Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
9h ago

After Arena Tax Win, San Antonio Moves to Negotiations and Public Input

City leaders begin public outreach ahead of binding talks on financing, community benefits, site control.

Image
Peter J. Holt, left, managing partner and chairman of Spurs Sports & Entertainment, celebrates voter approval of Proposition B at an Election Night watch party at River North Icehouse in San Antonio. The proposition called for public financing of a new downtown arena for the Spurs. It passed with 52% of the vote.
Tom Zuniga, center, displays signs criticizing Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones form her reluctance to support Proposition B, a measure to provide public funding for a new Spurs arena. Zuniga celebrated at watch party at River North Icehouse on Tuesday, when voters approved Prop B.
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones interrupts an Aug. 20 City Hall news conference organized by business leaders to rally support for public financing for a new Spurs arena. Ortiz wanted further analysis of the proposal.

Overview

  • Officials held a City Hall pep rally and directed residents to SA.gov/sportsdistricts for feedback on the proposed downtown sports and entertainment district.
  • Bexar County voters approved Propositions A and B, with about 56% and 52% support respectively, advancing plans for a Hemisfair Spurs arena and preservation of the Coliseum complex.
  • Proposition B unlocks up to $311 million via venue taxes, raising the hotel occupancy rate to 2% and maintaining a 5% car-rental tax.
  • The $1.3 billion project envisions up to $800 million in public funding from the city and county, with the Spurs contributing at least $500 million and covering overruns.
  • Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones declined to say whether she will seek a separate city vote on the city's share as opponents press for accountability and the non-binding term sheet moves into detailed negotiations.