When host Eddie Aldrete sat down with David McGee, CEO of Amegy Bank for the Central Texas Region, he discovered why the bank moved from its longtime airport location to the city’s core. McGee said the strategic decision signaled Amegy’s commitment to economic revitalization post-COVID and supports the ongoing development momentum in the area. Their conversation uncovers why vibrant city centers matter, both for business growth and community connection, and how San Antonio’s leaders are pushing for ambitious redevelopment projects to make the city world class.

David McGee draws from his decades-long career in banking, as well as his experience on nonprofit boards like SAWS, to reflect on the importance of relationship-building, mentorship, and servant leadership. Together, Aldrete and McGee share candid perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of remote work, its impact on professional development, and the need to foster in-person collaboration for career growth. The discussion highlights the recent passage of Propositions A and B, which promise to bolster San Antonio’s destination appeal by funding major infrastructure initiatives—such as renovating the Alameda Theater and developing sports and entertainment districts—and building a new baseball stadium and basketball arena, intended to attract high-wage employers and retain local talent.

The episode closes with timely insights into San Antonio's looming water challenges, from aging infrastructure and leaks to the impact of rapid population growth and the demands of industries like data centers. David McGee shares his outlook on a potential SAWS rate increase in 2026, conservation measures, and the need for city leaders to balance economic ambition with environmental stewardship. Whether you're a downtown enthusiast, business leader, or lifelong San Antonian, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how collaboration and bold vision are shaping the city’s next chapter.

https://www.amegybank.com/personal/

https://www.instagram.com/amegybank/

https://www.facebook.com/AmegyBank

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mcgee-0b7a3116/

https://www.saws.org/

In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete welcomes Thad Rutherford, President of SouthStar, and Jessica Loudermilk, Chief of Staff to the president of Texas A&M University - San Antonio, for an in-depth conversation about Project Vida. Project Vida is a transformative, mixed-use development on San Antonio's south side, designed to bring together education, housing, healthcare, and economic opportunity. The conversation begins with an overview of SouthStar’s approach to community building and the innovative partnership that has developed between SouthStar, Texas A&M San Antonio, and other major stakeholders, including University Health System.

Throughout the episode, Rutherford and Loudermilk describe how Vida is carefully planned to create not just housing, but an entire ecosystem where residents, students, and workers can thrive. They detail the thought that went into every phase, from diverse home types and affordability to public art and connected green spaces. Loudermilk highlights the unique opportunity for Texas A&M San Antonio to play a central role in this young, growing community, underlining the mutual benefits for the university and the development. The inclusion of a full-service trauma hospital right next to campus further cements the area as a hub for education, healthcare, and innovation.

The discussion widens to include the South Texas Business Partnership, which both guests are engaged in, emphasizing coordinated regional growth and collaboration across South San Antonio and South Texas. Loudermilk shares how the university works closely with local school districts to support a college-going culture and increase access for local students—many of whom are first-generation college attendees.

For more information, on this project, go to the following partner websites:

• https://www.livevida.com/
• https://southstartx.com/
• https://www.tamusa.edu/

To watch the video version of this episode, go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK47LdelUpw&t=7s

In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai for an in-depth discussion about the upcoming county ballot propositions A and B. Judge Sakai provides listeners with a rich historical context, detailing the longstanding needs of San Antonio’s major sports and entertainment venues, like the Frost Bank Center and the Freeman Coliseum. He explains how preliminary discussions of the Spurs possibly moving to a new downtown arena set off a collaborative effort between the county, city, and the Spurs to develop sustainable business plans that would protect and revitalize these vital community assets.

The conversation dives deep into the specifics of Proposition A, aimed at reimagining and transforming the county facilities and the surrounding east side. Judge Sakai shares insights on proposals that would enable the San Antonio Rodeo to expand year-round operations and describes how similar projects in cities like Fort Worth, Texas and Calgary, Alberta, Canada have spurred economic growth. He stresses the importance of the county venue tax—emphasizing that it’s a tourist tax, not a homeowner property tax or a sales tax—and how its proper use could lay the foundation for revitalizing the east side and ensuring equal access and opportunity for local residents and businesses.

Eddie and Judge Sakai also tackle common misconceptions about funding for the Spurs, highlighting the team’s deep philanthropic ties and the necessity of remaining competitive as a small market city. They discuss the broader impact a public-private partnership could offer, from local job creation to fostering a multi-use destination capable of attracting diverse events and amenities. Judge Sakai closes by urging voters to base their decisions on accurate facts and reminding everyone of the transformative potential these propositions hold—not just for the venues, but for the future of San Antonio’s East Side and the community as a whole.

For more information on Props A & B

How to find polling locations near you

Video version of Beyond the Bite on YouTube