Increase Public Investment in Arts & Culture

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Between 2010 and 2019, the City of San Antonio increased its investment in arts and culture by 32% from $6.4 million to $8.4 million. The COVID-19 pandemic forced significant cuts to arts and culture investment as the travel and tourism industry slowed and the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT Tax), which is used to primarily fund local arts agencies, took a hit.

A city ordinance passed in 2011 requires that 1% of the budget for all capital projects be earmarked for art. The 2022 bond measures would raise the amount for public art to 1.5%. In the May 7 bond election, San Antonians approved 6 propositions: streets, parks, drainage, affordable housing, public safety facilities, and library and cultural facilities. With the approval of the 2022-2027 bond package, 183 projects located across the city will be funded.