President's POV
I always have my eye on the future—and while I look ahead with excitement for our San Antonio region, I can’t help but reflect on how far we’ve come. Our community has always been defined by resilience and ambition. From the early investments that strengthened our downtown and the industrial corridors anchored by Toyota, to today’s globally competitive industries, San Antonio’s economic story is one of steady progress powered by people who believed in this region’s potential. That belief drew me to San Antonio, and that is why I chose to raise my son here. For us, this city isn’t just where we live—it’s home.
Over the past fifty years, that belief has transformed our region. We’re consistently one of the fastest-expanding metropolitan areas in the United States, anchored by a diverse economy that blends legacy strengths with new frontiers. We’ve welcomed global manufacturers, life science innovators, cybersecurity firms, and fintech leaders. We’ve strengthened our educational institutions into engines of research and talent. And we’ve built on our cultural identity to become a region where people want to live, work, and invest.
This momentum has accelerated in recent years. Five years ago, we launched the All In strategy to sharpen our focus on jobs, people, and place. The timing was critical. San Antonio—like every community—was facing disruption and uncertainty. Rather than retreat, our business and civic leadership doubled down on collaboration. The results speak volumes:
19,000 new jobs and counting, across advanced manufacturing, professional services, and tech.
$7.5 billion in capital investment from global and domestic firms choosing to grow here.
More than 33,000 high school students engaged through SA WORX and other workforce initiatives, preparing the next generation of talent.
A project pipeline today that represents 21,000 potential jobs and $14 billion in investment in the near term.
San Antonio was #1 in Texas for job creation in 2024, and was third nationally.
Average weekly earnings in San Antonio are increasing faster than in almost every major U.S. market.
These numbers represent opportunities for families to build stability, for young people to envision futures here, and for small businesses to thrive alongside larger employers. They are proof that when a region commits to a shared vision to drive regional economic prosperity, measurable progress follows.
Of course, success is never final. The past five years have taught us that competitive advantage requires constant adaptation. We are competing with global hubs that are driving innovations in new technologies, such as AI and biotech, and strengthening their competitiveness by attracting corporate headquarters and investing in critical infrastructure and quality of place to become a top location for talent.
San Antonio is positioned to win because of what sets us apart. Our municipally owned utilities enable us to provide reliable and affordable energy and water. Our bilingual workforce offers companies with the adaptability to operate across borders. Our universities are on a trajectory of national recognition, driving research and innovation. And perhaps most importantly, our community understands that growth is not an end in itself—it’s a means to creating a more inclusive, prosperous region for all who call the region home.
That commitment will guide us as we prepare to celebrate a milestone: the 50th anniversary of greater:SATX. Half a century of partnership, perseverance, and progress. Half a century of coming together to make this region economically competitive. And half a century of learning that our greatest successes come when we align behind a shared vision of what’s possible.
The work ahead is no less urgent. We must continue to invest in workforce programs that give young people pathways into high-growth industries. We must deliver the infrastructure—from highways to high-speed internet—that keeps our region connected. We must ensure that housing and placemaking keep pace with growth, so San Antonio remains not only competitive, but livable and vibrant. And we must continue to tell our story—to companies considering where to expand, to young talent choosing where to build their careers, and to our own residents, who deserve to know that their city is on the rise.
As we approach this 50-year milestone, we do so with gratitude for the leaders who came before us, the investors who fuel our work, and the partners who have helped build our economy. We move forward with confidence in the progress we’ve made and with excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Greater together,
Sarah Carabias Rush
President & CEO
New Braunfels selected for plastics manufacturer's U.S. headquarters
Lefko Plastics, a Canadian advanced manufacturer, has selected New Braunfels for its first U.S. facility, bringing more than $15 million in investment and about 150 new jobs. Specializing in custom blow molding for medium to large plastic parts used in recreation, powersports, medical, industrial, and trucking industries, Lefko’s expansion underscores the impact of regional collaboration. The project was made possible through the partnership of the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation, the City of New Braunfels, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism, and the greater:SATX, highlighting how collective efforts are fueling local growth and strengthening the Texas economy.
Investor Spotlight: Cleary Zimmerman Engineers
Cleary Zimmermann Engineers is one of Texas’ leading MEP consulting firms, founded in San Antonio in 2006 and now spanning five offices statewide. With nearly 90 of its 130 employees based locally, the firm’s growth has paralleled the region’s expanding need for schools, healthcare facilities, and industrial projects. Recent work includes designing the new JCB manufacturing plant on the South Side, a project poised to deliver 1,500 high-wage jobs. Beyond engineering, Cleary Zimmermann invests heavily in San Antonio’s future workforce through university recruiting, STEM partnerships, internships, and its in-house training program, CZ University.
In the News
Investment Reports: Sarah Carabias Rush, greater:SATX Interview: Sarah Carabias Rush, president and CEO of greater:SATX, emphasized the organization’s role as the 10-county region’s economic competitiveness that has led to 19,000 jobs and $7.5 billion in investment since 2021 with another 16,000 jobs and $7.5 billion in the pipeline.
UT San Antonio is now the name of the merged UTSA-UT Health institution: The University of Texas at San Antonio and UT Health San Antonio officially merged to become UT San Antonio, now the third-largest public research university in Texas.
International Motors launches San Antonio-led autonomous truck trials: The future of self-driving trucks is taking shape in San Antonio. International Motors is piloting autonomous freight technology from its San Antonio hub.
Downtown San Antonio offices see uptick in inquiries as Project Marvel gains traction: As Project Marvel moves forward, brokers report rising tenant and investor interest in downtown San Antonio’s office market.
Toyota Texas prepares for growth as new president settles in, builds local relationships: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas is investing $531 million in a rear axle assembly facility that will create 400+ jobs by 2026, with new president Frank Voss aligning truck strategy across plants and strengthening ties with San Antonio leaders.
Air Canada's comeback: Seasonal flights to connect San Antonio with Toronto hub starting May: Canada will return with new flights to Toronto beginning in May 2026—a route identified by greater:SATX leadership as a priority for expanding international connectivity.
Port San Antonio added $20B to Texas economy last year, state report shows: Port San Antonio added $20 billion to the Texas economy in 2024, according to a new report from the state’s comptroller’s office that found the state’s 32 ports of entry accounted for more than $1 trillion in international trade.
A&M-San Antonio emerges on 'best colleges' list: U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Colleges rankings give favorable placement to Texas A&M University-San Antonio, along with St. Mary’s University, Trinity University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and Our Lady of the Lake University.
Gunter Hotel reopens, joins Marriott's Tribute portfolio: A storied downtown hotel has reopened after a complete refresh. The ownership behind The Gunter Hotel has finished a $57 million renovation, adding the 311-key property to Marriott International’s Tribute flag.
VIA unveils billion-dollar improvement plan, major upgrades: The VIA Metropolitan Transit board of trustees approved a five-year, $1.1 billion capital improvement plan to fund what leadership describes as “historic investments” in transit infrastructure for the San Antonio region.