San Antonio Sets Legislative Priorities on Utilities, Project Marvel and South Texas Parkway

San Antonio City Council approved its legislative agenda for the 90th Texas Legislature as a consent item, ahead of the session opening on January 12, 2027. The agenda sets four priorities: protecting city-owned utilities, backing state support for Project Marvel, securing flood infrastructure funding, and advancing the proposed South Texas Parkway.

The most immediate concern is a proposal from Governor Greg Abbott to open the city's electricity market to private competition. CPS Energy transfers up to 14% of its gross revenue to the city's general fund and is budgeted to contribute about $559.7 million in fiscal 2027, so city officials are defending the municipal ownership model.

For Project Marvel, the city wants funding and financing tools for the downtown sports and entertainment district, which includes a proposed Spurs arena. Updated plans call for an $850 million Henry B. González Convention Center expansion and $125 million in Alamodome improvements, with the state Department of Transportation potentially covering about 80% of district road and pedestrian work.

The South Texas Parkway would link Interstate 35 and Interstate 37 between Loop 410 and Loop 1604.

For developers and lenders, the practical takeaway is that utility revenue, district financing and regional transportation funding could shift as the session proceeds.