Civic Leadership & Public Affairs Episodes

This week’s Last Word delves into the ominous impact of President Trump’s tariffs on San Antonio and Texas. As the trade war with Canada and Mexico intensifies, the city braces for economic repercussions. Politicians have transformed tariffs into...

This week's Last Word dives into the ongoing battle between local and state government in Texas, focusing on San Antonio's fight to retain control over its financial future. With Republican lawmakers seeking to tighten their grip on predominantly...

This week on bigcitysmalltown we delve into the evolving landscape of homelessness support and services in San Antonio. As Kim Jeffries, the CEO of Haven for Hope, prepares to depart her role to take on the establishment of a comprehensive homeless...

This week’s Last Word addresses a pressing local decision San Antonio faces amidst national upheaval. With jobs at risk due to political chaos in Washington, city leaders are contemplating hiring displaced federal workers. While the intention is...

This week’s Last Word examines Texas’ growing education funding crisis. Despite a record state budget surplus, public schools—especially in San Antonio—are being left behind. Lawmakers continue to prioritize political battles over solutions,...

San Antonio has finally secured a long-awaited nonstop flight to Washington, D.C. But will it last? In this Last Word, Bob discusses the significance of the new direct route, why it took decades to become a reality, and what it will take to keep it....

This week’s Last Word examines the Texas Lottery—where billions are wagered each year, and the promise of funding public education continues to spark debate. Bob takes a deep dive into how the lottery works, who benefits most, and whether Texas...

This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown explores how UTSA is rapidly evolving into a top public research university—and what this means for San Antonio’s future. With its confirmed merger with UT Health San Antonio now in progress, UTSA is...

This week’s Last Word commentary examines the growing demand for mental health services in Bexar County—and whether the state will provide the funding needed to meet it. Bob Rivard unpacks the county’s plan to expand in-patient mental...

This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown dives into the urgent conversation surrounding public school funding in Texas. With schools in the San Antonio region reaching a financial breaking point, business leaders are stepping in to advocate for...

This week’s Last Word commentary examines the future of FEMA and what it means for Texas as disaster relief policies face increasing political scrutiny. Bob Rivard unpacks the growing debate over federal disaster aid, how FEMA’s role could change...

This week’s Last Word commentary examines the San Antonio City Council’s failed vote on funding abortion travel, a decision that reflects both the city’s political divide and the larger struggle between state and local governance in Texas. Bob...

This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown dives into one of the most pressing issues facing San Antonio: the future of immigration policy and how it will impact our community.  We’re joined by Claudia Hernandez, an immigration attorney at...

This week’s Last Word commentary reflects on the enduring connections between Texas and Mexico through the Gulf of Mexico—a shared space of culture, trade, and history. As the relationship between these neighbors faces new challenges in the next...

In this week’s Last Word, Bob Rivard explores the opening of the Texas Legislature’s 89th biennial session, unpacking the pressing issues and political dynamics shaping the state’s future. From the ongoing school voucher debate and public...