Matthew Gauna is an environmental science student at UTSA. He previously worked as an auditor and has run unsuccessfully for the District 1 seat in the past.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
I’m Matthew Gauna, a lifelong San Antonian and a candidate for District 1 City Council. I’ve lived in this city for over two decades and have seen firsthand how it has changed-for better and worse. I come from a working- class background and currently study Environmental Science at UTSA, where my research focuses on sustainability, urban development, and public policy.
My professional experience includes working as an auditor for Aramark at the AT&T Center and as a barista, which has given me a strong understanding of both financial oversight and the challenges faced by working-class residents. San Antonio needs leaders who understand budgeting, sustainability, and community-driven policies. I’m running to fight for affordable housing, better public transit, and a city that works for people, not just developers and special interests.
List any previous experience in government or participation on local boards, commissions, or neighborhood associations.
I previously ran for San Antonio City Council District 1 in 2021, focusing on issues like sustainable growth, public transit, and city transparency. While I wasn’t elected, the campaign helped highlight critical community concerns that still need to be addressed. I’ve been involved in local policy research, environmental advocacy, and community organizing efforts, particularly in areas like water conservation, zoning reform, and transit equity.
I believe that real change starts with community-driven solutions, and I’ve worked to amplify voices that are often ignored in city politics. My experience as an auditor and researcher gives me a unique perspective on how to hold city government accountable and push for smarter investments in infrastructure and sustainability.
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 1 and how would you work to address them in your first 100 days?
Housing, transit, and homelessness are the biggest challenges facing District 1. In my first 100 days, I would focus on expanding affordable housing options, ensuring safe and accessible streets, and implementing real solutions to homelessness that prioritize housing-first strategies, job training, and mental health services.
Housing: We need zoning reform to allow for denser, mixed-use housing that prevents displacement and makes urban living more affordable. I will push for policies that promote sustainable, transit-oriented development and eliminate outdated parking minimums that drive up costs.
Transit & Infrastructure: Our roads and sidewalks are crumbling. I will advocate for better street maintenance, protecting existing bike lanes, and a SkyTrain-style elevated rail system using existing corridors to reduce congestion.
Homelessness: Sweeps don’t solve homelessness-they just push people from one area to another. I will fight for more transitional housing, job training programs, and mental health support while working with local businesses and nonprofits to create long-term solutions.
District 1 needs action, not just talk. I will hit the ground running to make these policies a reality.
In a crowded field of council candidates, what differentiates you from the others?
What sets me apart is my real-world experience in financial oversight, sustainability research, and working-class advocacy. Unlike career politicians or candidates backed by developers, I understand the economic struggles of everyday San Antonians because I’ve lived them.
I bring a deep knowledge of budgeting, zoning reform, and transit policy that allows me to offer real, actionable solutions to housing affordability, infrastructure, and economic development. My background in auditing and environmental science means I know how to hold city government accountable while ensuring we build a greener, more connected city.
Most importantly, I’m running because San Antonio needs leadership that works for the people-not corporate interests. I’m not here to maintain the status quo. I’m here to push for real change that makes District 1 a better place to live, work, and thrive.
If elected, how do you plan to solicit input and feedback from residents in your district?
I believe in open-door governance. As a council member, I would create monthly town halls, neighborhood meetings, and online forums to ensure residents have a direct line to their government. We will upload the video and transcripts of all our meetings so residents can view when available.Community feedback should shape city policies, not be an afterthought.
I will also establish a District 1 Advisory Council, made up of residents, small business owners, and community advocates, to regularly provide input on major policy decisions, not just insiders. Transparency is key-I will push for real-time budget tracking and public updates on infrastructure projects so residents know where their tax dollars are going.
Read more about Matthew Gauna
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