Robert Melvin chaired the economic development group San Antonio for Growth on the East Side, and worked for former Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s office as a Small Business Development Director.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
I am Robert T. Melvin, a proud husband, father, entrepreneur, and community leader with over 20 years of experience in economic and business development. Born and raised in Kashmere Gardens, Houston, I have called San Antonio home for over 17 years. I earned my undergraduate degree from Xavier University of Louisiana and my law degree from Michigan State University College of Law, where I clerked for then-Governor Jennifer Granholm.
My career has been dedicated to building opportunities for businesses and communities. I served as Texas Small Business Advocate under Governor Rick Perry, launched initiatives like the Texas Global Trade Summit, and have led over $20 million in real estate development within the City of San Antonio. I have served on multiple boards, including Brooks City Base and Greater: SATX. While this is my first time running for elected office, my lifelong commitment to service and leadership drives my vision for a stronger, more prosperous San Antonio.
In a field of 27 mayoral candidates, what differentiates you from the others?
What sets me apart in this crowded field is my proven track record of delivering real economic growth and community-driven solutions. I am not a career politician—I am a businessman and problem-solver who has spent over 20 years creating opportunities for San Antonio families and businesses. From serving as Texas Small Business Advocate under Governor Rick Perry to leading over $20 million in transformative real estate developments, I understand how to turn ideas into action.
Unlike many candidates, I bring hands-on experience in economic development, housing, and business expansion—key issues that will define San Antonio’s future. I have worked with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and underserved communities to drive results, not just talk. My leadership is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and accountability. I am ready to be a mayor who doesn’t just promise change — I have a track record of making it happen.
If elected, you would be taking over at a time when the city has spent more than a year negotiating a massive downtown redevelopment effort in Project Marvel. How would you approach this project?
Project Marvel represents a pivotal opportunity for downtown San Antonio, but it must be executed with transparency, fiscal responsibility, and a clear return on investment for taxpayers. As mayor, I will approach this project with a business mindset—ensuring that it delivers long-term economic benefits while maintaining accountability to the residents who fund it.
I support smart development that enhances our city’s economic potential without burdening taxpayers unnecessarily. If taxpayer funding is involved, we must ensure it is leveraged effectively, prioritizing infrastructure, workforce development, and local business participation. I will advocate for public-private partnerships to minimize risk and maximize impact, ensuring that small and minority-owned businesses have a seat at the table.
Before fully endorsing the project as planned, I will conduct a thorough review to guarantee that it aligns with our city’s long-term growth strategy, avoids displacement of residents, and creates sustainable, high-quality jobs. San Antonio deserves bold development, but it must be done right—accountable, inclusive, and built for the future.
In the city’s 2024-2025 budget survey, residents ranked homelessness, streets,
housing and animal care services among their top concerns for the city to address. Which issues do you consider a top concern and how would you work to address them in your first 100 days?
My Top Priorities: Homelessness, Crime, and Small Business Growth
Homelessness: San Antonio must invest in real, long-term solutions to homelessness, not just temporary fixes. I will champion trauma-informed development, such as the West-East Design Studio prototype manufactured by IKEA, which provides sustainable, dignified, and scalable housing. This innovative approach can help reduce homelessness while integrating supportive services for mental health care, job training, and workforce reintegration. My administration will work with nonprofits, businesses, and state agencies to ensure a comprehensive, accountable approach to solving this crisis.
Crime & Public Safety: With a significant percentage of violent crimes committed by individuals 25 years old or younger, we must invest in early intervention programs, job training, and mentorship initiatives to prevent crime before it happens. Additionally, I will work to expand SAPD’s force to keep pace with similarly sized major metros. I will also prioritize mental health resources for SAPD and SAFD officers, ensuring they receive the support needed to handle job-related stress.
Entrepreneurship & Small Business Growth: I will cut red tape, improve access to capital, and launch financial literacy initiatives to help entrepreneurs and small businesses start, grow, and scale. By strengthening local businesses and fostering economic opportunity, we can create a stronger, safer, and more prosperous San Antonio.
How would you approach working with both state leaders in Austin and a new presidential administration in D.C.?
As mayor, my approach to working with both state leaders in Austin and the federal administration in D.C. will be rooted in pragmatism, collaboration, and results-driven leadership. San Antonio must be a city that works effectively with all levels of government—regardless of political shifts—to secure funding and resources that benefit our residents.
At the state level, I will ensure San Antonio has a strong presence in Austin to advocate for policies that support infrastructure investment, economic development, and public safety. My experience as Texas Small Business Advocate under Governor Rick Perry has prepared me to navigate state government and ensure San Antonio receives its fair share of funding and opportunities.
At the federal level, I will work to continue securing infrastructure grants, transportation investments, and business development funding that drive economic growth. Whether it’s expanding our airport, enhancing public transit, or improving workforce development programs, I will work across party lines to bring federal dollars to San Antonio without unnecessary political gridlock.
My priority is San Antonio first—ensuring we maximize opportunities, forge strategic partnerships, and remain a city that drives innovation, strengthens communities, and builds a prosperous future.
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