Mid-Year Review 2026 Final

MID-YEAR REVIEW

2026

A Message to Our Members

The first half of 2026 has demonstrated the strength, influence, and momentum of the Real Estate Council of San Antonio. Under the leadership of our 2026 Board Chair, Bernardo de la Garza, we have continued to advance RECSA's mission by ensuring the commercial real estate industry's voice remains at the forefront of the conversations shaping the future of our region.

From City Hall and Bexar County to our region's key agencies, RECSA has remained actively engaged on the issues that matter most to our members. We have advocated for balanced, predictable, and transparent policies related to permitting, development fees, the Unified Development Code, utility rates, housing affordability, and emerging issues such as data center development. By engaging early and maintaining strong relationships with policymakers, we continue to help create an environment that supports responsible growth and investment across San Antonio.

Our organization has also continued to grow and thrive. Through the first half of the year, we welcomed 32 new members, hosted a robust calendar of educational and networking events, celebrated another outstanding Leadership Development Program class, and opened applications for the next generation of industry leaders We are equally proud to continue our Community Project initiative in partnership with Ascension DePaul Services, reinforcing our commitment to giving back to the community we help build every day.

As I reflect on the accomplishments of the first half of the year, I am grateful for the leadership of Bernardo de la Garza, the dedication of our Board of Directors, committees, volunteers, sponsors, and members who make this organization so impactful. Together, we have built tremendous momentum, and I am excited for what we will accomplish in the months ahead as we continue advocating for a stronger, more prosperous San Antonio.

PUBLIC ADVOCACY

Through the first half of 2026, RECSA remained deeply engaged in the policy and legislative conversations shaping how San Antonio grows. From permitting and development fees to utility rates and land-use code, we advocated for a balanced, predictable, and responsible regulatory environment. Below is a look at the initiatives and proposals we have worked on so far this year, across the City, County, and the region's key utilities and agencies.

City of San Antonio

Permitting Fees Increase

Tree Permits and Penalties in the ETJ (Residential)

Tree Preservation Ordinance

Universal Design Ordinance Policy

Unified Development Code (UDC) Process

Opportunity Zones Nomination to the State of Texas

D5 & D2 CCR: Trades Advisory Board

D6 CCR Data Center Policy

D8 CCR: Annexation and Growth Management Policy

D1 CCR: Incentivizing Missing Middle Housing Development

Update to Economic Development

Strategic Framework

Planning Commission Technical Advisory Committee (PCTAC) Vacancies

Climate Ready Advisor Subcommittees

San Antonio Water System (SAWS)

Rate Adjustment

Utility Service Agreements and Impact Fee Credits

CPS Energy

Service Design Workflow

Customer Infrastructure Development

Agreement Process (CID)

Bexar County

Storm Water Permitting Process

Proposed UDC Amendments

Sewer Rates and Fees Increase

Low Impact Development (LID) Incentives

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

Traffic Mitigation Improvements for Phased Developments

Sound Attenuation for Residential Development along Major Highways

BUILDING MOMENTUM MEMBERSHIP

IN 2026

It’s only halfway through the year and we’ve already welcomed 32 new members representing developers, engineers, architects, contractors, brokers, financial institutions, and industry partners. Their involvement strengthens our advocacy efforts, expands networking opportunities, and reinforces the collaborative leadership that drives our region forward.

RECSA continues to attract organizations and professionals committed to shaping the future of San Antonio’s commercial real estate industry.

NEW MEMBERSHIP

Partner

RECSA is proud to introduce a new Allied Member level, created for businesses and professionals who serve the commercial real estate industry but operate outside its core practice. This tier gives service providers, vendors, and industry partners an accessible way to connect with RECSA's network, participate in events, and support the work shaping San Antonio's built environment.

WELCOMING OUR NEW MEMBERS

ASA Properties

Advanced Exercise

Bank of Texas

BEK Real Estate Advisors

Berger Munson Engineers

Brittaney Landon

Chance Decker

CM Consulting

Corgan

DJS Resources

DRB Homes

Duncan Jones

Erika Blythe

Evan Homovec

Fetzer Companies

Graybar

IBC Insurance Agency

John Perez

Justin Mascorro

Makenzie Campbell

Matrix Design Group

Michael Cude

Noble Texas

Pavecon

Rafaele Hunter

Roland Zamora

Setterbo Engineers

Slay Engineering

The More Group

NAI Signs

The Sage Group

“The Membership Committee is dedicated to enhancing the member experience and delivering value."

Joyce Watson

Gratr Landscapes 2026 Membership Chair

GET INVOLVED

Beyond our luncheons and signature programs, RECSA hosts a growing lineup of membership events designed to help members connect, learn, and get the most out of their involvement. Whether you are brand new or a longtime member, there is a place for you at the table.

MEMBER GATHERINGS

Membership 101

A relaxed introduction to everything RECSA offers, from committees and events to advocacy and networkig, built to help prospects make the most out of memebrship.

Between Us Girls

A gathering for the women of RECSA to connect, share, and support one another through candid conversation and community.

COMING UP

AUG 26

Membership 101

An intro to making the most of RECSA - for prospective members

Quarterly Mixers

Casual after-hours gatherings held each quarter, giving members a laid-back way to connect, catch up, and grow their network.

Lattes & Learning

A morning coffee paired with a bitesized learning session on timely industry topics, presented by members.

SEPT 24

Lattes & Learning

“How to Be Loan Approval Ready” Presented by Rio Bank

SEPT / OCT - TBD

Between Us Girls

Featuring Carrie Caeser, Cushman & Wakefield

PROGRAMS THE YEAR IN MOTION

Programming has been the heartbeat of RECSA’s year so far. From development panels to marquee luncheons, our 2026 calendar opened strong and is only picking up speed. Under the leadership of Programs Chair, Crystal Acker, there is even more to come.

James McKnight, Dr. Francine Romero, Councilmember Sukh Kaur, and Jelynne LeBlanc Jamison

STILL TO COME

SEPTEMBER 16

Legacy & Leadership Luncheon ft. the Lewis Westerman Award

SEPTEMBER 28

35th Annual Council Open

OCTOBER 17

Community Project

NOVEMBER 03

Philip M. Barshop Founder’s Award Luncheon

DECEMBER 03

Jingle & Mingle Holiday Party

DECEMBER 09

2026 State of RECSA

“The second quarter gave us plenty to celebrate, from strong attendance and meaningful conversations to continued momentum across our programs and industry relationships.”

Crystal Acker

2026 Programs Chair

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

BUILDING STRONG

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

The 2025-2026 Leadership Development Program (LDP) Class graduated in May after a year of tours, presentations, and another successful Clay Shoot.

LDP Co-Chairs Luke Robinson, RVK Architecture, and Russell Yeager, WGI, are now reviewing the applications received for the 2026-2027 program, welcoming a new group of emerging leaders into the RECSA community.

LDP CLASS OF 2025-2026

CooperLewis,BartonBensonJonesPLLC

VenessaWurzer,Brown&McDonald,PLLC

LuisGonzalez,Carlson,Brigance&Doering,Inc.

MatthewAbbott,CBGRealEstate

BraedenBernstein,CBRE

ServandoCruz,ColliersEngineering&Design

ChrisChaffee,CudeEngineers

HaileyNikkels,DNTConstruction

MeganJohnston,EMBREY

AshleyRandol,FarrimondCastillo&Bresnahan, PC

JessicaSiscos,FirstAmericanCommercial PropertyGroup

MarkMathews,G.W.MitchellConstruction

MattFewell,GalaxyBuilders,Ltd

LaurenSharp

DrewGodwin,JoerisGeneralContractors

TeeMueller,Kimley-Horn

AliciaWahrmund

JoshConsemiu,MasonJosephCo.

BlakeRosenthal,MeritCommercialRealEstate

RussellGideon,METRO

AndrewBelton,Pape-Dawson

AlexCisneros,PortSanAntonio

GerrahBrinkerhoff,RVKArchitecture

JeanetteBerlanga,Schulman,Lopez,Hoffer,& Adelstein,LLP

AndyNajera,SolSchwartz&Associates

RodeLeon,SouthstarCommunities

MichaelAnthony,StewartTitle

JustinKrobot,TreeMannSolutions

BrawnyGary,TurnerConstructionCompany

TylerQuinn,Whiting-Turner

FIGHT NIGHT 2026

A Knockout Evening

Our 34th Annual Fight Night was one for the books. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to the committee, sponsors, and boxers who made it happen. We can't wait to do it all again next year.

PRESENTED BY

ALLIED FIRE PROTECTION

AMEGY BANK

BGE, INC.

BROADWAY BANK

BROWN & MCDONALD PLLC

CPS ENERGY

DJS RESOURCES

EARTHTONES COMPANIES

EMBREY

FLINTCO

FORVIS MAZARS

FROST BANK

GUIDO CONSTRUCTION

ORTIZ MCKNIGHT PLLC

PAPE-DAWSON

RABA KISTNER

ROLAND F. GONZALES

SAN ANTONIO RIVER AUTHORITY

SPURS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SOUTHSTAR

HMT ENGINEERING & SURVEYING

IBC BANK

INVESTMENT REALTY COMPANY, L. C. JOERIS

KCI TECHNOLOGIES

KILLEN, GRIFFIN & FARRIMOND, PLLC KIMLEY-HORN

KINGFISH DEVELOPMENT

KRUGER CARSON PLLC

LAUNCHLINE SA

LJA METRO

NAI SIGNS

SOUTHSTATE BANK

TREE MANN SOLUTIONS

WAY MECHANICAL

WESTWOOD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

WGI

ZIGA ARCHITECTURE STUDIO PLLC

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

GIVING BACK

From hands-on service projects to workforce development and scholarships, RECSA's Community Relations Committee turns our members' generosity into lasting impact across San Antonio.

2026 COMMUNITY PROJECT

The Community Relations Committee is proud to announce this year's project partner: Ascension DePaul Services. For more than 68 years, Ascension DePaul has supported San Antonio families through education, healthcare, and basic needs services.

This year's project will revitalize the Ascension DePaul community recreation area, creating welcoming spaces for families to gather, connect, and relax. The work will be completed by RECSA volunteers on Community Project Event Day.

Sponsorships and donations are welcome. To support the project, contact 2026 Community Project Chair Tyler Smith at Tyler.Smith@bowman.com.

ALAMO COLLEGES FOUNDER’S COUNCIL

RECSA continues to partner with the Alamo Colleges Founder's Council on workforce development. This year the Council finalized its bylaws and supported the Allied Construction & Trades Symposium, which welcomed more than 300 students and recent graduates exploring construction careers. The Council is also expanding internship opportunities, connecting students in construction and real estate programs with industry partners through a structured placement process.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The RECSA Education Committee has selected the recipient of the Quincy Lee Memorial Scholarship and received the recommendation for the Martha Mangun Endowed Scholarship recipient from UTSA's Embrey Real Estate Finance and Development Program. Both recipients will be announced and recognized soon.

“Community is at the heart of everything we do. Whether we're revitalizing a shared space or opening doors for the next generation of talent, our members show up for San Antonio, and that's what makes this work so rewarding”.

Britney Christy

Chair

STAFF TRANSITIONS

With Gratitude & a Warm Welcome A

Welcome, Sarah Ann

Heartfelt Thank You to Magda

Celebrating 12 years of service and dedication to RECSA

Earlier this year, RECSA said goodbye to Magda Coronel, who stepped away after 12 years as our Director of Operations For over a decade, she was the steady presence so many of us counted on, dependable under pressure and deeply committed to supporting both RECSA and the people around her.

We remain grateful for her loyalty, leadership, and friendship, and for the lasting mark she left on this organization. Thank you, Magda. You are missed, and we wish you nothing but happiness in your next chapter.

Our new Director of Office Operations

RECSA is proud to welcome Sarah Ann as our new Director of Office Operations. Sarah Ann brings more than 25 years of international experience supporting C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, founders, and ultra-high-net-worth families across the United States and Europe.

Born in Madrid and raised between Spain and San Antonio, she is fluent in five languages and studied International Business Management and Business Marketing at UTSA. Her career includes senior roles with globally recognized organizations such as The Boston Consulting Group, FIFA, USAA, Siemens, and several private family offices.

"I am honored and excited to join the Real Estate Council of San Antonio as Director of Office Operations. I look forward to supporting the Council's mission, serving our members, and contributing to the continued success and growth of this outstanding organization. I am committed to bringing a high level of professionalism, collaboration, and operational excellence to the role while building strong relationships with each of you.”

— Sarah Ann O'Connor

Speaker: TimSwan Co-Chair, METRO

Moderator: FernandoDiego ChiefExecutive Officer, METRO

Sponsored By:

A RECSA PODCAST

The first half of 2026 has brought another strong run of conversations on Breaking Ground SA. Their candid discussions bring fresh perspectives and elevate the dialogue around real estate, development, and San Antonio's future.

We're also grateful to our sponsors for making it all possible. Your support allows RECSA to amplify important conversations and spotlight the leaders shaping our community.

THIS SEASON’S GUESTS

Randy Smith

David Adelman

Omar Gonzalez

Trey Dawson

Melissa Robinson

Rob Nirenberg

Marty Wender

Ed Cross

Jim Perschbach

Judge Peter Sakai

Thad Rutherford

Gordon Hartman

Hope Andrade

Thank you to our guests for sharing their time and insight, and to our sponsors for making every episode possible.

SPOTLIGHT YOUR PROJECTS

We want to share your projects, awards, and more of who are members are through social media. From groundbreakings, progress pictures, new offices Our members are what sets RECSA apart

To reach a bigger audience, send your pictures, video, or social media links to our Director of Member Engagement, Olivia Tejeda at oliviat@recsanantonio.com