As I prepare to lead San Antonio’s District 7, I am set on working toward fulfilling the promises I made on the campaign trail and building a stronger community for all of our residents.
Over the past five months, I heard from neighbors in every corner of District 7. Whether it was at one of the doors that I knocked on, at a meet-and-greet, over the phone, or via text, I listened to stories and concerns about the problems we face and how we can solve them together.
One theme that came up over and over again was public safety. When residents no longer feel comfortable walking the same streets and greenways as before, there is a problem. City Council should acknowledge and address this problem.
As the homeless population grows, many neighbors are feeling less safe in their communities. There are also many risks associated with folks living on busy streets or in drainage areas where half an inch of rain could cost them their life.
One of the safest, most humane, and most cost-effective solutions to this complex problem is permanent supportive housing. This offers unhoused individuals an opportunity to live independently with housing options or rental assistance. It also offers employment opportunities and critical mental health support to those who need it.
Through permanent supportive housing, Houston achieved a more than 60% decrease in the unhoused population over an extended period of time. Using these tools, we can realize similar outcomes here in San Antonio. We can treat the unhoused with compassion, support their unique needs, and all the while, keep neighborhoods safe for our residents. I will support expanding these kinds of policies which save tax dollars by reducing the number of 911 calls, relieving overcrowding in the jail and limiting the burden placed on emergency rooms.
Dangerous dogs in our community are also of growing concern. Right now, Animal Care Services is overwhelmed by this issue. I will note: dogs are not born dangerous, they are raised that way. That’s why City Council needs to support a preventative approach by offering more low-cost/free spay and neuter clinics. We also need to continue supporting increases in patrol and enforcement to get these dangerous dogs out of our community.
Along with these public safety concerns, neighbors also shared their desire for more transparency and accountability from their City Council office, especially as it relates to infrastructure projects. As councilwoman, I will expand communication with residents regarding infrastructure projects to provide more clarity about street, sidewalk and drainage improvements and project timelines. That means residents will be made aware that their concerns are being heard, addressed, and can better prepare for these events.
Our office will put an emphasis on accountability and responsiveness. As I build my constituent services team, I am focused on finding responsive and service-oriented leaders who can provide unmatched customer service. And as I promised on the campaign trail, I will continue attending neighborhood meetings and going door-to-door to speak to neighbors directly. I am also looking forward to kicking off our “Coffee with Councilwoman Gavito” series where we can share concerns and ideas, form partnerships and work to improve our community together.
To all those who voted for me, thank you. It’s an honor to have received such overwhelming support in this election. And to those of you who didn’t vote for me, I am already working to earn your trust and support. I am excited for this opportunity to lead and deliver for our District 7 community and our city.
