San Antonio Approves $4B Budget Amid Police Staffing Shortfall

San Antonio City Council has approved a $4 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026 that addresses a projected $150 million deficit without increasing property taxes, relying instead on spending cuts, raised fees, and shifts in funding. While the budget allocates significant funding to public safety—$631.5 million for police and $428 million for fire services—there are concerns about inadequate police staffing relative to community promises to add 200 officers over three years, which may now take longer. Council members debated the balance between supporting core services and managing budget shortfalls, with some opposing cuts to nonprofits and others emphasizing the need for more police officers to improve safety. Additional investments include $30.5 million for a new Homeless Services & Strategy Department, $122 million for street improvements, $31.4 million for affordable housing, and $411 million toward major drainage projects. Critics warn of potential risks from officer fatigue due to understaffing and caution that reduced staff could increase public safety dangers. City leaders also face ongoing challenges from flat tax revenue, reduced federal funding, and the need to explore new revenue sources such as local deal revenue sharing.