Beto Altamirano is a tech executive who created the city’s first digital service request platform — a precursor to the 311 app — and now runs an artificial intelligence company. He previously worked in the Texas Legislature, the U.S. Senate and for the United States Trade Representative’s office.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
I am the CEO & Co-founder of Irys, which designs advanced technologies that streamline operations and enhance security for businesses and governments. Originally from Mission, Texas, I chose San Antonio over a decade ago to start my family, business, and build community.
My career spans public policy and innovation. From 2015 to 2017, I worked as a Public Involvement Specialist at the Alamo Area MPO, focusing on transit policy. In 2021, I was appointed by San Antonio’s District 1 to serve as a Board Member and Vice Chair for the Port Authority of San Antonio. In 2023, I co-founded the Better Futures Institute, an organization dedicated to helping students pursue STEM careers.
At 35, I hold a B.A. in Government from UT Austin and an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School. Now, as a first-time candidate, I’m running to bring fresh leadership and bold solutions to San Antonio.
In a field of 27 mayoral candidates, what differentiates you from the others?
As a small business owner, I know firsthand the challenges of building a company—making payroll, investing in growth, and even sacrificing my own salary to support employees. My background uniquely blends experience in both the public and private sectors, equipping me with the executive skills needed at City Hall: building the right teams, pursuing the right projects, and setting a clear vision to drive meaningful change.
Almost 10 years ago, we launched the 311SA tool, empowering thousands of residents to report infrastructure and 311-related issues, improving quality of life across San Antonio. What began with just three employees has grown into a team of over 80, now supporting national security efforts. This is a San Antonio story — one built on opportunity, resilience, and progress. San Antonio gave me the chance to grow, build, and create impact. Now, I’m committed to ensuring others have the same opportunities to thrive.
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?
I support the concept of Project Marvel, an ambitious plan that if done right has the possibility of being a game-changer for not just downtown, but the entire city. One concern I have is the lack of information being made available to the public, including how much of the cost for the Spurs arena will come from taxpayers. Without knowing those answers it’s difficult for me to give a definitive answer.
However, from what has been reported I can say that if any taxpayer funds are to be used for the arena, there must be language that ensures local contractors and workers are prioritized not just in the building of, but also the staffing of the arena. I also want to see a public use component and a comprehensive plan for the Frost Center and surrounding community.
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?
After the launch of our campaign in June of 2024, we went on a listening tour across the city.
We held over fifty events and spoke with thousands of people who shared their concerns and experiences with issues around public safety, economic development, and infrastructure. From that feedback we created our policy platform, Plan 210, focusing on crime, animal care services, health, construction, sustainability, housing, child care, workforce development, and small business support.
Of those nine issues I consider our poverty rate to be the most critical concern, impacting nearly 18% of San Antonio residents who live at or below the poverty line. We plan on addressing this by focusing on reskilling the workforce, attracting high-growth industries, fostering collaboration across the South Texas Triangle, and expanding childcare access, and empowering small businesses to innovate will position San Antonio as a leading hub of opportunity and innovation in the years ahead.
For the past four years San Antonio has worked closely with the Biden Administration on federally funded projects like airport development and Advanced Rapid Transit. How would you approach working with both state leaders in Austin and a new presidential administration in D.C.?
As a small business owner and executive, I understand the importance of working with stakeholders and dictating a vision that may be popular or unpopular. As Mayor I pledge to work collaboratively with both the Federal and State governments, focusing on the places where we agree.
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