing challenges, from rising rents to lack of legal protection for tenants
• How SALSA and local partners adapted services during COVID-19
• The importance of preventative legal work for preserving generational wealth
• Resource constraints, funding gaps, and the sustainability of local legal aid
• Opportunities for San Antonio’s legal community and civic leaders to strengthen the safety net

For listeners invested in the future of housing, local justice, and social infrastructure in San Antonio, this episode provides insight into both the immediate realities and long-term policy challenges facing the city’s legal aid ecosystem.

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▶️ #110. San Antonio’s Model for Homelessness: Why Other Cities Look to Haven for Hope – Building on the conversation around civil legal services for vulnerable San Antonians, this episode highlights how Haven for Hope’s innovative approach to homelessness is serving as a national model. Host Bob Rivard talks with outgoing CEO Kim Jeffries about the power of cross-sector collaboration, pandemic-era challenges, and what’s next for both San Antonio and other cities facing similar crises.  🔗 Listen here. 

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the role of the Texas Biomedical Research Institute—better known as Texas Biomed—in San Antonio’s scientific community, the rapidly changing landscape of research funding, and the challenges of combating misinformation in an era of political division.

Host Bob Rivard is joined by Dr. Larry Schlesinger, president and CEO of Texas Biomed, for a conversation that touches on Dr. Schlesinger’s personal background as the child of Holocaust survivors, his career as an infectious disease researcher, and his reasons for coming to San Antonio eight years ago. Together, they discuss how Texas Biomed has evolved during his tenure, including efforts to diversify funding, expand partnerships with the pharmaceutical sector, and increase the institute’s prominence amid public health crises.

They discuss:

• The critical importance of vaccines and ongoing education amid rising rates of vaccine hesitancy and misinformation
• How Texas Biomed contributed to the early research and validation of animal models for COVID-19 vaccines
• The impact of recent federal policy changes on international collaboration and research funding for U.S. institutions
• Efforts to modernize and expand the Texas Biomed campus, including the complexities around philanthropy and private sector engagement
• The relationship between infectious disease and chronic illness—and what chronic disease research could mean for the future of public health in San Antonio

The episode offers context on the state of science in Texas, the pressures facing research institutes in the current political climate, and the ways that local scientific leadership can shape the future of public and community health.

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RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #106. Tom Slick’s Legacy: The San Antonio Institution Studying Consciousness – Discover the fascinating roots of Texas Biomed through the story of Tom Slick, the visionary entrepreneur behind San Antonio’s world-class science institutions.  🔗 Listen here. 

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we bring you a special live-recorded conversation with world-renowned behavioral economist and ad executive Rory Sutherland, hosted at the Geekdom Event Center in downtown San Antonio.

Known for his provocative ideas on creativity, design, and human behavior, Rory joins host Bob Rivard for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking dialogue about how cities like San Antonio can unlock their potential—not by copying others, but by thinking differently.

They discuss:

• Why cities should lean into their uniqueness instead of competing on size

• How human psychology shapes everything from public transit to public toilets

• What San Antonio can learn from Buc-ee’s bathrooms and British roundabouts

• Why being “the third-best option” might actually be a city’s greatest strength

• The power of delight, surprise, and reverse benchmarking in economic development

This episode is for anyone interested in place-making, economic identity, and creative approaches to urban challenges. Whether you’re in public service, business, or the creative sector, Rory’s perspective will leave you seeing San Antonio—and its possibilities—in a whole new light.

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RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #120. Why San Antonio’s Future Starts with Early Childhood Education – If Rory Sutherland challenges how we think about cities, this episode shows how San Antonio is rethinking its future from the ground up—literally. Bob Rivard sits down with civic leaders Peter J. Holt, Mark Larson, and Dr. Sarah Baray to unpack the city’s nationally recognized investment in early education, what’s working, and where big gaps remain. 🎧 [Listen Here.]

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine San Antonio’s fourteen-year effort to build a more equitable early childhood education system—an undertaking rooted in the city’s fight against generational poverty. Host Bob Rivard traces the origins of Pre-K 4 SA, from its formation by a blue-ribbon task force under then-Mayor Julián Castro, to the launch of universal pre-K centers across the city, and its ongoing impact on young children and working families.

Bob is joined by Peter J. Holt (chair of Early Matters and CEO of Holt Group and Spurs Sports & Entertainment), Mark Larson (Executive Director of Early Matters), and Sarah Baray, Ph.D. (CEO of Pre-K 4 SA), for a candid discussion about the opportunities and gaps that remain.

They discuss:

• How San Antonio became a statewide and national model for early childhood investment—and where it still lags in quality and access
• The ongoing struggle to raise wages and professional standards for early childhood educators
• The systemic challenges of scaling up early education, including the limits of state funding and the realities facing working families
• The role of employers, business leaders, and city policy in expanding access to high-quality child care
• What it will take—in partnerships, policy changes, and private investment—to meet San Antonio’s ambitious goals for its youngest residents

For those concerned with the future of education, workforce development, and social mobility in San Antonio, this episode offers an in-depth look at the city’s approach, its tough trade-offs, and the prospects for true progress.

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RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #98. Public School Funding in Texas: What San Antonio’s Business Leaders Want Lawmakers to Fix – School funding and early childhood education are deeply connected in shaping San Antonio’s future. In this episode, Bob Rivard sits down with civic leaders Mario Barrera and Luis Rodriguez to unpack the urgent funding challenges facing Texas schools—and how business leaders are pushing lawmakers to act. 🔗 Listen Here. 

We conclude our April series of conversations with San Antonio’s leading mayoral candidates as Bob sits down with Rolando Pablos—a businessman, attorney, and former republican Texas Secretary of State—to discuss his campaign, priorities, and vision for the city.

Pablos shares his personal and professional background, shaped by his experience as an immigrant and his decades of public and private sector leadership. The conversation examines key issues facing San Antonio, including the city’s persistent poverty rates, workforce development, economic competitiveness, and the challenges of attracting new businesses. Pablos addresses concerns about partisanship, his approach to relationships with state and federal officials, and his proposals for increasing transparency and accountability at City Hall.

This episode explores:

• Pablos’s views on San Antonio’s economic development and what’s needed to attract companies and jobs

• The city’s historical and systemic poverty, and the role of education and workforce training in addressing it

• Relationships with Mexico, free trade, and why maintaining strong binational partnerships is key for San Antonio’s future

• How Pablos would approach issues such as Project Marvel, affordable housing development, and infrastructure challenges

• The future of local government and the role of nonpartisanship and outside money in city elections

It’s a substantive look at where San Antonio stands, what’s at stake in the mayoral race, and how leadership could shape the city’s next chapter.

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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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We continue our series of interviews with leading candidates for San Antonio mayor. Bob is joined by District 8 City Councilman Manny Pelaez, an attorney with deep roots in both public service and economic development, as he seeks to become the next mayor of San Antonio.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Pelaez shares his personal story as the son of Colombian immigrants and his longstanding commitment to issues of domestic violence and community service. The discussion covers his role in bringing Toyota Manufacturing to San Antonio, his leadership in transforming Brooks City Base from a shuttered Air Force facility into a thriving mixed-use development, and what these projects mean for the broader future of the city.

Topics discussed include:

• Pelaez’s vision for San Antonio’s economic development, including the challenges and opportunities in attracting major employers and delivering high-paying jobs

• The impact of the state legislature on San Antonio’s ability to govern locally, and the necessary qualities of a “wartime mayor” in today’s political climate

• Reflections on the city’s approach to housing, climate action, public transit, and job training programs

• His views on the upcoming Spurs stadium debate, investment in downtown, and the legacy of previous city projects

• Why he believes political campaigns should focus on results and lived experience, rather than empty rhetoric or outside money

With an eye toward both San Antonio’s challenges and strengths, this episode offers an in-depth look at Manny Pelaez’s priorities and approach, and what his leadership could mean for the city at a pivotal moment in its growth.

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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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CONNECT

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