City Council committees play a crucial role in shaping policies that affect our daily lives, from financial transparency to public health, economic growth, and community development. These committees provide a space for council members to focus on specific areas, review policies, and make recommendations before decisions go to the full City Council.
Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran serves on four key committees—Audit, Community Health, Economic & Workforce Development, and Planning & Community Development—each with a direct impact on the future of San Antonio. Let’s take a closer look at what these committees do and how their decisions affect our neighborhoods.
Audit Committee
Managing a city’s budget requires oversight, transparency, and accountability, and that’s exactly what the Audit Committee ensures. This committee works closely with the City Auditor’s Office to review financial operations and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly.
It also oversees high-profile city contracts, ensuring fair practices in procurement and contract functions. To promote public trust, two out of the five committee members must be regular citizens, ensuring community voices are included in oversight decisions.
Why It Matters:
- Ensures public funds are used responsibly
- Reviews major city contracts to prevent fraud and mismanagement
- Promotes transparency and accountability in local government
Community Health Committee
The Community Health Committee ensures San Antonio continues to be a healthy, environmentally sustainable, and a city rich in culture. This committee oversees public health policies, environmental protections, libraries, parks, and human services programs that directly impact the well-being and quality of life of citizens.
The committee also plays a major role in climate preparedness, waste management, and the preservation of San Antonio’s artistic, cultural, and historic heritage.
Why It Matters:
- Supports public health initiatives, such as mental health resources and healthcare accessibility
- Ensures the city maintains clean air, water, and green spaces
- Oversees parks, libraries, and arts programs that enrich community life
Economic & Workforce Development Committee
Creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and attracting new investments—that’s the focus of the Economic & Workforce Development Committee. This committee oversees policies that strengthen San Antonio’s workforce and ensure that the city remains competitive in an evolving economy.
One of the most critical aspects of this committee’s work is overseeing SA Ready to Work, a workforce development and training initiative aimed at helping San Antonians gain new skills for higher-paying jobs. It also plays a role in digital inclusion and broadband expansion, ensuring more residents have access to high-speed internet for education and job opportunities.
Why It Matters:
- Helps create and retain jobs in San Antonio
- Supports small businesses and local entrepreneurs
- Expands job training and education programs to strengthen the workforce
- Works toward digital inclusion and broadband access
Planning & Community Development Committee
The Planning & Community Development Committee focuses on smart growth, housing, and long-term city planning to ensure San Antonio develops in a way that benefits all residents.
The committee oversees major citywide initiatives such as SA Tomorrow, which sets the vision for future growth, as well as housing policies related to affordability, zoning, and homelessness response.
Why It Matters:
- Guides responsible urban development and zoning policies
- Oversees affordable housing initiatives
- Works on homelessness response plans to provide support for vulnerable residents
How You Can Get Involved in City Council Committees
City Council committees depend on community input to guide their decisions. Here’s how you can stay informed and engaged:
Attend committee meetings – These meetings are open to the public and provide insights into policy discussions.
Submit public comments – Share your thoughts on city policies and programs.
Stay updated and learn more about the San Antonio City Council committee here.