What Is Project Marvel?

 Economic Impact: Forecasts & Critiques

• A city‑commissioned report by CSL International estimates that Project Marvel will generate $18.7 billion in economic output and $351 million in new tax revenue over 30 years (San Antonio Express-News).
• However, community organizations and economists have slammed the report as overly optimistic and lacking transparency. Critics argue it fails to consider risks, alternative uses for public money, or independent review and conclude that it's effectively “useless” for policymaking (San Antonio Express-News).

 Public–Private Funding Deal

• Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E) has pledged over $1 billion toward the project:
• $500 million to build the arena and cover cost overruns
• $500 million toward surrounding district development
• $60 million for community benefits programs (Spectrum News, WOAI)
• The city may contribute up to $500 million in financing, to be repaid through dedicated revenue sources (like hotel occupancy and property tax captures)—not general funds (San Antonio Express-News).
• Bexar County intends to place a venue‑tax measure on the November 2025 ballot, which could raise up to $503 million: ~$311M for the new arena and ~$192M for improvements to the Frost Bank Center, Freeman Coliseum, and rodeo facilities. If passed, City Council would review terms in a non‑binding vote by August 21 (San Antonio Express-News).

 Key Upcoming Dates & Public Input Stage

• Throughout June and July, the city held ten two‑day community workshops (one in each council district), including forums and focus groups on housing, transportation, local business, and public space—input from these sessions is now being reviewed by the council ahead of upcoming funding decisions (MySA).
• On August 6, the City Council held a special session to review both the CSL report and an Able City public engagement report (TPR).
• The Council may vote on a terms sheet with the Spurs on August 21, and must decide by August 18 whether to call an infrastructure bond election that is critical for project financing (TPR).

 Local Opposition & Community Concerns

• A coalition of community groups (including COPS/Metro, Domesticas Unidas, Esperanza Peace & Justice Center, and others) held a press conference near the Alamodome calling the process rushed, opaque, and pushed for delaying funding until further independent review—including an environmental impact, racial equity, and fresh economic assessment (KSAT).
• Critics demand clearer, publicly available cost analysis and question whether public money should be tied to private urban development at the expense of broader infrastructure needs in other neighborhoods (KSAT).

 Summary Table

 What’s Next?

• August 18: Bexar County must finalize ballot placement for venue tax increase
• August 21: San Antonio City Council considers approving terms of agreement with the Spurs
• November 4, 2025: County-wide vote on venue tax funding Project Marvel
• Meanwhile, community groups continue pushing for greater public oversight and risk assessment

Let me know if you’d like the breakdown of potential neighborhood benefits, or more detail on the city’s financing mechanisms or the economic critique.

• San Antonio Express-News
• San Antonio Express-News
• San Antonio Express-News