SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio leaders are in the nation’s capital this week for the 44th annual "SA to DC" initiative, in which local officials advocate for various projects to benefit the Alamo City.
In 2023, however, priorities are different for one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.
“San Antonians send literally billions of tax dollars to Washington DC, and we are here to bring those dollars back,” said Jonathan Gurwitz, a partner with KGBTexas Communications and chair of this year’s San Antonio delegation.
Gurwitz says the past expansions at Brooke Army Medical Center constitute one of example of how this trip has paid off.
“Those are the types of transformative efforts in the long run that SA to DC invests in,” Gurwitz says, adding that investments in areas like the military, higher education and advanced manufacturing are what they’re looking for.
Although each member of the trip has their individual priorities, there’s one unifying opinion among San Antonio leaders.
“A lot of priorities that we have for this year’s trip around infrastructure," Gurwitz said," citing the planned airport expansion and efforts to get federal funding for VIA.
He added that the Brooks Development Authority is another road project for which they’re seeking federal dollars.
The airport recently received a $20 million grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act. Councilman Manny Pelaez told KENS 5 in a phone interview that’s another project that’s top of mind.
“We are going to continue to chase these funds,” Pelaez said.
Infrastructure, specifically drainage and resiliency are part of the agenda, he added, saying Hurricane Harvey creates urgency for the city to address stormwater drainage improvements.
The city is already allocating $169 million as part of its 2022 bond projects, although some of those projects will need some shared funding, according to the bond guide.
The city is experiencing rapid growth, but roadways must pave the way for a better future, whether it’s the highway or local streets.
Although there’s 150 people on the trip, Gurwitz says they share one overarching goal.
“From higher ed, business community, elected officials, community leaders and nonprofits, we’re all here for one reason: to advocate for San Antonio."