Q2 2026 has been a quarter defined by engagement, from new conversations with City Council and SAWS leadership to continued growth across our membership and programming. This edition of the Council Monitor brings you the latest from RECSA leadership, a look at what we’ve accomplished together, and a preview of what’s ahead as we move into the second half of the year. None of it happens without the support of our members, sponsors, and volunteers Thank you!
RELATIONS
Stephanie Reyes Bernardo de la Garza
Caleb Chance
Joyce Watson Crystal Acker
Britney Christy
PRESIDENT & CEO
STEPHANIE REYES REAL ESTATE
COUNCIL OF SAN ANTONIO
As we conclude another productive quarter, RECSA has remained focused on advocating for policies that support responsible growth, economic development, and a strong commercial real estate industry.
At the state level, we monitored legislative discussions surrounding data centers and water consumption, ensuring our members stay informed on emerging policy conversations that could influence future development.
Locally, we continued direct engagement with elected and utility leadership through oneon-one meetings with City Council members These conversations are critical to ensuring alignment between public infrastructure planning and the pace of regional development
We also supported local Opportunity Zone nominations and maintained ongoing dialogue around long-term economic development strategies that strengthen San Antonio’s competitiveness.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. RECSA will continue to monitor these important issues, keep our members informed, and serve as a strong voice for the commerical real estate industry
2026 CHAIR
BERNARDO DE LA GARZA
IBC BANK
Over the past quarter, RECSA has remained at the forefront of advocacy in San Antonio, engaged, informed, and relentless in ensuring that our industry’s voice is not only heard, but respected. From ongoing discussions surrounding the Tree Ordinance to the proposed SAWS rate adjustments, your organization has been actively at the table, advancing balanced solutions that recognize both the needs of our growing city and the realities faced by the development community
On the utility front, we have continued to engage directly with SAWS leadership regarding proposed rate increases and broader policy implications. Our focus has remained clear: transparency, predictability, and fairness. As City Council continues to deliberate, the path forward on the rate structure remains uncertain, and we will be closely monitoring the outcome of their upcoming sessions to ensure our members’ interests are well represented
At the same time, conversations around Development Services Department (DSD) fee increases have reinforced the importance of accountability in both structure and implementation RECSA has advocated for an approach that does not hinder growth or extend permitting timelines, but instead promotes a collaborative framework where all stakeholders succeed Specifically, we have recommended a phased increase over a three-year period, coupled with clearly defined performance metrics and ongoing cost-efficiency measures to ensure measurable progress and transparency.
In parallel, recent leadership changes at CPS Energy present both a moment of transition and a meaningful opportunity for renewed collaboration. RECSA is proactively engaging with incoming leadership to align infrastructure planning, capacity considerations, and long-term energy strategy with the trajectory of development across San Antonio. We view this as a critical inflection point and intend to play a constructive role in shaping that dialogue
Beyond advocacy, RECSA continues to elevate its programming and deepen member engagement. We have introduced new categories and events designed to build more meaningful dialogue across our membership base, creating additional opportunities for collaboration, insight, and influence As we look ahead, we will continue to lead with purpose, engage with credibility, and deliver results that matter for our members and our community
CALEB CHANCE PAPE-DAWSON GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Our Government Affairs Committees continue to work closely with local government agencies to support and promote the development community in San Antonio, Bexar County, and the surrounding region
ENGAGING WITH SAN ANTONIO CITY COUNCIL
Our executive team has begun meeting with San Antonio City Council members to discuss current issues before the Council that could impact our industry and to better understand their perspectives and priorities.
During these discussions, we expressed our views on a recent idea that surfaced that would allow City Council to reopen and amend the Unified Development Code (UDC) at any time This provided an excellent opportunity to explain the existing UDC amendment process, which occurs every five years and requires significant coordination among Development Services staff, the Planning Commission Technical Advisory Committee (PCTAC), and the many volunteer hours contributed by RECSA members. These conversations also allowed us to reinforce RECSA’s strong and productive working relationship with the Development Services Department
ONGOING DISCUSSIONS WITH SAWS
Recent discussions surrounding SAWS’s water rate increases have created a valuable opportunity for RECSA representatives to engage directly with SAWS leadership The focus of these conversations is to review current processes related to Utility Service Agreements and Capital Improvement Projects and identify opportunities for improvement
The first small-group meeting took place earlier this month RECSA representatives shared concerns and ideas from the development community aimed at helping deliver more affordable housing in San Antonio SAWS leadership was highly engaged and asked thoughtful questions to better understand the financial realities facing developers They have committed to continuing these discussions, and we will keep our members informed as progress is made.
NEW LEADERSHIP AT BEXAR COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Bexar County has hired Kim Whitten as its new Environmental Services Division Chief, filling the position vacated by Bob Brach upon his retirement.
Most recently, Kim worked in the environmental department at Northside ISD Originally from California, she previously worked with a rural county to develop procedures for water permitting Since joining Bexar County, Kim has reached out to a small group of RECSA members to discuss opportunities to improve and streamline the Storm Water Quality (SWQ) Permit process. Kim has been eager to learn about current challenges and is committed to simplifying the permitting process for developers seeking SWQ permits. We look forward to working with her as these efforts move forward.
MEMBERSHIP
JOYCE WATSON CLEARY
ZIMMERMANN
At the year's halfway mark, we are pleased to have welcomed 26 new RECSA members across Patron, Corporate, Small Business, Allied Partner, and student categories
This quarter, we maintained a full schedule of complimentary member events Our second Lattes & Learning session, “From Dirt to Deal with Raba Kistner,” highlighted key environmental factors to address from acquisition to construction, focusing on geosciences, archeology, cultural resources, permitting, and compliance. Presenters included Richard Klar, PG (Environmental), Rhiana D Ward, MA, RPA(Cultural Resources), Jaimie Galm,AWB (NEPA/Natural Resources), and Debbie Mann (Business Development)
Our next Lattes & Learning, “How to be Loan Approval Ready,” on September 17 with Rio Bank, will address the loan approval process.
In addition to learning events, the Membership Committee organizes networking opportunities. The second quarter ended with a “Between Us Girls” lunch featuring Deborah Bauer of Drake Commercial, offering stories and a chance to connect in a small group Looking ahead, our next Membership 101 luncheon onAugust 26 will introduce future members to RECSA's benefits.
The Membership Committee is dedicated to enhancing the member experience and delivering value. If you have feedback or ideas, please reach out to Olivia or me
Thank you for your continued support and involvement!
A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS FROM Q2
Slay Engineering
Gratr Landscapes
IBC Insurance Agency
Michael Cude
Fetzer Companies
Duncan Jones
Advanced Exercise
Noble Texas
The Sage Group
CRYSTAL ACKER KRUGER CARSON PROGRAMS
The second quarter gave us plenty to celebrate, from strong attendance and meaningful conversations to continued power across our programs and industry relationships It also meant my return from maternity leave! Though the readjustment from round-the-clock bottles and diaper service to contract drafting and negotiations has been swift, it has been refreshing to reacquaint with the colleagues I missed while in the “newborn bubble ” I would also be remiss not to thank my 2025 committee for working hard with me to get a head start on 2026; we are continuing to reap the benefits of that effort as we plan the remainder of this year
The quarter opened with a strong example of industry collaboration as the ULI/RECSAJoint Forum brought together members of two key commercial real estate organizations in SanAntonio for panel discussions featuring major voices in the local market: first, a panel discussing Current Market Events and their Effects on Commercial Real Estate, featuring Mark Berger (Turner Construction), Omar Gonzalez (Oxbow Development), and Sarah Spector Carroll (EMBREY), moderated byAngie Mock (SAReport), and second, a panel discussing Economic Impact from Major Projects featuring R C Buford (Spurs Sports & Entertainment), Jim Perschbach (Port SanAntonio), and Thad Rutherford (SouthStar), moderated by Mark Jenson (Weston Urban)
Astandout moment came from R C Buford, who spoke about the anticipated impact of the Spurs Sports and Entertainment District downtown, Coach Pop’s continuing legacy and influence, and the story behind naming “The Rock” (IYKYK) Omar Gonzalez and Sarah Spector Carroll echoed what everyone in the audience feels about the focus on downtown right now: “these projects will be hugely meaningful for the City of SanAntonio.” Outside of the urban core, Jim Perschbach shared some secrets to Port San Antonio’s success, including their collective ingenuity and desire to push technological boundaries.All in all, the forum was a fantastic display of the industry’s marvels and the forces behind them I left the room feeling very proud of the direction we are headed
This Council Monitor comes during our summer siesta but, while we are giving our members a break, the Programs Committee is hard at work filling your calendars. First up is the Legacy & Leadership Luncheon where the Lewis WestermanAward will be bestowed upon a remarkable up-and-comer. Fernando Diego (Metropolitan Contractors) will moderate a conversation with Tim Swan (Metropolitan Contractors), diving into Tim’s history, legacy, and vision Do not wait to secure your spot for this event!
With the strength of our second-quarter programming behind us, we are well positioned to enter the months ahead with renewed focus, strong engagement, and optimism about the opportunities still to come. Thank you all for your continued support and patronage I hope you enjoy your summers!
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
BRITNEY CHRISTY MERIT COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
2026 COMMUNITY PROJECT
The Community Relations Committee is excited to announce that the 2026 Community Project partner has been selected:Ascension DePaul Services. For more than 68 years,Ascension DePaul has supported SanAntonio families through education, healthcare, and basic needs services.
This year's Community Project will revitalize theAscension DePaul community recreation area through improvements that create welcoming spaces for families to gather, connect, and relax The project will be completed by RECSAvolunteers during Community Project Event Day on October 17, 2026.
Sponsorships and donations are welcome To support the project, contact 2026 Community Project Chair Tyler Smith at Tyler.Smith@bowman.com
VOLUNTEER DEADLINE
October 2, 2026
Volunteers must commit by October 2, or reserved spaces will be released
ALAMO COLLEGES FOUNDER’S COUNCIL
RECSAcontinues to partner with theAlamo Colleges Founder's Council on workforce development initiatives. This year, the Council finalized its bylaws and supported theAllied Construction & Trades Symposium, which welcomed more than 300 students and recent graduates interested in construction careers The Council is also expanding internship opportunities for students in construction and real estate-related programs through a structured placement process that better connects students with industry partners
SCHOLARSHIPS
The RECSAEducation 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
SARAH ANN O’CONNOR RECSA WELCOME
TO THE TEAM!
RECSA’S NEW DIRECTOR OF OFFICE OPERATIONS
We are so happy to welcome SarahAnn to RECSA She brings more than 25 years of experience in business operations and executive support, with a career spanning FIFA, USAA, Siemens, BCG, and Webber.Agraduate of UTSA, she’s fluent in five languages and brings a wealth of international experience to the team Outside of the office, she loves exploring the Texas Hill Country, cooking, and hosting gatherings with family and friends.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU
HAILEY PERALES RECSA INTERN
Hailey is RECSA’s social media intern, splitting her time between the Council and her role as an executive assistant at Killen, Griffin & Farrimond
She's always willing to lend a hand wherever it’s needed, and we’re grateful for everything she brings to the team.
A PERFECT STRIKE
2nd annual RECSAbowling tournament winners
2ND PLACE
Drash Contracting
ESPAssociates
1ST PLACE ATKG
3RD PLACE
Thank you to everyone who joined us for a fantastic afternoon at the 2ndAnnual RECSABowling Tournament!Ahuge thank you to this year’s sponsors, bowlers, spectators, and the LDPAlumni Committee for making the event such a success
The Club at Sonterra
Special Contributor --
Premium Beverage Sponsors Yantis Company Available
Deal Closing Sponsors Barton Benson
EMBREY
Flag Sponsors
CBRE
CPS Energy Santikos
Swag Sponsors
CDS Muery
KCI Technologies Inc
RC Page Construction
SSFCU Available
Tournament Beverage Sponsors
Lunch Sponsor Kimley-Horn
Hole-in-One Sponsors Worth & Associates Available
Longest Drive Sponsors Available
Closest to the Pin Sponsors Endura Moy Tarin Ramirez Engineers
Committee Golf Polo Sponsor Harvey-Cleary Builders
This quarter has brought another round of great conversations on Breaking Ground SA. Thank you to our guests, Thad Rutherford, Omar Gonzalez, Ed Cross, Gordon Hartman, Trey Dawson, and Jim Perschbach, for sharing their time and insight Their candid conversations 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
Scan to listen to the latest Breaking Ground SA episode.
Interested in sponsoring a future episode? Contact Stephanie Reyes at stephanier@recsanantonio com
