Housing in San Antonio Event Highlights Progress in Affordable Housing

Published on January 25, 2025

The third annual celebration provided updates on the Strategic Housing Implementation Plan and affordable housing options.

SAN ANTONIO (January 25, 2025) – Today's Housing in San Antonio event brought together attendees from across the city at South San High School. Hosted by the City of San Antonio in partnership with local housing organizations, the third annual event connected residents with valuable resources, services, and expert guidance to navigate affordable housing opportunities.

"Housing is undeniably the cornerstone of a person's or family's well-being," said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. "Here in San Antonio, we have the power to provide safe, high-quality homes for thousands, and today's event stands as undeniable proof that it can be done. I extend my deepest gratitude to our partners — Bexar County, Neighborhood and Housing Services, The San Antonio Housing Trust, Opportunity Home San Antonio, and countless others — whose dedication made this transformative day for so many a reality."

San Antonio continues to make strides in addressing the city's affordable housing needs. Local leaders and partners touted approximately 9,600 affordable housing units, including rental properties, permanent supportive housing, and single-family homes. More than 1,000 have been preserved or are currently under construction. This milestone represents 34 precent of the City's ambitious affordable housing target outlined in the Strategic Housing Implementation Plan (SHIP).

"I am proud to highlight the steady progress we have made toward the goals of the housing implementation plan at the third annual Housing in San Antonio event," said Mark Carmona, Chief Housing Officer for the City of San Antonio. "Together with our partners and the community, we have achieved significant advancements in creating equitable and sustainable housing solutions that benefit all residents of San Antonio. Housing is the foundation of strong families and thriving communities, and we remain fully committed to ensuring that everyone has a quality, safe, and secure place to call home."

In addition, produce distribution for the first 200 attendees was provided by the San Antonio Food Bank. Throughout the event, presentations included information on property tax assistance, renters' rights, universal design, first-time homebuyers, and housing finance.

The City of San Antonio, along with SHIP partners Opportunity Home San Antonio, the San Antonio Housing Trust and Bexar County, highlighted achievements from the past three years, including:

• The passing of the Affordable Housing Bond
• The completion of the first rental production complex devoted entirely to affordable and deeply affordable home units that is supported by the Bond
• The groundbreaking of the first affordable home rental production complex devoted to older adults

"Now in its third year, the Housing in San Antonio resource event has become a vital part of our city's mission to empower residents with the knowledge and connections needed to find housing that suits their needs and budgets," said Veronica Garcia, Director of Neighborhood and Housing Services. "Over the years, this event has solidified its role as a driving force in advancing the goals of the Strategic Housing Implementation Plan. By spotlighting innovative housing solutions and creating opportunities for citizens to engage with industry experts, we're building a stronger, more connected community and paving the way for a future where housing is accessible to all."

The Affordable Housing Bond continued to support the creation and preservation of more than 4,100 homes near jobs, transit, schools, and services.

Thanks to support from the Affordable Housing Bond alone, 654 homes are complete, 2,700 homes are under construction, and 1,009 homes are in the development pipeline. In 2024,  $17.2 million in Affordable Housing Bond funds was awarded to support 929 homes, and another round of solicitations was issued, making $25.6 million available in gap funding for additional projects.

The SHIP aims to build or preserve over 28,000 affordable homes by 2031, which includes 1,000 permanent supportive housing units and 1,200 homes for older adults. The SHIP outlines strategies to secure over $3 billion in funding through federal, state, and local resources, including bonds, tax exemptions, and private investments. These resources are essential for addressing the city's housing affordability challenges effectively.

The SHIP builds upon San Antonio's 2018 Housing Policy Framework, which was the city's first comprehensive effort to address housing affordability. Adopted in 2021, SHIP was developed through a data-driven, community-inclusive process with input from over 80 stakeholders, including residents with lived experience, policymakers, and housing advocates. The SHIP is a vital guide for addressing systemic inequities, preventing displacement, and ensuring that all San Antonians, regardless of income, have access to quality, affordable housing, reinforcing the city's long-term commitment to equitable growth and sustainability.

The City and Neighborhood and Housing Services Department extends its heartfelt gratitude to Frost Bank and Jefferson Bank, whose generous sponsorship of this year's housing event exemplifies their dedication to equity and accessibility in housing. Their support has been instrumental in making this event a success and advancing the city's mission of fostering inclusive growth and opportunity for all.