San Antonio’s commitment to innovative urban development took center stage last week as the city welcomed distinguished members of the American Accelerator Advisory Committee, marking a significant milestone in the city’s approach to community-driven progress.
The high-profile gathering, hosted jointly by former Mayor Henry Cisneros and his wife Mary Alice Cisneros, along with Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Erika Nirenberg, brought together over 75 influential leaders from across the nation, showcasing San Antonio’s emerging role in shaping the future of urban development.
At the heart of the discussion was Bruce Katz’s groundbreaking “New Localism” approach, which has been adopted by Accelerator for America. This innovative framework emphasizes the power of cities to create their own solutions through strategic partnerships between government, business, and community leaders, rather than waiting for federal direction.
The distinguished attendees included Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, serving as Committee Co-Chair, and Chicago City Clerk Ana Valencia. Accelerator for America CEO Mary Ellen Wiederwohl joined renowned urbanist Bruce Katz in presenting their vision for urban innovation.
Local leadership was well represented, with County Judge Peter Sakai, Mexican American Unity Council (MAUC) President Fernando Godinez, and Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s Cristina Balli in attendance. Former Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade and City Council members Dr. Adriana Garcia Rocha and Phyllis Viagran also participated in the discussions.
For San Antonio, this framework presents an opportunity to leverage its unique cultural heritage and strong community partnerships to address pressing challenges like housing affordability, small business growth, and neighborhood revitalization. The city’s approach emphasizes solutions that respect and preserve the community’s cultural identity while promoting economic growth.
The committee’s upcoming tour of San Antonio’s West Side and downtown areas will showcase how the city is implementing these principles, blending cultural preservation with forward-thinking development strategies. This visit highlights San Antonio’s commitment to creating a model for urban development that other cities might follow, while maintaining its distinct cultural character.
The gathering sets the stage for San Antonio to play a larger role in national conversations about urban innovation, while ensuring that local voices and cultural preservation remain at the forefront of development decisions.
