Survey: San Antonians Want Streets Prioritized in FY 2025 Budget

Fiscal Year 2025 Budget in Focus

In a recent survey, a substantial majority of San Antonio residents expressed their desire for the city’s fiscal year 2025 budget to center around improving city streets and the eradication of homeless encampments. Conducted during May, the market research company amassed responses from over a thousand local residents, presenting their findings to the City Council this past Thursday.

Breakdown of Priorities

The survey allowed San Antonians to rank various amenities and services according to their perceived importance. The results indicated a clear priority pattern among citizens, where the top five budget allocations were tied to services relating directly to streets, the homeless, sidewalks, and police services. Notably missing from the top-five ranking were affordable housing and Animal Care Services, which have seen a decrease in prioritization, still they continue to be deemed as high-priority by residents.

The Problem of Homeless Encampments

The increasing number of homeless encampments has been a growing issue, prompting residents to place a high priority on tackling this situation in the FY 2025 budget. Many have noted that the abandonment and privation visible in the streets of San Antonio have come to represent more than just an aesthetic problem, but a clear sign of social degradation and inequality.

Streets and Infrastructure

The condition of San Antonio’s streets and sidewalks was another matter of priority for residents. Cracked pavements, misaligned sidewalks and streets filled with potholes has been a recurring subject of complaints among citizens who are now demanding assertive actions for their repair and maintenance in the upcoming budget.

Other Priorities

While not making the top five, services such as affordable housing and animal care are still regarded as important by residents. The proviso of affordable housing has been a longstanding issue, and while it may not be in the top five priorities, it continues to be a concern for the city’s inhabitants. Similarly, Animal Care Services, which incorporates everything from mitigating instances of animal cruelty to neutering and spaying services, continues to be a valued service.

Conclusion

As the City Council begins their deliberations on the FY 2025 city budget, they are armed with the results of this survey to guide their decisions. With San Antonians placing a clear emphasis on improving the city’s infrastructure and managing the homeless crisis, the council’s choice of allocations will be a clear reflection of their accountability and commitment towards attending to the needs and concerns of the community.