San Antonio stands at a unique moment in its development trajectory. Rapid population growth, major economic investment and transformational downtown initiatives are converging to reshape the region’s real estate future. Two of the most influential voices in that evolution — Jeff Webster, president and CEO of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, and City Councilwoman Sukh Kaur of District 1, and broker/owner of NAI Excel — offer perspectives that capture both the opportunities and responsibilities facing the city.
With the recent passage of Propositions A and B, the future of housing, commercial development and downtown revitalization has become a central public conversation. Webster and Kaur, though approaching the issue from different lenses, express optimism about what lies ahead while emphasizing different priorities for how San Antonio should grow.
Jeff Webster: Regional Growth, Economic Momentum and Strong Support for Propositions A and B
Jeff Webster has consistently framed San Antonio as a city on a solid upward trajectory. He emphasizes that the region’s current growth patterns are not temporary, stating confidently:
“San Antonio will continue to grow. We are at a growth rate of 3-4% every year. This will continue. Decreased rates will help. Residential and commercial real estate will continue to grow.”
For Webster, population growth, favorable lending conditions and industrial expansion all point toward a sustained increase in both housing demand and commercial development. He often highlights areas such as the Southeast Side as emerging “boom zones,” where large tracts of land and infrastructure capacity make new subdivisions and job centers likely.
Webster’s broader economic outlook is grounded in the idea that San Antonio’s affordability — relative to Austin, Dallas or other major metros — makes it uniquely positioned for continued expansion. Manufacturing, logistics, automotive production and corporate investment are reinforcing long-term job creation, which he views as the backbone of a healthy real estate market.
Webster on Propositions A and B
Webster was one of the civic leaders urging voters to support Propositions A and B, seeing them as catalysts for major regional benefits. After the propositions passed, he summed up their significance:
“Passage of Propositions A and B will enable continued investment to our way of life. It will bring synergy and energy for downtown. There is no downside.”
He points to the rodeo and its future growth:
“Rodeo will continue expanding on the Eastside, from 375K to 700K visitors,” and reaffirmed that event programming will stay robust: “Rodeo and other related events will continue at Frost Center.”
For Webster, these investments will create a multiplier effect, accelerating downtown revitalization, boosting tourism, generating new mixed-use projects and increasing demand for housing across the region.
Webster on the San Antonio–Austin Regional Future
Webster also acknowledges the growing conversation around the San Antonio-Austin corridor, but rejects the idea that it will become a singular metroplex:
“San Antonio and Austin will become a region, not a metroplex. Fort Worth and Dallas are much closer in distance than our two cities. We will still have distinct needs and interests. How do we connect infrastructure and roadways will be the next concern.”
His view aligns with a regional model where the two cities share economic momentum yet maintain unique identities, zoning philosophies and community priorities — something he argues will influence transportation, housing and commercial real estate planning for decades.
Sukh Kaur: Downtown Revitalization, Housing Equity and Guided Growth
City Councilwoman Sukh Kaur views real estate through a central-city lens, emphasizing the importance of affordability, inclusivity and preventing displacement as downtown undergoes rapid change.
With rising demand and major planned developments, Kaur warns that San Antonio must avoid the crises seen in other high-growth Texas metros:
“There is a lot of work we have to do in terms of housing, especially in housing. We don’t want to have prices skyrocket like in Austin. Revitalizing areas downtown.”
Kaur has been a vocal supporter of integrating affordable housing in walkable downtown areas, pushing for developments on key parcels near Hemisfair and the urban core. She believes affordability should not be pushed outward but embedded into the city’s cultural and economic heart.
Her work with the San Antonio Housing Trust Foundation — such as supporting the purchase and preservation of the low-income Robert E. Lee Apartments — reflects her commitment to ensuring growth does not come at the cost of displacement.
Kaur on Propositions A and B
Kaur supported the passage of Propositions A and B but emphasized that new investment must be paired with community benefit:
“Propositions A and B create more momentum in downtown. Developers see the city is creating growth.”
She also highlighted the unprecedented scale of the $75 million community reinvestment commitment tied to the initiative: “$75 million community reinvestment. This is more than Washington Commanders are spending on the entire city.”
For Kaur, the propositions’ success signals that residents want revitalization, but she stresses that it must be done responsibly — expanding housing options, ensuring affordability and keeping longtime residents in the communities they built.
Where Their Visions Meet
Although Webster and Kaur focus on different sides of San Antonio’s growth — regional economics versus urban-core equity — their perspectives converge on several key principles:
1. San Antonio is growing rapidly and will continue to do so.
Both acknowledge population expansion as a defining force shaping real estate.
2. Housing supply must increase in multiple forms.
Webster focuses on suburban and regional growth; Kaur on urban infill and affordable housing.
3. Propositions A and B will reshape downtown both economically and socially.
Webster sees economic synergy.
Kaur sees revitalization — but insists on equity and affordability.
4. The region must prepare for long-term infrastructure and connectivity challenges.
Webster’s remarks about the Austin-San Antonio region connect directly to Kaur’s focus on dense, walkable housing tied to transportation.
A Combined Vision for the Future
Together, Webster and Kaur offer a powerful dual framework for the future of San Antonio real estate:
• Strong economic growth with continued job creation
• More housing — both suburban and urban — across all income levels
• Major downtown reinvestment, strengthened by Propositions A and B
• A commitment to affordability, avoiding Austin-style displacement
• Long-term regional planning between San Antonio and Austin
• A real estate market that expands outward while revitalizing inward
San Antonio stands on the brink of becoming one of the nation’s most balanced, opportunity-rich and culturally grounded growth stories. With Webster’s emphasis on economic momentum and regional development, and Kaur’s insistence on equitable, inclusive revitalization, the city has a pathway to evolve without losing its identity — and to build a future that benefits residents across every neighborhood and income level.
