Ramiro Gonzales is a housing consultant and former City Hall staffer who previously led Prosper West, a nonprofit aimed at revitalizing the West Side.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
I’m Ramiro Gonzales. I was born and raised in District 1 and have been working in public service for over 20 years. I graduated from Edison High School and became the first in my family to earn a college degree, studying political science at UTSA. I worked for the City of San Antonio for 15 years as a paralegal, a liaison to the City Manager, and worked my way up as a City executive in the Downtown Development Department.
I then became the CEO of a community economic development nonprofit for the Westside of San Antonio, raising millions of dollars to implement programs and projects focused on housing, small business development, and neighborhood revitalization. Now, as a consultant, I advise churches and other organizations on how to repurpose underutilized property for community benefit including housing, daycares, and green space.
List any previous experience in government or participation on local boards, commissions, or neighborhood associations.
I’ve never run for elected office before but I have over 20 years of experience in local government and community development. I worked for the City of San Antonio for 15 years including as a liaison to the City Manager’s Office. I was extremely fortunate to be in the “big rooms” so early in my career which gave me early insight into how things get done at City Hall. This unique skillset launched me into my next several roles and earned me a reputation as a problem-solver in the city organization. I’ve served on multiple boards and commissions relating to housing, urban renewal, tax increment financing, and small business contracting. I also serve on the board of two nonprofits, The Impact Guild and The Neighborhood Place, and I am a board member of my local neighborhood association in Monte Vista Terrace.
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?
Infrastructure, homelessness, and housing are what I hear as top concerns in District 1.
Homelessness will never be zero but we can reduce the rate of homelessness with a compassionate solution that still protects the interests of neighborhoods and businesses. As Councilman, I will create more onramps for churches and other nonprofits to participate in this work and to co-create a social infrastructure network to help individuals overcome barriers to self-sufficiency, be it economic, mental-health, and/or otherwise.
For infrastructure which includes our streets, sidewalks, and drainage, I will initiate an independent system study that will assess our current capital improvements and public works system to identify gaps, inefficiencies, and potential improvements so that we can minimize delays and avoid the double-work of tearing up newly-laid streets and sidewalks. I will increase the availability and affordability of housing by unlocking the potential of vacant lots throughout the District, empowering neighborhoods to self-develop, and continue working with our churches to build housing on underutilized property.
Finally, I will also initiate the creation of a loan fund to help build backyard apartments where appropriate to help our seniors age-in-place and become more economically-stable.
In a crowded field of council candidates, what differentiates you from the others?
The most effective councilmembers are those that 1) know their district and have built key relationships, 2) know how the City works and how to get things done, and 3) have a genuine passion for the work. I believe I’m the only candidate that can demonstrate all three of these qualities.
I was born and raised in District 1. I know the pain points, I know the people, and I have spent my career developing relationships across this community. I also worked at the City for 15 years so I know how to navigate the system and get things done. I also know how to turn a “no” into a “yes” at City Hall. Finally, I’ve always been passionate about making our city better (not just when I decided to run for Council) and that is clear by my lifetime of public service.
If elected, how do you plan to solicit input and feedback from residents in your district?
Our neighborhoods need to feel like an extension of the District office by working in close collaboration and partnership toward District and neighborhood goals. I will convene a regular President’s Council to hear ongoing issues, appoint neighborhood liaisons from my office to remain prompt and responsive to neighborhood concerns, and convene Issue Committees comprised of residents to provide feedback on proposed policies/major projects.
I also find it important to simply be present and in fellowship with our neighbors at their events, in their wins, and especially in their losses. I am committed to a professional, proactive, and responsive District 1 Office that is accountable to our residents and businesses and I look forward to hearing more of their ideas on how I can be that for them.
Read more about Ramiro Gonzales
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Prosper West CEO resigns amid uncertainty around future city support
