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bigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard

Economic & Urban Development Episodes

Discussions on entrepreneurship, city planning, workforce growth, and the forces shaping San Antonio’s economy.
April 5, 2025

113. The Last Word - Tariffs Hit Home in San Antonio

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...

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March 29, 2025

111. The Last Word - Leave the City Bond Elections Alone

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...

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March 28, 2025

110. San Antonio’s Model for Homelessness: Why Other Cities Look to H…

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...

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March 21, 2025

108. What It Takes to Host the Final Four—Inside San Antonio’s Big Mo…

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...

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March 8, 2025

105. The Last Word - Nonstop: San Antonio’s New Direct Flight to DC

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....

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March 1, 2025

103. The Last Word - The Texas Lottery Controversy: Who Wins & Who Lo…

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...

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Feb. 14, 2025

98. Public School Funding in Texas: What San Antonio’s Business Leade…

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...

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Jan. 18, 2025

91. The Last Word - Texas Legislature Opens the 89th Legislative Sess…

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...

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Jan. 17, 2025

90. Taking Off: What’s Next for San Antonio’s International Airport

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...

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Jan. 11, 2025

89. The Last Word - 2025: A Big News Year for San Antonio and Texas

Welcome to the first Last Word in its new standalone format. Every Saturday, Bob delivers his sharp, insightful commentary on life and politics in San Antonio, Texas, and beyond. In this inaugural episode, he dives into what 2025 has in...

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Jan. 3, 2025

87. VIA's Jeff Arndt Rides Off

This week’s guest is Jeff Arndt, who has served for 13 years as president and CEO of VIA Metropolitan Transit, San Antonio and Bexar County’s public bus system. Listen as Arndt discusses his career at VIA ahead of his retirement, the challenges...

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Dec. 20, 2024

85. Bexar County's Year with David Marquez

This week’s guest is David Marquez, executive director of Economic and Community Development for Bexar County, a longtime leader in economic development and advanced manufacturing, including cross-border auto manufacturing, for the county. Marquez...

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Nov. 8, 2024

79. Meredith Walker and the Texas Business Hall of Fame

This week’s guest is Meredith Walker, executive director of the Texas Business Hall of Fame, a position she has held for nearly seven years. The TBHF was founded in 1982 to celebrate the state’s most successful and community-minded business...

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Oct. 18, 2024

76. Jessica Conrad on San Antonio's Housing Market

This week’s guest is Jessica Conrad, a San Antonio realtor, Air Force veteran, and now, the emcee of the semi-annual PechaKucha creative presentations, the latest edition of which was recently staged at the Carver Cultural Center. Listen as Jessica...

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