“We are at a crossroads in our community,” said Fr. Dennis Schafer of Mission San Jose Parish. “San Antonio is the third poorest large city within the entire country. Will we be a city, a community that seeks good for the people or wants to build playgrounds for the rich who do not live here?”
COPS/Metro met the moment on Sunday, April 27th by holding an accountability session with over 200 leaders representing 14 east side institutions, and 13 city council candidates for districts 1, 2, and 3. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, the oldest Black Church in San Antonio, hosted the session, where community leaders resoundingly said NO to Project Marvel, a city project that threatens to use more than $1 Billion of our tax dollars on a private entertainment venue.
East side leaders, in districts that would be most impacted by Project Marvel, spoke to the gentrification, crumbling roads, and threats of vicious dogs occurring in their neighborhoods, emphasizing the need for investment in local residents and infrastructure. Others shared stories demonstrating the need for youth development programs and quality, high-paying jobs.
COPS/Metro secured the following commitments from all candidates present:
- No public funding for private development. No to Project Marvel
- Hold developer and city of San Antonio accountable to residents displaced by the building of the new Mission Stadium and ensure residents receive the $2,500 moving assistance secured by COPS/Metro
- Continued funding for Workforce Development programs such as Ready to Work and Project Quest that train participants for in-demand living-wage careers
- Ensure the South East side Police Sub-station in District 3 is completed by using 2027 Bond funds
Candidates present included:
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District 1 Candidates |
District 2 Candidates • Jalen McKee-Rodriguez • Stephanie Powell • Sean Hanlin • Carla-Joy Sisco • Kizzie D. Thomas |
District 3 Candidates
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The agenda for the accountability session was based on an organizing effort that involved deepening relationships and thousands of conversations with residents across the east side.