Ivalis Meza Gonzalez is a consultant at Andrade-Van de Putte & Associates. She previously served as Mayor Ron Nirenberg’s chief of staff, and ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for Bexar County Judge in 2022.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
I was born and raised in San Antonio, and my husband and I have been living in District 8 for the last 15 years. I’m running for City Council because we are deeply rooted in this community. My kids were born, raised, and go to school in District 8, so I want to protect and enhance all the things that make this district special.
After graduating from UTSA and St. Mary’s School of Law, I served as Mayor Nirenberg’s Chief of Staff. Together we navigated our city through the pandemic, worked to keep San Antonians safe during the winter storm, and got our economy back on track. For my work during this time, the San Antonio Business Journal named me “2021 Woman of the Year” in their 40 Under 40 list. As a long-time resident of District 8, I am eager to get to work representing our community.
List any previous experience in government or participation on local boards, commissions, or neighborhood associations.
My experience in city government uniquely positions me to serve the residents of District 8 effectively. I worked for Mayor Ron Nirenberg from 2018 to 2021, and as his Chief of Staff, I helped lead the city through some of its most serious challenges. Together, we led the emergency response through the pandemic and winter storm, put federal grants to work for our residents, and got our economy back on track. I had a front-row seat to how city government operates and had a hands-on role in serving our city.
I’ve also worked at the San Antonio River Authority and served on several boards including the Martinez Street Women’s Center, Healthy Futures of Texas, and the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women. With these experiences, I will be ready on day one to represent District 8.
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 for District 8 and how would you work to address them in your first 100 days?
The top concern I hear from neighbors in my district is public safety which can be addressed by hiring more officers to reduce 911 response times and keep our neighborhoods clear from homeless encampments by providing services for those in need. Other concerns in our district include maintaining our streets and sidewalks.
Caring for our seniors is another of my priorities. Within the first 100 days of taking office, I will vote on the City’s 2025-26 Budget. I will be prepared to fight hard to ensure District 8 gets the necessary funding to fully address these issues.
In a crowded field of council candidates, what differentiates you from the others?
My meaningful experience and proven leadership make me the most qualified candidate to represent our community. I am the only candidate who won’t need on-the-job training—I’ll be ready to get to work on day one. From my years as the Mayor’s Chief of Staff to my volunteering on numerous boards and commissions, I stand out for my long history of community service.
If elected, how do you plan to solicit input and feedback from residents in your district?
Community input and feedback are vital to representing our community. That’s why I’ve made them such an important part of my campaign. Having knocked on thousands of doors and holding over 20 community meet and greets, I’ve made discussions with my District 8 neighbors my top priority. Effective leaders must have a vision that is informed by the needs and concerns of the community.
That’s why, when I’m elected, I’ll continue to solicit meaningful input and feedback from residents. I will make sure we are reaching neighbors where they are. I will continue to offer regular community surveys, but I will also continue to block walk and hold community input events across our district. I will also lean on the community to inform me about their preferred methods of communication.
Read more about Ivalis Meza Gonzalez
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