On this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, TPPF's Jose Melendez sits down with candidate for Texas Comptroller Don Huffines to discuss the role of the Texas Comptroller, how they handle the state's money, Texas DOGE reforms and cutting taxes for Texans.

How can San Antonio stay affordable, competitive, and accountable to taxpayers? In this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, Texas Public Policy Foundation's Jose Melendez sits down with San Antonio City Councilwoman Misty Spears to discuss economic development, artificial intelligence, veteran entrepreneurship, city budgeting, government transparency, housing affordability, public safety, infrastructure, and the future of San Antonio.

Councilwoman Spears shares insights from her recent economic development mission to Taiwan and Japan, where she worked to strengthen international partnerships in cybersecurity, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and advanced manufacturing. She also discusses her proposal for an AI workforce certification program, initiatives supporting veteran-owned small businesses, and her vision for responsible city budgeting that prioritizes core services over government expansion.

The conversation explores some of the most important issues facing Texans today:

✅ Economic Development & Job Creation
✅ Artificial Intelligence & Workforce Training
✅ Veteran Entrepreneurship & Small Business Growth
✅ Government Transparency & Accountability
✅ Public Safety & Infrastructure Investment
✅ Property Taxes & Affordability Challenges
✅ Housing Policy & Homeownership Opportunities
✅ Local Control vs. State Oversight
✅ Audits, Budget Reform & Taxpayer Protection
✅ The Future of San Antonio & Texas Growth

If you're interested in Texas politics, local government, taxpayer advocacy, economic growth, housing affordability, public policy, city budgets, government transparency, and the future of San Antonio, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

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On this episode of Taxpayer Empowerment, recorded live at TPS 2026, Jose Melendez sits down with Lauren Bouton of Airbnb to break down the growing debate over short-term rental regulations in Texas.