Friends and Neighbors –
As summer comes to a close and the start of the new school year is just around the corner, I’m proud to reflect on the work we’ve done and the progress our Pct. 3 team has made in recent months. Here are some highlights I think you’ll appreciate, as well as some important county news that you should know.
County Budget Season is Underway
The new fiscal year begins on October 1, and my team and I are working hard to ensure your priorities are reflected in the upcoming county budget.
This August, Judge Sakai will be hosting a series of budget town halls to hear directly from residents across Bexar County.
Our Precinct 3 Town Hall is scheduled for Thursday, August 14, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at:
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church – Parish Hall13715 Riggs Rd, Helotes, TX 78023
I hope you’ll join us for this important conversation.
Proposed Venue Tax Increase
You may have heard about the City’s proposed Project Marvel, which includes plans for a new arena for the San Antonio Spurs. Much of the public discussion so far has been reduced to quick sound bites, but the reality is more complex. There are many moving parts to this proposal, each of which deserves a closer, more thoughtful explanation. For example, the County is not part of the City’s Project Marvel plan. The County did not participate in its inception, design, or marketing. The County’s only role at this stage is to consider calling a Venue Tax election in November to help fund the new Spurs arena. The Venue Tax is designed to fund tourism and venue-related projects and consists of two components: a 1.75% hotel occupancy tax and a 5% tax on short-term car rentals.
The County is now considering extending and increasing the Venue Tax from 1.75% to 2%—the maximum allowed under state law. If Commissioners Court agrees to place this on the November ballot, voters will be asked to decide on two separate propositions: one to fund the renovation and redevelopment of the Freeman Coliseum grounds, and another to provide approximately $300 million toward a new downtown arena for the San Antonio Spurs.
While I fully support keeping the Spurs in San Antonio, I cannot support raising taxes for projects that primarily benefit private interests—especially when a path existed that didn’t require a tax increase. Under the current 1.75% Venue Tax, we could have funded improvements to the Freeman Coliseum and Rodeo grounds and contributed over $200 million toward a new arena. You can read the resolution—approved by Commissioners Court and opposed by me—that calls for increasing the Venue Tax by clicking this link.
Ultimately, the decision will rest with you, the voters. Commissioners Court has until August 18 to call the election. Stay tuned for more updates—and please reach out to my office if you have any questions.
Supporting Our Neighbors in Kerr County
Following the devastating July 4th Flood Event in the Texas Hill County, I had the honor of joining the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office ALERT Team in Kerrville, where they assisted with search and rescue—and later, recovery—operations. At that time, these selfless deputies were working nonstop in difficult conditions, often sleeping in their vehicles, to help locate survivors and reunite families.
Amid the destruction, it was deeply moving to witness the bravery and compassion of our law enforcement, first responders, and everyday neighbors who stepped up in countless ways. Kerr County is truly grateful—as am I—for the combined efforts of our Bexar County Emergency Management Office, local ESDs, and the BCSO ALERT Team.
Nonprofits like Mercy Chefs were also on the ground, serving hot meals and providing comfort to victims and their families when they needed it most. Our San Antonio Food Bank also answered the call to help our neighbors. CEO Eric Cooper and his team always come through in times of need.
My family and I continue to keep our Hill Country neighbors in our thoughts and prayers throughout the response. If you are still looking for ways to support the recovery, consider donating to organizations like Mercy Chefs or the San Antonio Food Bank, which will continue to serve those affected in the region.
Our blood supply is also at a critical low due to increased demand after the flood event. That’s why Taylor Puente, our Director of Outreach, and I rolled up our sleeves to support the mobile bus drive at Cavender Audi Dominion on Thursday, July 24th.
Did you know that one blood donation can save up to three lives? Sign up for a drive near you by going to: SouthTexasBlood.org/Give.
Building a Stronger, Safer Bexar County
In the wake of the devastating flash flooding San Antonio experienced in June—where more than 6 inches of rain fell in just hours, causing severe damage across I-35, Loop 410, and Beitel Creek—we continue to grieve the tragic loss of the 13 individuals who died in the flooding and the destruction left behind.
Last month, I joined Judge Sakai and our emergency management officials for a special, focused meeting on disaster preparedness and response coordination. We discussed the work our teams are doing every day, the capabilities we have in place, and most importantly, the gaps we still need to address in order to better protect Bexar County and our surrounding communities. We will continue these discussions as we work on shaping the FY 2025-26 County Budget and engaging in the Special Session at the state legislature.
Deployment and Return
As many of you may know, in June I was called to active duty in support of Marine Forces Central Command (MARCENT) at their headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base in response to escalating tensions with Iran in the Middle East. I was activated for a 45-day assignment to assist with staff planning and operations.
While it’s never easy to be away from family and community, I was proud to fulfill my responsibilities as a Marine Reservist and serve alongside both fellow reservists and our dedicated active-duty Marines.
Fortunately, as the situation in the Middle East began to de-escalate, my orders were revised, and I was able to return home earlier than expected—on July 3rd.
I’m thankful for the leadership that brought about a ceasefire between Iran and Israel and neutralized the Iranian nuclear threat through Operation Midnight Hammer. The world is a safer place today than it was two months ago.
To everyone who offered prayers, support, and kind words during my time away—thank you. Your encouragement meant a great deal to me. I’m thankful to be home.
Parks Progress
In May we told you that Raymond Russell Park now has two new restroom facilities–improving the experience for families and regular park goers.
Recently I met with the design team working on continued renovations for the park and I’m excited to share some information about what’s coming next.
While the design process is still in the works, families will one day be able to enjoy a tennis, pickleball, and volleyball court, as well as a dog park, picnic tables and a new and improved parking lot!
I’ll continue to share updates as we move forward.
New Team Members
I’m excited to welcome two new members of our team: Laura Garza, who joins us as Deputy Chief of Staff, and Erin Nichols, who serves as our Director of Communications.
Raised in San Antonio and a proud graduate of St. Mary’s University, Laura brings over 20 years of experience in the government sector and a deep commitment to public service.
For the past eight years, she served as District and Zoning Director in District 8.
A longtime community champion with strong local ties, Laura also gives back by serving on the board of Child Advocates San Antonio. She is eager to put her experience to work for the residents of Pct. 3. 
Erin is a San Antonio native and a graduate of Providence High School and the University of the Incarnate Word. She brings over 15 years of experience in communications and journalism, including reporting and anchor roles at Fox 4 in Beaumont and later at Fox San Antonio and News 4 San Antonio.
She most recently served as the Director of Communications for District 8.
Erin is passionate about her community and has been on the Board of Directors for the Blood & Tissue Center Foundation since 2018.
Building Community Partnerships
Building strong community ties is a top priority for our Pct. 3 team.
Our Deputy Chief of Staff Laura Garza, Director of Communications Erin Nichols, and Director of Outreach Taylor Puente recently met with our friends at City Council District 10–Councilman Marc Whyte’s office—to discuss ways we can collaborate and support our neighbors.
We look forward to working with them on upcoming opportunities, including events!
Taylor also met with Boerne ISD Superintendent Dr. Kristin Craft and Yvette Reyna, Executive Director of the Boerne Education Foundation and Boerne ISD Community Partnerships.
They discussed plans for the upcoming school year, including events, parades, and community engagement opportunities.
Our office remains committed to building meaningful relationships with local partners. Stay tuned for more updates.
Find us on NextDoor and Social Media!
Are you on NextDoor? Find us under Bexar County Commissioners–Pct. 3 Commissioner Grant Moody. We will be sharing helpful information regarding county news, events, and other information.
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Do you have a concern or a problem in your neighborhood? We can help! You can reach us by emailing co**************@***ar.org or calling 210-335-2613.
Recent Events
Honoring the Next Generation of Service Members
Twenty-six years after taking my own oath at the U.S. Naval Academy, I had the honor of speaking at a recognition ceremony hosted by Senator John Cornyn for the newest group of Texas appointees to our nation’s service academies.
Seeing these young men and women prepare to serve reminded me of my own journey—and of the importance of supporting those who choose to defend our country, especially in uncertain times. It was a privilege to stand with the next generation of leaders.
U.S. SBA Visit
I welcomed former U.S. Senator for Georgia and current U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler to Bexar County for a county-led Vetrepreneurship workshop at Fort Sam Houston.
Administrator Loeffler spoke with transitioning service members about SBA programs like Boots to Business and VBOC that help veterans launch and grow small businesses.
With Bexar County home to the largest Veteran population in Texas, we remain committed to connecting our service members with strong resources and opportunities as they transition to civilian life.
2025 Bowl for Kids’ Sake
I’m always happy to support Big Brothers Big Sisters Serving South Texas and the great work they do in our community.
The 2025 Bowl for Kids’ Sake was a huge success. The team set a fundraising goal of $70,000 and surpassed it by raising more than $83,000!
Big Brothers Big Sisters plays a vital role in supporting our youth facing adversity. It’s inspiring to see so many people come together for our children at events such as this one.
Learn how you can help at bigmentor.org/.
Pct. 3 Back to School Event
With the start of the school year just a couple weeks away, we teamed up with Bexar County Economic and Community Development and Meals on Wheels San Antonio to host a special Back to School Event.
Families living in Pct. 3 were able to take home a free backpack, as well as information on available resources.
Thank you to all partners who came out, especially University Health for providing immunizations.