San Antonio’s labor community is calling for a strong community benefits agreement for Project Marvel, the planned sports and entertainment district that includes a new Spurs arena. “We workers call for a robust community benefits agreement for Project Marvel,” the San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and Support Personnel said in a statement, adding, "It is unacceptable to spend hundreds of millions of public dollars on a new stadium, while underpaid teachers spend their own money preparing classrooms for the working class students of our urban core," as reported by KSAT. Alliance president Alejandra Lopez said the city should invest "in the working people who are the lifeblood of our city."
At a Labor Day rally, a coalition including "The Schools Our Students Deserve Coalition," called for the Spurs and the City to commit to a stronger Community Benefits Agreement. Tia Gibson of the Texas Organizing Project said, "I'll tell you the thing we truly need is massive investment in more quality, truly affordable housing all across the city," according to KENS5. Some speakers opposed Project Marvel, while others viewed it as a chance for union jobs and improved public facilities.
At the rally, labor union representatives and community group members spoke in support of Project Marvel. San Antonio ISD teacher David Garza said the development could bring “good paying union construction jobs” and added, “It should also lead to increased investment into the public schools that form our city’s beating heart.” Matthew Gonzales of Laborers Local 1095 said the project has the potential to provide “it also includes sensible worker protections” and long-term benefits for the community, as mentioned by KENS5.
On August 21, the San Antonio City Council approved terms for public funding of a new arena, with money expected to come from Spurs lease payments, property tax growth, and Project Finance Zone dollars. Council members Teri Castillo and Ric Galvan voted against the deal and later joined a rally, with Galvan saying he would continue to fight for the community "because that’s what our people deserve," as per KSAT. The project will move forward if voters approve a Bexar County venue tax election on November 4, which could provide $311 million.
