Downtown Ballpark Plans Advance as SAWS Rate Hike and Budget Survey Shape City Priorities

Big-picture decisions are lining up across San Antonio this week — from a proposed downtown ballpark district to possible water rate increases and the next city budget.

Downtown Ballpark Development Takes Shape

Designs for a new Minor League Baseball stadium downtown are now coming into focus, with developers outlining a broader mixed-use vision around the site near San Pedro Creek Culture Park.

The proposal includes a roughly 4,500-seat ballpark surrounded by two apartment towers totaling more than 600 units, plus an eight-story hotel and ground-floor retail. City officials are reviewing the plans as part of the approval process.

If built, the project would mark a major shift in how downtown is used — aiming to create more residential density and year-round activity beyond tourism and events.

SAWS Considers Water Rate Increase

Meanwhile, San Antonio Water System trustees are preparing to revisit a potential rate hike later this month. Utility officials say rising infrastructure costs, drought pressures and legislative requirements are driving the need to reassess rates.

Two trustee meetings are scheduled in April and May, with any final decision requiring City Council approval. For households and businesses already managing higher costs, even modest increases could have noticeable impacts.

City Opens FY2027 Budget Survey

On the public policy front, the City of San Antonio has opened its annual budget survey, inviting residents to weigh in on spending priorities for Fiscal Year 2027. The survey runs through May 1.

City leaders say they are in the second year of a three-year effort to reduce spending growth while protecting essential services such as streets, parks and public safety. Community feedback will help guide a formal budget goal-setting session later this spring.

Together, the ballpark proposal, water rate discussions and budget planning highlight the balancing act facing local leaders: investing in growth and infrastructure while keeping long-term finances steady.

Sources

https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/31/san-antonio-missions-new-baseball-stadium-designs
https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/saws-rate-increase-22079669.php
https://www.sa.gov/Directory/News-Releases/Help-Guide-the-City%E2%80%99s-Budget-Priorities