3 min read January 2024 — In an interview with Invest:, Mayor Ron Nirenberg of the city of San Antonio discussed the city’s trajectory toward becoming a key player in the American economy, the importance of community involvement in managing growth, the strength of the local workforce, and preserving cultural heritage while fostering growth.
What impact does your office have on San Antonio and the surrounding region?
San Antonio is on track to become a significant player in the American economy, thanks to the growth of our key industries and strategic initiatives focusing on workforce, infrastructure, and energy. We’ve recently formed a South Texas alliance including San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley, and border areas, and extended partnerships across the border. This binational approach is strengthening the South Texas region. We’re also connecting globally to attract investments, fostering business and industrial growth in the area. As mayor, I see my role as the chief salesman for the city and region. In the last six years, San Antonio has become a key player in the economic development of the Southern United States.
How important is community involvement in managing San Antonio’s growth?
Community involvement is essential. Our aim in San Antonio is to build a prosperous, globally competitive economy that benefits all residents. Ensuring access to the excellent jobs created through workforce development and education is critical. We’re leveraging investments to address long-standing challenges like generational poverty and infrastructure. It’s important that residents, who have been here through various challenges, benefit from the global attention and investment. Our focus is on ensuring that everyone in San Antonio, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive. This approach proves that the American dream is not only alive but attainable for every resident here.
How do you assess the strength of the local workforce in meeting the demands of emerging industries?
San Antonio boasts a young and growing workforce, which is not common everywhere. This demographic, mainly communities of color, gives us an advantage. We’ve focused on investing in education and workforce training to ensure our city not only grows in numbers but also in talent. I want businesses worldwide to see San Antonio as a talent factory. If they’re looking for a capable workforce now and in the future, San Antonio and the South Texas region are where they should invest. These are the key strengths that we’re actively promoting globally.
How does San Antonio maintain a balance between preserving its cultural heritage and promoting innovation and growth?
Preserving our cultural and historical heritage is a critical aspect of our growth strategy, and we undertake this collaboratively. San Antonio’s uniqueness, as once noted by Mark Twain, as one of America’s five unique cities, is deeply entwined with our cultural heritage, particularly our Latino heritage and binational relationship with Mexico. This heritage is something we actively embrace and nurture as the city grows. While many cities transform and lose their identity during growth, San Antonio has maintained its distinct character despite its expansion and economic diversification. This preservation of our identity enhances our attractiveness as a place to invest and raise families. San Antonio’s unique place in the American story continues to be a significant draw for people and investment.
What are your hopes for San Antonio following its first voluntary gun buyback event, where over 900 guns were collected?
Our approach to public safety, which is a primary responsibility of local government, is pragmatic, especially considering the complex gun laws in the United States. Law enforcement has been advocating for sensible gun legislation from the Texas state government. Our focus is on preventing dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands or being misused or abused. The gun buyback event is one of our efforts within the limited scope we can operate due to federal and state laws.
How important is developing affordable, accessible, and innovative transportation systems for economic development?
Developing a robust transportation system is crucial and we’re making significant progress. We’re proud to announce that mass transit, which has been anticipated for generations, is finally fully funded and construction will begin next year. This development will have a substantial positive economic impact. We’ve established a group specifically for transit-oriented development, which will transform corridors and create new opportunities for residential, commercial, and retail investment. This project will also support sustainable growth, enhancing the quality of life for current residents.
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