President POV
San Antonio is synonymous with momentum—a region moving forward with purpose, innovation, and a vision for a stronger future. We are growing and diversifying our economy, creating new opportunities, and investing in the foundation that makes our region an exceptional place to live and do business.
I recently had the privilege of delivering the keynote address at the Competitive Conversations Conference, organized by the Council on Competitiveness and hosted by the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). The discussion centered on fortifying our future and ensuring the security of our critical infrastructure. The reality is, San Antonio is already leading in these efforts. Through strategic investments, we have positioned ourselves as a competitive, future-ready region.
Our future readiness is deeply rooted in our military legacy. San Antonio’s longstanding defense presence laid the groundwork for growth in life sciences, aerospace, and cybersecurity. These sectors and others have flourished thanks to intentional investments in infrastructure, innovation, and education—making our region not only resilient but positioned for long-term success.
A Talent-Rich Region
Our greatest strength is our people. San Antonio is a net producer of talent, with educational attainment rising more than six percentage points over the past five years—the fastest growth among top U.S. metros. Institutions like UTSA, Alamo Colleges, and Texas A&M-San Antonio are equipping students with the skills needed for the industries of tomorrow.
As a majority-Latino city with many first-generation college graduates, San Antonio serves as a national model for inclusive workforce development. Through strong collaborations between academia and industry, we are preparing residents for high-wage, high-demand careers. These investments ensure that the next generation of federal professionals is locally sourced and reflects our nation's diversity.
A Cybersecurity Powerhouse
San Antonio boasts the second-largest concentration of cybersecurity professionals in the nation, second only to Washington, D.C. We are home to NSA Texas, the Air Force Cyber Command, and the National Security Collaboration Center at UTSA—forming a powerful ecosystem of federal, academic, and private-sector collaboration. Strengthening our position as a cybersecurity leader, San Antonio was recently identified by Governor Abbott as the potential future home of the Texas Cyber Command Center. The governor has made this a priority for the 89th Legislature, with approval expected before the end of the session.
As artificial intelligence accelerates and cyber threats evolve, federal agencies need locations with deep talent pipelines and proven operational readiness. San Antonio delivers both.
Innovation, Infrastructure, and Energy Resilience
Our military presence is not just a cultural cornerstone—it is an economic driver fueling breakthroughs in logistics, aircraft maintenance, and battlefield medical research with civilian applications. This legacy of service has fostered a mission-driven culture that aligns seamlessly with the objectives of federal agencies seeking operational continuity beyond Washington, D.C.
San Antonio is also making bold investments in the infrastructure needed to support growing industries and federal operations. From high-speed digital connectivity to shovel-ready development sites, we are building the foundation for scalable, secure expansion.
Power capacity is a critical component of growth, and San Antonio is meeting the challenge head-on. The demand for energy from AI, semiconductors, and data centers has increased fivefold in just three years. Our municipally owned utility, CPS Energy, is leading the way with investments in renewable energy, battery storage, and grid resilience—ensuring a stable, sustainable power supply. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) has become a national model with its diversified supply strategy, including aquifer storage and desalination projects. Vista Ridge, a 142-mile-long pipeline project, ensures we have capacity for the foreseeable future with enough water to supply over 200,000 households.
Unlike many U.S. cities, San Antonio owns its power and water utilities, allowing for nimble decision-making and reinvestment into our community. CPS Energy alone contributes approximately $1 million per day to the city budget, directly funding essential public services.
SATX: Future Ready
San Antonio offers everything federal agencies and businesses need: a mission-ready workforce, infrastructure built for growth, strong operational security, and unwavering community support. In uncertain times, one thing is clear: San Antonio is built for the future. No other region is better positioned to lead right now.
Our region is uniquely suited to serve as a national hub for decentralized federal operations. As Washington considers geographic diversification, San Antonio stands out for its readiness, resilience, and potential. With a strong infrastructure network, a highly skilled talent pool, and a thriving innovation ecosystem, we’re not just ready for this shift—we’re designed for it.
Greater Together,
Jenna Saucedo-Herrera
Regional Updates
Investor Spotlight: HOLT Group
For more than a century, HOLT Group has been a cornerstone of innovation, industry, and impact in the Greater San Antonio region. From powering progress through heavy equipment and technology to advancing workforce development through education and training, HOLT remains a proud, family-owned company deeply rooted in its values and community. With a legacy built on Values-Based Leadership®, strategic growth, and unwavering commitment to people, HOLT Group continues to shape a stronger, more skilled future for San Antonio and beyond in this month’s Investor Spotlight.
Regional Highlight: Kendall County
Kendall County is an eclectic mix of history, charm, and convenience with a pro-business environment. Destined for continued rapid growth, its ideal location provides an unparalleled quality of life with easy access to several metro areas across Texas.
Kendall County is centrally located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country just 10 miles north of San Antonio off of I-10, with the City of Boerne as the County seat. With a population of just under 50,000, this community offers the best of rural living with an abundance of opportunities for any business.
In the News
Texas wins 'Governor's Cup' as top destination for businesses: For the 13th year in a row, Texas has won the Governor’s Cup from Site Selection Magazine, recognizing it as the top state for business expansion.
FULL COURT PRESS: San Antonio looks to make the most of what could be the city's last Final Four: The 2025 NCAA Men’s Final Four in San Antonio is more than a championship—it’s a prime economic development opportunity to engage high-level executives who could drive future business expansions or relocations, much like Arizona’s successful 2024 strategy.
Seguin advances downtown redevelopment plan: Seguin’s downtown is poised for major redevelopment, driven by new investment and population growth. The city will seek proposals to refine plans, which could include residential, retail, office, or hospitality spaces. Leaders hope the project will spur further downtown investment and renewal.
USAA upholds top national ranking by American Customer Satisfaction Index: For the second year in a row, USAA was ranked the top financier across the country by American Customer Satisfaction Index – the latest in a series of top marks from national rankers, including Forbes and American Bankers.
San Antonio’s infectious disease hub says it’s inoculated itself against federal cuts: Texas Biomed is less reliant on federal grants. Since 2017, President and CEO Dr. Larry Schlesinger has worked to diversify funding, reducing NIH dependency from 65% of its portfolio in 2019 to 46% in 2023.
Gov. Abbott wants a San Antonio Cyber Command. UTSA has a plan make that happen: If approved, Texas Cyber Command would be part of the UT System and administratively linked to UTSA. The university is well-prepared for the role. The university opened the $91.8 million National Security Collaboration Center and School of Data Science downtown in 2023 and plans to launch the College of AI, Cyber, and Computing in fall 2025.
Attracting global investments to diversify San Antonio's economy: greater:SATX has completed its first 2025 economic development mission in Europe, part of a five-year strategy to attract international investment to San Antonio.
Central Texas leads the state in job growth: San Antonio and Austin demonstrated strong job growth in 2024, outpacing the national average and reinforcing their economic resilience. San Antonio ranked as the third-fastest-growing major job market in the U.S.
New CEO to drive San Antonio’s transportation future: As San Antonio’s population and economy grow, efficient transit is becoming increasingly vital. Now leading the effort is Jon Gary Herrera, VIA’s new CEO, who succeeded longtime leader Jeffrey Arndt in January.
TAMUSA and Tech Port want to make San Antonio a hub for esports: As esports have surged in popularity, high schools, colleges and universities have recognized that adding esports programs gives them a competitive edge over schools without teams.
Whataburger announces new executive to lead growth strategy: Todd Ewen has been appointed Whataburger's new senior vice president and chief development officer. He joins the company as it continues to expand its footprint nationally.
UTSA acquires downtown office tower in expansion push: The University of Texas at San Antonio has acquired One Riverwalk Place and plans to occupy it with academic departments and support staff for the School of Data Science and the upcoming Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Careers facility.