Leaky Pipes, A Never-Ending Drought and Population Growth. What’s Really Driving Water Rates?

Leaky Pipes, A Never-Ending Drought and Population Growth. What’s Really Driving Water Rates?

In this episode of Beyond the Bite, Eddie Aldrete sits down with Robert Puente, CEO of San Antonio Water System, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of water in one of America’s fastest-growing cities. Puente explains where San Antonio’s water comes from, how projects like Vista Ridge helped the city survive years of severe drought, and why long-term planning is critical to keeping up with continued growth. The discussion also explores how SAWS uses aquifer storage, desalination, and conservation efforts to secure the region’s water future. The episode dives into the challenges facing SAWS today, including aging infrastructure, underground leaks, and the need for major upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities. Puente explains why SAWS is seeking a multi-year rate increase, how the utility plans to invest billions into infrastructure improvements, and why he believes San Antonio still maintains some of the lowest water rates among major Texas cities. The San Antonio City Council has the final say with their scheduled vote on June 11th. The conversation also covers water conservation, data centers, and the changing technology behind modern water use. Puente shares how San Antonio residents are using roughly the same amount of water today as they did 25 years ago despite explosive population growth, thanks to decades of conservation efforts and more efficient appliances. From leak detection technology to underground water storage and recycled water systems, this episode offers an inside look at the innovation, planning, and policy decisions shaping San Antonio’s water future.

“You Point the Hill — We Take It” -- City Manager Erik Walsh Unfiltered

San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh says his job is personal, because it’s not often that you get to be a city manager for your own hometown. But that’s just a part of the story that comes out of his interview. In this episode, Manager Walsh updates us on recent city issues, major projects, and leadership transitions. They begin by dissecting the city council's recent debate over the veteran housing voucher ordinance, clarifying the distinction between policy-making and enforcement. Walsh emphasizes that while council sets the direction, city staff execute those decisions, and highlights upcoming adjustments designed to improve access to housing for veterans. The conversation then shifts to other pressing issues like Project Marvel and the contracts that have been signed to manage the development of the sports and entertainment district. Walsh details the contracts awarded for project management and financial analysis, as well as plans to ensure that event-related costs in the new district do not burden taxpayers. They also discuss progress at San Antonio International Airport, including the resolution of a lawsuit with Southwest Airlines and major improvements to ground transportation and parking facilities. With city revenues falling below growing expenses, Walsh has the tough job of advising the City Council on what their options are to balance the budget.Cut spending, raise property taxes for the first time in 33 years, or do some combination of them both. The episode concludes with updates on the recruitment of a new police chief, ongoing union contract negotiations, and efforts to respond to recent flooding tragedies through both immediate repairs and long-term planning. Throughout, Walsh provides listeners with a insiders view of the complex decisions and teamwork that keep San Antonio moving.

Customer Satisfaction in Transit: How VIA Achieved the #1 National Ranking

In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with VIA CEO Jon Gary Herrera and VIA Board Chair Laura Cabanilla to discuss major transformations taking place at VIA Transit in San Antonio. The conversation explores how the agency is accelerating service improvements, particularly focusing on increasing bus frequency and redesigning routes to better connect job and education centers in a rapidly growing city. Laura Cabanilla highlights the board’s emphasis on strategic accountability, operational rigor, and fostering a culture shift within the organization to retain and attract talent. Jon Gary Herrera explains how the agency prioritized hiring new bus operators (drivers) to enable more frequent and reliable service, resulting in record-breaking increased ridership and improved efficiency for current and future VIA customers. The discussion also touches on innovative solutions like VIA Link, an on-demand rideshare-style service tailored for San Antonio’s sprawling geography, and how this model has become a national example for other transit agencies seeking more flexible and cost-effective approaches. The episode delves into VIA’s pursuit of advanced rapid transit infrastructure, specifically the Green Line and Silver Line projects, and the significance of recent successful federal grants made possible by local voter support for dedicated transportation funding. Aldrete, Cabanilla, and Herrera also unpack the ongoing debate on free fares, agency funding, and San Antonio’s role as an economic driver, emphasizing the importance of customer satisfaction, community partnerships, and sustainable transit solutions to support the city’s growth and future mobility needs. https://www.viainfo.net/ https://www.viainfo.net/via-team/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauracabanilla/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jongaryherrera/

255 Voices, One Mission: How San Antonio Fights for Its Future in D.C.

This episode of Beyond the Bite takes listeners inside San Antonio’s annual “SA to DC” trip, where business leaders, elected officials, and community advocates travel to Washington to advocate for the region’s priorities. Guests Kevin Matula of USAA [https://www.usaa.com/] and Krista Piferrer of the First Day Foundation [https://firstday.foundation/] provide a behind-the-scenes look at how a diverse coalition—from large corporations to small business owners and nonprofits—comes together to present a unified voice. With a record-breaking delegation this year, the conversation highlights why showing up in force matters and how collaboration across industry and community sectors strengthens San Antonio’s influence on the national stage. The discussion explores the dual nature of advocacy—pushing for new opportunities and funding while also protecting existing resources and funding. From military appropriations and infrastructure to housing and nonprofit support, the guests emphasize that much of the work in Washington is about “playing defense” to preserve what the community already has. They also highlight the growing role of entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, and nonprofit leaders in these conversations, bringing real-world expertise into policy discussions and helping lawmakers understand how legislation works in practice. Finally, the episode underscores the importance of relationships and long-term engagement. In a rapidly changing political environment—with congressional turnover, funding uncertainty, and evolving legislative strategies—San Antonio’s leaders must remain adaptable and proactive. Whether it’s building connections with congressional staff, inviting policymakers to experience the city firsthand, or maintaining momentum after the trip ends, the message is clear: effective advocacy doesn’t stop in Washington—it requires consistent follow-up, collaboration, and a compelling story about why San Antonio matters. Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce [https://www.sachamber.org/] San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce [https://www.sahcc.org/] Metro SA Chamber of Commerce [https://metrosa.com/] South Texas Business Partnership [https://southtexaspartnership.org/] greaterSATX [https://greatersatx.com/]

PART TWO: Are Catholics Politically Homeless? Archbishop Gustavo Garcia Siller on Faith, Freedom & Leadership

In Part Two of our interview with Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller [about:blank], the Archbishop explores the vital role of the laity in shaping business, civic life, and public policy, highlighting organizations like Legatus as examples of how faith can guide leadership in the marketplace. The conversation then shifts to moments of profound tragedy—from Uvalde to the migrant deaths in San Antonio—where he reflects on leading through grief by embracing both the human and spiritual dimensions of service, emphasizing presence, prayer, and shared responsibility. The discussion also addresses the growing demands on institutions like Catholic Charities, noting the challenge of serving more people with fewer resources, while remaining committed to helping all in need. Archbishop García-Siller shares optimism around expanding Catholic education through new funding mechanisms and reflects on the recent surge in Mass attendance and conversions as signs of spiritual renewal driven by the Holy Spirit. The episode closes with a message of unity and hope, emphasizing interfaith collaboration, mutual respect, and the universal call to serve others. Through it all, the Archbishop reinforces a central theme: faith is not meant to be lived in isolation, but actively expressed in community, leadership, and service to the broader human family. www.archsa.org