This episode kicks off with a brief overview of the evolution and expanded mission of greaterSATX, highlighting the organization’s transition from the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation to a dynamic force serving a 10-county region.

greaterSATX CEO Sarah Carabias Rush drilled into the organization's drive to create and diversify jobs, both by attracting new businesses to the area and retaining existing ones, with an emphasis on collaborative workforce development and regional strategies.

The discussion explored the proactive approach to business development, shifting from a passive reliance on state-generated leads to actively cultivating relationships with site selectors and companies across targeted industry clusters.

Another central topic was the importance of foundational assets such as workforce, available land, water, energy, and transportation infrastructure—especially the ongoing expansion of the San Antonio airport and the region’s forward-thinking water strategy through initiatives like Vista Ridge. Several points were raised, including the challenge of workforce shortages in the trades, efforts to upskill local residents (such as the Ready to Work program), and the impact these have on the area’s competitiveness and attractiveness for corporate headquarters and advanced manufacturing.

The discussion also delved into recent debates about data centers, their energy and water demands, and the need for communities to set thoughtful incentives and requirements for such projects. The region’s strengths in cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and biosciences were emphasized as key differentiators, with the current project pipeline showcasing billions in potential capital investment and thousands of jobs. Ultimately, the episode framed greaterSATX as a collaborative, future-focused organization deeply invested in San Antonio’s growth, competitiveness, and quality of place.

In this episode of Beyond the Bite, Eddie Aldrete sits down with Robert Puente, CEO of San Antonio Water System, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of water in one of America’s fastest-growing cities. Puente explains where San Antonio’s water comes from, how projects like Vista Ridge helped the city survive years of severe drought, and why long-term planning is critical to keeping up with continued growth. The discussion also explores how SAWS uses aquifer storage, desalination, and conservation efforts to secure the region’s water future.

The episode dives into the challenges facing SAWS today, including aging infrastructure, underground leaks, and the need for major upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities. Puente explains why SAWS is seeking a multi-year rate increase, how the utility plans to invest billions into infrastructure improvements, and why he believes San Antonio still maintains some of the lowest water rates among major Texas cities. The San Antonio City Council has the final say with their scheduled vote on June 11th.

The conversation also covers water conservation, data centers, and the changing technology behind modern water use. Puente shares how San Antonio residents are using roughly the same amount of water today as they did 25 years ago despite explosive population growth, thanks to decades of conservation efforts and more efficient appliances. From leak detection technology to underground water storage and recycled water systems, this episode offers an inside look at the innovation, planning, and policy decisions shaping San Antonio’s water future.

San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh says his job is personal, because it’s not often that you get to be a city manager for your own hometown. But that’s just a part of the story that comes out of his interview.

In this episode, Manager Walsh updates us on recent city issues, major projects, and leadership transitions. They begin by dissecting the city council's recent debate over the veteran housing voucher ordinance, clarifying the distinction between policy-making and enforcement. Walsh emphasizes that while council sets the direction, city staff execute those decisions, and highlights upcoming adjustments designed to improve access to housing for veterans.

The conversation then shifts to other pressing issues like Project Marvel and the contracts that have been signed to manage the development of the sports and entertainment district. Walsh details the contracts awarded for project management and financial analysis, as well as plans to ensure that event-related costs in the new district do not burden taxpayers. They also discuss progress at San Antonio International Airport, including the resolution of a lawsuit with Southwest Airlines and major improvements to ground transportation and parking facilities.

With city revenues falling below growing expenses, Walsh has the tough job of advising the City Council on what their options are to balance the budget.Cut spending, raise property taxes for the first time in 33 years, or do some combination of them both. The episode concludes with updates on the recruitment of a new police chief, ongoing union contract negotiations, and efforts to respond to recent flooding tragedies through both immediate repairs and long-term planning. Throughout, Walsh provides listeners with a insiders view of the complex decisions and teamwork that keep San Antonio moving.