This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the state of homelessness in San Antonio—a topic that impacts every corner of the city and reflects larger challenges across Texas. Hosts Bob Rivard and Cory Ames are joined by Katie Wilson, president and CEO of Close to Home, the lead nonprofit coordinating citywide efforts to prevent and reduce homelessness.

Wilson shares her local perspective and expertise, detailing how funding, collaboration, and long-term planning shape San Antonio’s approach. Together, they explore why homelessness is increasingly a “housing problem,” how the mismatch between wages and housing costs is pushing more families into crisis, and what solutions are working—or not—within the city’s network of nonprofit and government partners.

Key topics include:

• San Antonio’s evolving ecosystem of homeless services and why collaboration matters
• The realities behind annual "point-in-time" counts and trends in local homelessness
• Challenges facing chronic homelessness, mental health, and supportive housing
• Impacts of federal funding shifts and what they mean for permanent supportive housing
• The ongoing effects of rising rents, stagnant wages, and local policy options
• Encampment management, shelter capacity, and barriers people face accessing services
• The city’s strategic plans—from housing bonds to five-year visions for homelessness reduction

Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of what’s happening on the ground, the policy debates shaping our future, and where community action and investment can make a difference.

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▶️ #145. Opportunity Home is Rebuilding Public Homes and Public Trust for its Centennial Vision – If you’re interested in San Antonio’s housing crisis and how public agencies tackle affordability and federal funding cuts, this episode is a must-listen. Host Bob Rivard sits down with Michael Reyes, CEO of Opportunity Home, to unpack the realities of public housing, deferred maintenance, and bold new strategies shaping the city’s future.

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the career and leadership journey of Lori Houston, former Assistant City Manager for San Antonio and now CEO of CE Group—a prominent event, public relations, and marketing organization with deep roots in the city.

Bob Rivard sits down with Lori Houston to discuss her transition from public service to private enterprise, the challenges and insights gained from overseeing some of San Antonio’s most consequential downtown projects, and her vision for CE Group’s future as the company enters a new chapter.

They explore:

• The evolution of San Antonio’s urban core under Lori's tenure, including major redevelopment initiatives and public-private partnerships

• The shifting priorities at City Hall and what these changes mean for downtown development and city infrastructure

• The impact of technology and economic shifts on the events and PR industry, and how CE Group is adapting to ongoing disruption

• Lori’s approach to mentorship, workforce development, and her personal story of sobriety as shared with the city’s homeless services network

Tune in for a conversation about civic leadership, economic reality, and the future of downtown San Antonio.

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▶️ #151. 8.3 Million New Neighbors by 2050—Henry Cisneros and Bob Rivard on the Austin-San Antonio Megaregion – Following up on San Antonio’s evolving leadership and urban growth, this episode dives into the region’s explosive future. Host Bob Rivard sits down with Henry Cisneros to explore the challenges and opportunities as San Antonio and Austin transform into a powerful megaregion reshaping Central Texas.

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the transformation of Mitchell Lake on San Antonio’s South Side—from decades as a city sewage dump to its current status as a 1,200-acre urban wildlife sanctuary and a critical stop along the Central Flyway for hundreds of migratory bird species.

Cory Ames is joined by Erin Magerl, Senior Education Coordinator at the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, to detail the lake’s complicated history, its current ecological significance, and what its rebirth says about conservation in a rapidly growing city.

They discuss:

• The origins of Mitchell Lake as a natural water body and its years serving as the city’s sewage outflow
• The environmental turnaround—from polluted waters to a revived ecosystem supporting over 350 bird species annually
• The role of public investment and the latest bond-funded improvements aimed at expanding community access and education
• The ongoing challenges facing bird populations and local conservation efforts in the face of urban development
• Practical ways San Antonians can support urban wildlife and participate in community science

This episode offers a grounded look at what’s possible when cities confront past mistakes and the continuing challenges of balancing growth with the preservation of natural habitats in San Antonio.

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▶️ #139. How San Antonio is Turning Construction Waste to Community Wealth – If you found Mitchell Lake’s story of renewal inspiring, take the next step with this episode on San Antonio’s efforts to turn building waste into local opportunity. Cory Ames sits down with Stephanie Phillips to discuss the city’s pioneering deconstruction policy and how it’s fueling environmental innovation, workforce growth, and stronger communities.

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the realities behind CPS Energy’s record-setting proposed budget and the future of San Antonio’s energy infrastructure. As San Antonio and South Texas experience unprecedented growth, CPS Energy—the nation’s largest public energy utility—faces a host of challenges and opportunities in delivering reliable, affordable power to more than 1.4 million homes and businesses.

Bob Rivard sits down with Rudy Garza, President and CEO of CPS Energy, for a candid conversation about the implications of a 15% budget increase, delayed rate decisions, and how ongoing investments in transmission, generation, and renewables are shaping the city’s energy landscape. Garza discusses balancing affordability with reliability, navigating political and economic pressures at City Hall, and adapting to new demands from advanced manufacturing and data centers.

They discuss:

• The drivers of CPS Energy’s $2.87 billion record budget and its proposed rate increase

• How rapid population and economic growth in San Antonio are influencing energy needs

• The transition away from coal, expansion of solar and wind, and the realistic prospects for reaching climate action goals

• Challenges and strategies in building new transmission lines, including the Howard Solstice project and its impact on rural communities

• CPS Energy’s approach to affordability programs and how the utility is working to protect ratepayers while meeting rising demand

• The future role of battery storage, small modular nuclear, and new technologies in San Antonio’s energy portfolio

This episode provides an in-depth look at the interplay between politics, economics, and innovation at Texas’ largest municipal utility, exploring the decisions that will shape San Antonio’s future for decades to come.

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▶️ #141. Why San Antonio Isn’t Running Out of Water — A Conversation with SAWS CEO Robert Puente – If the CPS Energy rate conversation caught your attention, don’t miss this deep dive into San Antonio’s water supply and infrastructure. Host Cory Ames sits down with Robert Puente, CEO of SAWS, to unpack how strategic planning, conservation, and upcoming investments are keeping the city ahead on water—despite fast growth and climate challenges.

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the pressing issue of San Antonio’s stray animal population and the role of affordable spay and neuter services in addressing it. With a 20% euthanasia rate at the city’s shelters and persistent challenges around pet overpopulation, animal welfare remains a critical public concern.

Host Bob Rivard is joined by Cathy Rosenthal, syndicated animal welfare columnist, and Vanessa Richey Said, chairwoman of the San Antonio Spay/Neuter Network. Together, they discuss how San Antonio compares to other major cities in animal welfare, the evolution of local policies and partnerships since the early 2000s, and the specific barriers residents face in accessing affordable veterinary care.

Topics include:

• The history of San Antonio’s animal welfare system and the shift towards “no-kill” shelter practices
• How the Spay/Neuter Network targets underserved communities through free and low-cost services
• Veterinary shortages and the impact on local efforts to curb pet overpopulation
• The cultural and educational challenges around spaying and neutering, and outreach strategies
• The importance of humane education and fostering programs for reducing strays
• The city’s recent investments in animal care services and progress in tackling roaming and aggressive animals

Tune in for a data-driven, straightforward look at the city’s ongoing efforts to improve animal welfare—and what still needs to be done.

▶️ #13. The Cost of Irresponsible Pet Ownership: Nadia De la Garza Explains – If you want to understand the ripple effects of pet owner decisions discussed in the spay/neuter episode, don’t miss this conversation. Host Bob Rivard and guest Nadia De la Garza delve into common myths about pet care, the impact of neglect, and how responsible pet ownership can transform San Antonio’s animal welfare landscape.

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine Grassroots Carbon—a San Antonio-based company working at the intersection of ranching, environmental stewardship, and carbon markets. Founded in 2021 by Lew Moorman and Ed Byrne, Grassroots Carbon partners with ranchers across Texas and beyond to implement regenerative grazing practices that enhance soil health and facilitate carbon capture.

Bob Rivard sits down with Brad Tipper, CEO of Grassroots Carbon, to discuss the science behind soil carbon sequestration and how it’s increasingly recognized as a tool for corporate carbon offsetting. Together, they explore the business model that pays ranchers for measurable stewardship and examine the legislative, economic, and cultural challenges facing regenerative agriculture in Texas.

They discuss:

• How Grassroots Carbon incentivizes ranchers to adopt regenerative grazing practices
• The voluntary and federally recognized standards shaping the U.S. carbon market
• The economic realities confronting Texas ranchers and the new revenue stream created by carbon credits
• The company’s commitment to preserving ranch heritage while driving environmental progress
• Technical approaches for measuring soil carbon and why trust and education are central to building partnerships

Tune in for a clear-eyed look at the evolving carbon capture industry, the role San Antonio plays in this national movement, and what it means for landowners, corporations, and the broader Texas ranching tradition.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #141. Why San Antonio Isn’t Running Out of Water — A Conversation with SAWS CEO Robert Puente – Sustainability remains a central theme on bigcitysmalltown, and this episode dives into another pillar: water security. Host Cory Ames sits down with Robert Puente to uncover how strategic planning and conservation have made San Antonio a national leader in managing its water supply, while facing new challenges in rate hikes and infrastructure.

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the future of professional classical music in San Antonio in the wake of disruption, dissolution, and ongoing uncertainty for long-standing arts organizations. San Antonio native Paul Montalvo, a former firefighter who now leads The Orchestra San Antonio, discusses growing the organization from a $45,000 budget to a projected $2.4 million this year, and the unique model he believes can sustain orchestral music in the city where prior efforts have struggled.

Host Cory Ames sits down with Montalvo to address the realities facing professional musicians, asking whether San Antonio can support and sustain a world-class orchestra—both now and long-term.

They discuss:

• How The Orchestra San Antonio’s hybrid model merges performance and education, employing musicians as both performers and artist-educators

• The challenges and prospects for funding arts programming outside traditional public education or city infrastructure

• The organization’s goal to employ 40–50 full-time faculty artists by 2031, and what it would take to make that a reality

• The impact and limitations of philanthropy versus tax-funded support for the arts in a rapidly changing city

• What other Texas and U.S. cities can—and cannot—teach San Antonio about building sustainable arts infrastructure

This episode offers an unfiltered look at what must change for orchestral music to thrive in San Antonio, and the questions every arts patron, donor, and resident should consider as the city’s cultural future is shaped.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #96. How a Baggage Handler Became One of San Antonio’s Most Iconic Artists – What does it really take to build a creative life in San Antonio? Host Bob Rivard sits down with Gary Sweeney to uncover how a longtime baggage handler turned his passion for storytelling, humor, and public art into a lasting legacy across the city’s landscape—perfect listening for anyone inspired by unconventional journeys and local impact.

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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.

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▶️ #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.

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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. 

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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.

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