Council approves Inner City TIRZ funding to build District 2 senior and aquatic centers

Council approved an ordinance extending the Inner City TIRZ and authorized up to $46,000,000 in debt (plus financing costs) to support design and construction of a new District 2 senior center and an aquatic center adjacent to Copernicus Park. Staff said the projects have been in planning since 2024 when the city acquired the land and that design and construction scheduling anticipates design completion in winter 2027 and phased construction starts in winter 2028–2029.

Councilmember McKee Rodriguez, who led the effort, stressed the project’s long community process and said the facility "will set a new standard for San Antonio and open the door for what’s possible for seniors across the city." The Inner City TIRZ board had previously adopted the updated finance and project plan; council approved the item in a voice vote.

Staff described the projected debt-service profile and reserves backing the issuance; councilmembers asked staff to study options to shorten TIRZ terms where feasible while ensuring projects can be fully funded.