Peter Sakai, County Judge, Bexar County

In an interview with Invest:, Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai highlighted major manufacturing investments, including JCB and Toyota, as key drivers of economic growth. Emphasizing a regional “Texas Diamond” strategy, he stressed workforce development through initiatives like Texas FAME. “Workforce development is central to our strategy,” he said.

How does Bexar County’s economic climate compare to other regions in Texas? 

Business is booming in Bexar County. I’m in the third year of my first term, and economic development was a central part of my platform when I ran for county judge. We’ve made great strides. For example, JCB, the largest U.K. industrial manufacturer in agriculture and light manufacturing, has broken ground here. They’re bringing about 1,500 jobs to the area.

Last year, I visited Japan to meet with Toyota and its suppliers operating in Bexar County to express our support for their investment, especially on the South Side. Another manufacturer, Navistar — now called International — is also expanding.

There’s explosive growth around the Toyota campus, and institutions like Texas A&M–San Antonio are rapidly growing. It’s projected to become the second-largest institution in the A&M system, after College Station. University Health is building a new hospital nearby, and together, we’re sponsoring a public health department to support a potential medical school.

This kind of growth comes with challenges — roads, water, utilities — but we’re preparing. I’ve been emphasizing what I call the “Texas Diamond,” a regional approach that links San Antonio to Corpus Christi, Laredo, and the Rio Grande Valley. At the top of the diamond is San Antonio; southeast is Corpus, which could become the largest international seaport; southwest is Laredo, the largest inland port in the United States; and south is the Rio Grande Valley, which I know well because I grew up in McAllen.

People forget that Bexar County sits at a crossroads. We’re on I-10, connecting California to Florida, and I-35, connecting Mexico to Canada. We’ve documented this in our Texas-Mexico Automotive Super Cluster report. There’s a direct corridor from manufacturing plants in central Mexico — places like León and Guanajuato — through Laredo and up to San Antonio. That’s a massive advantage for us.

How are you managing the challenges of population growth, particularly regarding infrastructure?

By 2040, we expect another million residents in Bexar County. Growth brings opportunities but also real challenges. In the far west of the county, near Medina County, we’re seeing a rise in data centers, which raises concerns around energy usage. That’s an ongoing discussion.

Water is another major issue. Fortunately, San Antonio Water System (SAWS), under CEO Robert Puente, is proactive, bringing in water from Central Texas and using brackish water sources like the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer.

Transportation is another major priority. We can’t keep putting more traffic on I-35 and I-10. I’ve advocated for rail and multimodal transportation options. There’s already a plan to double-deck parts of I-35, and discussions are ongoing with Travis County Judge Andy Brown and others about long-term solutions for the Austin-to-San Antonio corridor — what former HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros calls the “Mega Metro.”

We’re also preparing for increased public safety and health needs: more law enforcement, mental health workers, clinics, and emergency care centers. All of this means tight budgets, but we have to plan now.

How are you working with local colleges and universities to develop the workforce and close skill gaps in growing industries?

Workforce development is central to our strategy. We’re heavily focused on advanced manufacturing training, especially because of Toyota, its suppliers, JCB, and International. 

We have two key programs. Texas FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) is a partnership with Alamo Colleges, Bexar County, and local employers. Students work toward an associate degree while interning with companies like Toyota and JCB. It prepares them for high-skill, high-wage careers, even if they don’t pursue a four-year degree.

Texas Fast Track is a short-term, intensive 10-week program geared toward older workers, especially those reentering society after incarceration. Many have matured, are sober, and want to work, but lack opportunities. This program upgrades their skills and connects them to employers who provide further training.

We partner with Project QUEST, Goodwill, and faith-based groups like COPS/Metro. These organizations provide wraparound support — housing, counseling, and drug treatment. They help make sure people succeed, not just get trained.

This is bigger than Bexar County. That’s why I talk about the Texas Diamond. We’re reaching out to rural areas like Wilson, Atascosa, Medina, and counties down to the border. There’s untapped labor out there. They don’t all need degrees; they just need a path to real work.

What are your top priorities for the next two to three years?

We’ve made real progress, and I’m proud of that. But it’s not just me. It’s the Commissioners Court, the city, our legislative delegation, our nonprofit and private sector partners. I keep things simple: I want to fix things. Our community doesn’t want gridlock or political games; they want solutions. As a former judge, I always followed the rule of law. I may not always agree with laws coming from Austin or Washington, but I follow them. I also focus on what families need: public safety, healthcare, education, and jobs. 

We need to invest in infrastructure, such as roads, broadband, energy, and especially public health. That includes parks, trails, and access to nutritious food. Diabetes is a crisis here. So is domestic violence and mental health. We need to do better. I also think about seniors. Many live on fixed incomes. We can’t push them out of their homes with rising taxes. They need to age in place. We must balance growth with compassion. 

We can’t wait for Austin or D.C. to fix everything. Local government has to lead. That means communicating, collaborating, and coordinating. Set clear goals, measure outcomes, and make sure taxpayer dollars bring real returns.

Why is the diversity of Bexar County’s leadership important to you?

I’m proud to serve a community that embraces diversity. Mayor Ron Nirenberg and I are both Asian Americans, elected by a majority-Hispanic community. That says something powerful about San Antonio. We may not be seen as an international city in the traditional sense, but we are diverse in spirit. I believe in equity and inclusion. That’s not a political slogan, it’s who I am.

At the end of the day, I’m here to serve. I bring a background in child advocacy and 26 years as a District Court judge. My guiding light has always been what’s best for children and families. And I bring that same mindset to the Commissioners Court, where we manage nearly a $3 billion budget. It’s an honor to serve this community, and I’ll keep working every day to make things better.