Molly Smith
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City Hall reporter @ExpressNews | previously on the border @elpasomatters @elpasotimes @monitornews | 📧 molly.smith@express-news.net
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Articles by Molly Smith
Patrick Von Dohlen has lost three elections. But who’s counting? Bring on Ron Nirenberg Original
Alec Cuellar, left, speaks with Patrick Von Dohlen, Republican nominee for Bexar County Judge, during a San Antonio A&M Club luncheon in San Antonio on Oct. 5, 2026. Katina Zentz/San Antonio Express-News Jesus Rendon, left, speaks with Patrick Von Dohlen, Republican nominee for Bexar County Judge, right, during a podcast interview at the Rendon Entrepreneurial Center in San Antonio on Oct. 5, 2026.
San Antonio mayor, council get second pay raise since taking office
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and City Council members got another pay hike when the city's new fiscal year kicked in on Oct. 1 - their second salary bump since they began their four-year term in June 2025. Jones' annual salary rose from $96,600 last fiscal year to $100,600 this year, while the 10 council members' annual pay went up from $77,000 to $80,500. The adjustments are the result of a city charter amendment that San Antonio voters approved in 2024.
San Antonio mayor, council get second pay raise since taking office
San Antonio City Council members at the Sept. 17, 2026, meeting where they adopted the new fiscal year budget Katina Zentz/San Antonio Express-News Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and City Council members got another pay hike when the city’s new fiscal year kicked in on Oct. 1 — their second salary bump since they began their four-year term in June 2025. Jones’ annual salary rose from $96,600 last fiscal year to $100,600 this year, while the 10 council members’ annual pay went up from $77,000 to $80,500.
Mayor Jones wants to steer bulk of upcoming bond money to five City Council districts
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Trump visits San Antonio for rally with Paxton, De La Cruz
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Mayor Jones wants to steer bulk of upcoming bond money to five City Council districts Original
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones listens while Mai Elsberry provides public comment during a City Council meeting in San Antonio on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. The City Council voted on its fiscal year 2027 budget and approved its first tax rate hike in over 30 years.
Trump visits San Antonio for rally with Paxton, De La Cruz Original
President Donald Trump dances at a campaign rally at the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center on Oct. 5, 2026, in Grand Island, Neb. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Alex Brandon/Associated Press President Donald Trump will stop in San Antonio Wednesday afternoon to drum up support for two Texas congressional candidates as the Republican Party works to hold its majority in both chambers.
San Antonio leaders weigh stormwater fee hike to pay for flood projects
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San Antonio leaders weigh stormwater fee hike to pay for flood projects Original
A vehicle kicks up water as it travels south on U.S. 281 in the rain in the Stone Oak area on Oct. 1, 2026, during a National Weather Service flash flood warning. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Last week’s forecast of heavy rain puts many San Antonians on edge because of how quickly water can pool on roadways, overwhelm storm drains and turn into fast-moving floodwaters.
City staff proposes $442 million bond program to avoid property tax hike
The former UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures, located at Hemisfair in San Antonio, continues to be demolished. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Demolition of the former Institute of Texan Cultures building at Hemisfair continues in San Antonio, Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The building is being torn down to make way for a new Spurs arena.
Hurry! The last day to register to vote in the Texas midterm election is Oct. 5.
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Hurry! The last day to register to vote in the Texas midterm election is Oct. 5.
Signs encourage voters to come inside the Brook Hollow Branch Library to cast a ballot on the first day of early voting for March 3, 2026, primary election. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News If you want to cast a ballot in the state’s Nov. 3 midterm election, you have until Monday, Oct. 5, to register to vote. That means you must postmark your voter registration application by that day in order to be eligible to participate.
Mayor Jones wanted a different budget. She didn’t bring City Council along.
The San Antonio City Council at the Sept. 18, 2026, meeting, when members adopted the new budget in a split vote. Katina Zentz/San Antonio Express-News Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones immediately went on the offensive after voting against next year’s city budget. She blamed her City Council colleagues for adopting a $4.4 billion budget that in her view was beyond city government’s means — and for approving a 3.9% property tax rate hike to help pay for it.
A North Side subdivision got $2 million for its septic crisis. Now it wants a fee break. Original
The Villas at Timberwood Homeowners Association board member Tom Marty looks at the lift station for the subdivision’s septic system on Aug. 31, 2026. The 75-home community is serviced by a failing septic system and the HOA is asking San Antonio City Council to waive the $415,575 fee to connect to the San Antonio Water System.
As Mayor Jones calls for unity, a huge split with City Council over Spurs deal remains
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As Mayor Jones calls for unity, a huge split with City Council over Spurs deal remains Original
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones on Monday called for unity between the City Council and San Antonio's business community in her first public address since a bitter budget season ended last week, but the cracks were evident during the Metro SA Chamber’s “City Vision” event. Jones used her 20-minute address to press for a better deal with Spurs Sports & Entertainment for a downtown arena — an issue that has put her at odds with a majority of her council colleagues and business leaders.
Low-interest federal disaster assistance available for August storm repairs
CPS Energy crews repair damaged utility poles along North Main Avenue in San Antonio’s Monte Vista neighborhood on Aug. 29, 2026, after a severe storm the night before caused widespread power outages. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News The U.S. Small Business Administration has signed off on Gov. Greg Abbott’s request for a disaster declaration following the Aug. 28 storm that left thousands of San Antonians without power and damaged businesses and homes.
Here's what Mayor Jones wants to cut from the San Antonio budget
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Here's what Mayor Jones wants to cut from the San Antonio budget Original
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones talks to constituents before town hall at the Garza Community Center on March 30, 2026. Robin Jerstad/Contributor Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has repeatedly said that raising property taxes to close a massive budget deficit is a last resort — and she’s proposed millions of dollars in budget cuts to try to stave off that possibility.
Jesse Salame confirmed: San Antonio native to lead the SAPD for first time in two decades
Follow Jesse Salame confirmed: San Antonio native to lead the SAPD for first time in two decades Thu, September 10, 2026 at 1:02 PM EDT Jesus Salame, Jr. poses for a photo at San Antonio Police Department headquarters on July 22, 2026, shortly after being named acting police chief. The council hired him as permanent chief Thursday. (Andrew J. Whitaker/San Antonio Express-News) More For the first time in two decades, the San Antonio Police Department will be lead by an Alamo City native.
Jesse Salame confirmed: San Antonio native to lead the SAPD for first time in two decades Original
Jesus Salame, Jr. poses for a photo at San Antonio Police Department headquarters on July 22, 2026, shortly after being named acting police chief. The council hired him as permanent chief Thursday. Andrew J. Whitaker/San Antonio Express-News For the first time in two decades, the San Antonio Police Department will be lead by an Alamo City native. The mayor and City Council voted unanimously to confirm City Manager Erik Walsh’s appointment of Jesus "Jesse" Salame Jr. as police chief.
Council rallies behind San Antonio’s police chief pick. Mayor Jones stays silent.
Newly appointed San Antonio Police Chief Jesse Salame Jr. poses for photos with City Council members after a City Hall news conference to announce his selection on Sept. 2. Andrew J. Whitaker/San Antonio Express-News Acting Police Chief Jesus “Jesse” Salame Jr. was flanked by eight City Council members as City Manager Erik Walsh introduced him as his pick for San Antonio police chief.
Former SAPD chief Bill McManus holds forth on supposed communist threat to U.S. Original
Retired San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, left, and acting Chief Jesse Salame at a farewell event for McManus on Aug. 11. The city manager has since appointed Salame as permanent chief. Katina Zentz/San Antonio Express-News Retired Police Chief William “Bill” McManus is no longer responsible for fighting crime in San Antonio, but he appears concerned about another threat: encroaching communism.
Judge allows Jason Wolff to stay in race for Bexar County District Attorney Original
The Lady Justice statue atop a fountain in front of the Bexar County Courthouse in this 2017 file photo. Billy Calzada/Express-News The Republican nominee for Bexar County district attorney failed to get an independent challenger kicked off the Nov. 3 ballot.
City Hall wants up to $1.2 billion for projects. It can afford $450 million
In January, city staff said San Antonio's next bond package would be half of what it was four years ago because of sagging property tax revenue. The outlook has only gotten worse since then. Staffers told the City Council on Wednesday that San Antonio's next five-year bond program could pay for $450 million worth of construction projects. That's down from an estimate of $625 million at the beginning of the year.
City Hall wants up to $1.2 billion for projects. It can afford $450 million
Motorists drive along South Alamo Street in this April 2026 file photo. The city reworked the road, upgraded sidewalks and improved drainage as part of the 2017 bond program and the projected wrapped up in spring 2026. Katina Zentz/San Antonio Express-News In January, city staff said San Antonio’s next bond package would be half of what it was four years ago because of sagging property tax revenue. The outlook has only gotten worse since then.
Longtime SAPD lawman Jesse Salame is City Manager Erik Walsh’ pick for police chief
Acting Chief of Police, Jesus Salame, Jr. poses for a photo at San Antonio Police Department headquarters on July 22, 2026. Andrew J. Whitaker/San Antonio Express-News City Manager Erik Walsh will announce his appointment of Jesus “Jesse” Salame, Jr. as chief of police at a news conference this afternoon, according to a source with knowledge of the selection.
What would 20 more years of Pre-K 4 SA sales tax pay for?
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What would 20 more years of Pre-K 4 SA sales tax pay for? Original
A toddler class prepares for a nap at Pre-K 4 SA’s South Education Center on April 8, 2026. Katina Zentz/San Antonio Express-News If San Antonio voters decide to extend sales tax funding through 2049, the city’s pre-K initiative will expand its programming to infants and toddlers. That’s part of Pre-K 4 SA’s “promise to voters,” said CEO Sarah Baray. Article continues below this ad The City Council last month voted 7-2 to put a measure on the Nov.
‘Meant to be here’: How SAPD's Jesse Salame rose through the ranks
Jesus “Jesse” Salame Jr. learned his first lesson in policing growing up in the Los Angeles Heights neighborhood. “Always watch the hands — the hands can hurt you.” He said his father taught him that, drawing on the street smarts he’d picked up as a boy on the South Side. Jesse Salame Sr., a house painter and general contractor who drove taxis on weekends, watched out for the working-class neighborhood where he and Delia Salameraised their three children.
Crickets: Mayor Jones’ plea to outside groups to replace city nonprofit funding falls flat Original
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones listens to public comments at a special council meeting on Dec. 18, 2025. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones didn’t get any takers when she asked area businesses and charitable foundations to step up to fund more than a dozen organizations that have counted on city dollars. Jones had given “business, foundation and philanthropic leaders” she wrote to on July 24 until Aug.
It's official: César E. Chávez Boulevard will be renamed Durango Boulevard
César E. Chávez Boulevard will get back its former name, Durango Boulevard, months after the late labor leader was accused of sexually abusing girls and women, including civil rights activist Dolores Huerta. The City Council voted unanimously for the change Thursday.
It's official: César E. Chávez Boulevard will be renamed Durango Boulevard
People board a VIA bus at the intersection of West Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard and South Zarzamora Street on the West Side on March 19, 2026. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News César E. Chávez Boulevard will get back its former name, Durango Boulevard, months after the late labor leader was accused of sexually abusing girls and women, including civil rights activist Dolores Huerta. The City Council voted unanimously for the change Thursday.
It's official: César E. Chávez Boulevard will be renamed Durango Boulevard
César E. Chávez Boulevard will get back its former name, Durango Boulevard, months after the late labor leader was accused of sexually abusing girls and women, including civil rights activist Dolores Huerta. The City Council voted unanimously for the change Thursday.
It's official: César E. Chávez Boulevard will be renamed Durango Boulevard
People board a VIA bus at the intersection of West Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard and South Zarzamora Street on the West Side on March 19, 2026. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News César E. Chávez Boulevard will get back its former name, Durango Boulevard, months after the late labor leader was accused of sexually abusing girls and women, including civil rights activist Dolores Huerta. The City Council voted unanimously for the change Thursday.
Voters won’t have a say at the ballot box on city contribution to Spurs arena
Former Spurs player Sean Elliott speaks during a City Council special session on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, for the council to decide whether to hold a public vote on the city’s $489 million contribution to a downtown Spurs arena. Andrew J.
Ahead of pivotal arena vote, city manager addresses ‘misinformation’ Original
Mayor Jones speaks at a listening session at the Doris Griffin Senior Center on Aug. 6, 2026. Blaine Young/For the Express-News Days before the City Council takes up Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones’ controversial proposal to hold a public vote on the city’s pledged Spurs arena contribution, City Manager Erik Walsh said he was attempting to correct what he called “misinformation” about the project and the sports and entertainment district it would anchor.
Search for SAPD chief in final stretch with semifinalist interviews on Friday
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Search for SAPD chief in final stretch with semifinalist interviews on Friday
Follow Search for SAPD chief in final stretch with semifinalist interviews on Friday Thu, August 13, 2026 at 6:30 PM EDT Now retired SAPD Chief William McManus waits for his cue to walk along the Pride Parade route in this file photo from June 27, 2026. (Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News) Semifinalists for the job of police chief will interview Friday with community panels as city officials wind down their search for San Antonio Police Department's next leader.
Search for SAPD chief in final stretch with semifinalist interviews on Friday
Now retired SAPD Chief William McManus waits for his cue to walk along the Pride Parade route in this file photo from June 27, 2026. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Semifinalists for the job of police chief will interview Friday with community panels as city officials wind down their search for San Antonio Police Department's next leader. Two sources with knowledge of the process confirmed Friday’s interviews, which will take place at the Convention Center.
Voters will decide whether to pay for Pre-K 4 SA for next 20 years
San Antonio voters will decide in November whether to reauthorize sales tax funding for the city's full-day prekindergarten program for an unprecedented 20 years, the maximum allowed under state law. Pre-K 4 SA funding has previously been authorized eight years at a time, first in 2012 and again in 2020, with funding available through June 2029.
Voters will decide whether to pay for Pre-K 4 SA for next 20 years
Students eat lunch family-style at long tables inside their classroom at Pre-K 4 SA’s South Education Center on Oct. 22, 2025. The South Side facility provides childcare and education for 360 children, including 40 spots for infants and toddlers. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News San Antonio voters will decide in November whether to reauthorize sales tax funding for the city’s full-day prekindergarten program for an unprecedented 20 years, the maximum allowed under state law.
Mayor Jones scraps push to hold election on Ready to Work dollars
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones won't push to ask voters to decide whether to redirect job-training dollars to reduce a budget deficit after all. Instead, she wants the city to move at least $2.4 million from Ready to Work's budget to next year's general fund, which pays for core city services, such as fire and police protection.
Mayor Jones scraps push to hold election on Ready to Work dollars
Mayor Jones speaks at a listening session at the Doris Griffin Senior Center on Aug. 6, 2026. Blaine Young/For the Express-News Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones won’t ask the City Council to ask voters to decide whether to redirect job-training dollars to reduce a budget deficit after all. Instead, she wants the city to move at least $2.4 million from Ready to Work’s budget to next year’s general-fund budget, which pays for core city services, such as fire and police protection.
San Antonio leaders slam mayor's push for Spurs arena, Ready to Work votes Original
City Council members, chambers of commerce leaders and COPS/Metro Alliance organizers are slamming Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones for trying to put the city’s proposed contribution to a new Spurs arena and the redirection of tax dollars for a job-training program to a public vote in November. At a press conference Friday at City Hall, they said San Antonio voters have already backed the Ready to Work initiative and the city’s plan to help finance the $1.3 billion arena.
Mayor Jones ramps up public pressure campaign for arena funding election
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones at a town hall she hosted at Southside Lions Senior Center in September 2025. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones spent most of her hour-long “community listening session” talking — specifically explaining why she thinks residents should be given a say on the Spurs arena deal at the ballot box. Jones wants the City Council to put a measure on the Nov.
Mayor Jones ramps up public pressure campaign for arena funding election
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones spent most of her hour-long "community listening session" talking - specifically explaining why she thinks residents should be given a say on the Spurs arena deal at the ballot box. Jones wants the City Council to put a measure on the Nov. 3 ballot asking San Antonio voters whether they approve the city issuing up to $489 million in bonds to pay for part of a $1.3 billion arena for the Spurs to be built at Hemisfair.
‘Governing by memo’: Council frustrations with one another boil over at first meeting since July recess
District 3 Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran speaks during a San Antonio City Council meeting on Sept. 18, 2025. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News City Council members’ frustration with Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones — and one another — was apparent Thursday during a debate over the creation of an advisory committee to get San Antonians’ opinions of the planned downtown sports and entertainment district.
Mayor Jones says she wants to hear residents’ opinions on Spurs arena vote Original
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones speaks at a town hall at Thomas Edison High School on July 29, 2026. Blaine Young/For the Express-News Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is doubling down on her push to get the City Council to let San Antonio voters decide whether the city should contribute $489 million to the $1.3 billion Spurs arena downtown. Jones will hold three “community listening sessions” in the coming days to hear what residents think of her pitch.
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