Writer: Alejandro Sanchez
2 min read July 2021— Cities throughout the southern United States are currently experiencing considerable population growth due to the influx of new residents from states like California and New York, a phenomenon accelerated by the pandemic. To accommodate this population growth, and mitigate potential future issues, cities like San Antonio will need a comprehensive infrastructure plan in place.
Even before COVID-19, southern states were already a destination for many Americans looking for more affordable lifestyles. According to the Texas Relocation Report, between 2012 and 2019 the state received an annual average of 500,000 new residents. During this same time period, San Antonio received up to 66 people daily, making it one of the most sought after destinations in the state.
In addition to a more affordable cost of living, the new arrivals are also looking for a less restrictive regulatory environment, vibrant cultural scene and business friendly environment. During an interview with Kense 5, Brian Barron of Lennar San Antonio noted, “You see a lot of people from California that are trying to get into a place that’s got a lower cost of living, which we’ve clearly got here in San Antonio, as a competitive edge.”
San Antonio has recognized that with this growth of population also comes the need to grow and strengthen the City’s infrastructure. Last week, San Antonio’s Mayor Ron Nirenberg gathered with key legislators in Washington D.C. to advocate for the city’s infrastructure priorities as part of Joe Biden’s proposed $3.5 trillion national infrastructure bill.
“We’re talking about digital connectivity, broadband connectivity, we’re talking about alternative modes of transportation — anything that falls into the category of connecting people to people, people to schools, people to businesses,” Mayor Nirenberg told The San Antonio Report. “That’s what we’re talking about with connectivity, and so that’s what we’ll be prioritizing, not only in the [American Rescue Plan Act funds] but also the infrastructure plan and ultimately our bond programs as well.”
And while this trip was a significant effort towards the future of San Antonio’s infrastructure, Mayor Nirenberg understands that there is a lot more work to be done to see this all come to fruition. “I don’t expect this to be the only advocacy that we do, and certainly not our only trip. But right now we are advocating for shaping the legislation that’s favorable to local communities, that proportions infrastructure dollars in a way that is meaningful to a community like San Antonio, and also getting in front of the congressional leaders that may be considered swing votes to get favorable legislation passed,” he told The San Antonio Report.
Once a comprehensive plan to modernize and expand San Antonio’s infrastructure is implemented and funded, the city will look to continue to capitalize on this historic influx of newcomers.
