Jones and Galvan call for new vote on Spurs arena funding and back data center moratorium

San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and District 6 Councilmember Ric Galvan are pushing for a citywide vote regarding the proposed $489 million in city funding for a new downtown Spurs arena, arguing that November's countywide vote was insufficient. Jones highlighted a projected city budget shortfall and potential property tax increases as reasons for residents to have a say on the combined $800 million in public funding from the city and county for the arena project.

Both officials are also opposing Governor Greg Abbott's proposal to introduce private competition into San Antonio’s electricity market. Galvan and Jones assert that CPS Energy, the municipally owned utility, offers affordable electricity and gas and significantly contributes to the city’s general fund, supporting essential services. They argue that privatization claims of lower bills are not supported by evidence from other Texas cities.

Separately, Councilmember Galvan is calling for a temporary 90-day moratorium on new data center applications in San Antonio, a move supported by Mayor Jones and Councilmembers Teri Castillo and Ivalis Meza Gonzalez. The proposed pause would allow the city to develop new regulations concerning zoning, water-use, and disclosure requirements for data centers. Jones also endorsed measures like closed-loop cooling systems and the use of recycled water, while Galvan urged Governor Abbott to convene a special legislative session to pass state laws holding data centers accountable. The moratorium would also give the city time to consider requiring city council approval and public meetings for data center projects, alongside greater transparency on their water and electricity demands.