Revitalizing San Antonio’s Workforce: What to Know About Proposition B

The pandemic has wreaked havoc on communities across the country, as many face a health crisis alongside an economic one. In San Antonio alone, more than 150,000 residents filed for unemployment since the pandemic began, and a quarter of those jobs lost will never be available again.

Come Nov. 3, San Antonians have the opportunity to tackle this issue head on—by voting for Proposition B.

“Proposition B is an economic workforce recovery strategy to get the workforce back up on its feet,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg in a Facebook Live conversation with Ismael Herrera, who leads AARP’s work in San Antonio. “Quite simply, our economy is changing so we need action now.”

The program will have two paths for reinvigorating the workforce. The first allows folks to obtain a training or professional certificate in a short period of time. The second path, designed for individuals who have some post-secondary credentials, enrolls workers in a two- to four-year degree track in targeted industries. 

These industries include manufacturing, aerospace, biosciences, healthcare, financial services, cyber-technology and more—all jobs needed in San Antonio today.

“The plan is to enter a career with a future, not just a job to cover next week’s bills,” Mayor Nirenberg said.

The proposition, which requires no tax increase or added tax, would be funded by redirecting 1/8th cent of the sales tax once it expires next year.

The training includes wrap-around services to mitigate accessibility barriers or obstacles for older workers, such as child care or transportation support.

“We know that older workers have been quite affected by the pandemic and by job displacement,” said Nirenberg, so the city will be working closely with AARP and other organizations to get the word out about enrollment to include older San Antonians in the workforce recovery effort.

Also on the ballot is Proposition A of the Advanced Transportation District, which would pick up where Proposition B of the City of San Antonio ends in 2026. AARP Texas will host a conversation about Proposition A in a Facebook Live conversation with VIA Metropolitan Transit on Monday, Oct. 12.

“Make sure you complete the whole ballot,” Mayor Nirenberg stressed, emphasizing that local measures are listed last. “Proposition B specifically is at the end of the ballot. So make it all the way down.”