Economic & Urban Development Episodes

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...

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...

We continue our series of interviews with leading candidates for San Antonio mayor ahead of the May 3 election. Bob welcomes Gina Ortiz Jones, an Air Force veteran and former Undersecretary of the Air Force under the Biden administration, for a...

In this episode, Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda shares her personal background growing up on the West Side, her legal and public service career, and her early influences—including time spent working under former mayors Ed Garza and Lila...

In this episode, Bob continues our coverage of San Antonio’s crowded mayoral race with Councilwoman Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia of District 4. A professor of marketing at Our Lady of the Lake University and former president of the San Antonio Housing...

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we delve into San Antonio's dynamic political landscape as our city prepares for its first mayoral race without an incumbent in sixteen years. With Mayor Ron Nirenberg's term concluding, the upcoming election on May 3...

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 on bigcitysmalltown, host Bob Rivard is joined by Elena Wells and Jenny Carnes from San Antonio Sports to discuss the upcoming 2025 NCAA Men's Final Four hosted in San Antonio. With the city on the brink of this prestigious event, what can...

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 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...

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...

This week’s episode of bigcitysmalltown takes you behind the scenes of one of San Antonio’s most critical infrastructure hubs: the San Antonio International Airport (SAT). We’re joined by Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports for the San Antonio...