San Antonio city budget survey shows top 5 concerns for residents

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — The results of a new survey are creating a top-5 list of most important issues for residents of San Antonio.

Police funding is one of those top priorities.

In the City of San Antonio’s annual fiscal year 2023 trial budget survey, money for law enforcement fell in at No. 2, right behind property tax relief.

The results of the survey has the attention of San Antonio police.

“Effective policing is crucial to creating a safer community for our residents,” said Danny Diaz, President of the San Antonio Police Officers’ Association. “According to the Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department in a March 2022 article, Bexar County witnessed a 133% increase in aggravated assaults and a 17% increase in sexual assaults by juveniles. To help offset the rising juvenile crime rate, our Association is advocating for funding to support the San Antonio Public Safety Corps (PSC). This funding will be distributed evenly among the six San Antonio PSC Units operating at each of the SAPD substations. PSC is devoted to teaching local youth values, morals, community service, and leadership skills. We hope the survey’s findings encourage the City of San Antonio to provide these necessary funds.”

The 8th annual ‘SASpeakUp’ online survey was available in English and Spanish and it was open June 4 through July 8, 2022.

A total of 11,289 completed surveys were received; the results and a proposed budget were presented by City Manager, Erik Walsh, during a City Council “A” session on Thursday, August 11.

Learn more about the City of San Antonio’s ‘SASpeakUp’ survey by clicking here.