Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito (D7) has represented the city’s Northwest side since 2023. She previously worked in management positions at Rackspace and USAA, and served as executive director of SA Digital Connects, a public-private partnership focused on addressing the digital divide in San Antonio.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
Born and raised in District 7, I earned my BBA from St. Mary’s University and have spent my entire life in San Antonio, apart from the time I earned my MBA at DePaul University.
My career has been dedicated to technology and innovation, including serving as the founding Executive Director of Tech Bloc and leading teams at Rackspace and USAA. Most recently, I served as the Executive Director of SA Digital Connects working to close the digital divide.
List any previous experience in government or participation on local boards, commissions, or neighborhood associations.
I have had the honor of serving as San Antonio City Councilwoman for District 7 for two years now. Prior to my service in office, I served on several boards before including the Bexar County Child Welfare Board, UTSA College of Engineering Advisory Board, and the VIA Board as its Vice Chair. I have also served as Vice-President of the Woodlawn Lake Neighborhood Association.
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 7 and how would you work to address them in your first 100 days?
Public safety is the top priority for District 7. Throughout my first term, I’ve been a strong advocate for our first responders and worked to enhance their resources while improving 911 emergency response times.
Loose and dangerous dogs are a public safety issue and my policy proposal on this issue — which holds negligent owners more accountable, allows ACS to spay/neuter dogs, and protects residents when they report dangerous dogs – was unanimously passed by Council and the Mayor.
Regarding our unsheltered population, investing taxpayer dollars for prevention is a necessity. I’ve supported expansion of rental assistance services and have voted for affordable housing. We must connect unsheltered residents to the services they need — and ensure they are not creating encampments in our neighborhoods, near schools, in parks or in drainage ditches. I’ve advocated to make sure we are prioritizing and removing those encampments within 14 days of them being reported.
Finally, District 7 has significant infrastructure needs, and my residents have trusted me as their councilwoman to make wise investments in our community. I’m proud to have brought $17 million of planned and executed street and sidewalk projects throughout the district.
In a crowded field of council candidates, what differentiates you from the others?
What sets me apart in this race is that I’m not just promising to do the work — I’m already doing it. As a full-time Councilmember, I bring experience, dedication, and a deep understanding of the issues facing our community. I’ve been actively working to improve our district, and I’m committed to continuing that momentum.
District 7 is not just where I serve — it’s where I’ve chosen to raise my daughters because I believe in the future we’re building together. I know what it takes to get results, and I’m ready to keep pushing forward for safer neighborhoods, stronger infrastructure, and a more connected community. As a first-term member, I secured $3.25 million for greenspace improvements at Woodlawn Lake Park. While others may be starting from scratch, I bring proven leadership and a track record of getting things done for District 7 — and I’m just getting started.
If elected, how do you plan to solicit input and feedback from residents in your district?
As your Councilwoman, I have consistently worked to keep my constituents — who are my bosses — informed about upcoming projects, events, and policy proposals that impact them through weekly email blasts, quarterly mailed newsletters, weekly video recaps of what is happening in Council meetings, and an active social media presence.
My team and I have held monthly “Coffee with the Councilwoman” events, have attended over 500 neighborhood association and HOA meetings, and we are continuously asking residents for their feedback. Through their input, I create informed policy proposals and prioritize infrastructure needs as we move District 7 forward together.
Read more about Marina Alderete Gavito
Marina Alderete Gavito coasts to easy victory, claiming open District 7 council seat
