Former San Antonio City Council staffer arrested for threats toward District 9 office, affidavit says
Read full article: Former San Antonio City Council staffer arrested for threats toward District 9 office, affidavit saysA staff member for a San Antonio City Council district office has been arrested on a terroristic threat charge, according to an email obtained by KSAT from City Manager Erik Walsh to Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and the city council.
Understanding the potential impact of Municipal Utility Districts on Guajolote Ranch development
Read full article: Understanding the potential impact of Municipal Utility Districts on Guajolote Ranch developmentA new acronym is taking center stage in discussions about the Guajolote Ranch development in northwest Bexar County: MUD.
San Antonio council members express skepticism, caution while discussing possible elections move
Read full article: San Antonio council members express skepticism, caution while discussing possible elections moveMost of the San Antonio City Council appears reluctant to move the city’s elections from May to November in odd-numbered years before a Dec. 31 deadline.
City Council debates if moving election date from May to November could boost voter turnout, save money
Read full article: City Council debates if moving election date from May to November could boost voter turnout, save moneyCity Council on Wednesday will debate whether to move its city council elections from May to November in odd-numbered years.
San Antonio City Council to debate shifting election date from May to November
Read full article: San Antonio City Council to debate shifting election date from May to NovemberThe San Antonio City Council will debate whether to move its city council elections from May to November in odd-numbered years at a Wednesday meeting.
$2.6M could fund nearly 100 traffic monitoring cameras across San Antonio, pending city council approval
Read full article: $2.6M could fund nearly 100 traffic monitoring cameras across San Antonio, pending city council approvalSan Antonio City Council will consider an item later this month that could add nearly 100 traffic-monitoring and vehicle-detection cameras at intersections across the city.
San Antonio City Council names 11 members of newly formed pedestrian and transportation safety commission
Read full article: San Antonio City Council names 11 members of newly formed pedestrian and transportation safety commissionMembership appointments for a newly formed pedestrian and transportation safety commission made up of transportation advocates and practitioners from across the spectrum was approved by San Antonio City Council this week.
WATCH LIVE: San Antonio City Council to discuss analysis into cause of floods that killed 13 people
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: San Antonio City Council to discuss analysis into cause of floods that killed 13 peopleSan Antonio City Council members are hosting a briefing on Thursday about an analysis of the cause of the floods earlier this year that killed 13 people.
$200M+ traffic plan around proposed Spurs arena includes major interchange upgrade
Read full article: $200M+ traffic plan around proposed Spurs arena includes major interchange upgradeA proposed $220-250 million infrastructure bond could transform downtown traffic patterns ahead of a potential new Spurs arena, with plans that include a major interchange upgrade and expanded parking.
City Council votes against mayor’s push to resubmit policy proposal requests
Read full article: City Council votes against mayor’s push to resubmit policy proposal requestsThe San Antonio City Council voted 9-2 on Thursday to amend an ordinance for the city’s policy proposal process amid a power struggle at City Hall.
San Antonio passes $4 billion budget as it tries to close deficit
Read full article: San Antonio passes $4 billion budget as it tries to close deficitFacing a budget crunch amid flagging property and sales tax revenues, the San Antonio City Council still passed a $4.06 billion budget Thursday morning.
San Antonio City Council approve $4B budget, amendment to policy proposal process
Read full article: San Antonio City Council approve $4B budget, amendment to policy proposal processThe San Antonio City Council will meet on Thursday morning to vote on the $4 billion city budget and an amended ordinance for the policy proposal process.
San Antonio City Council censures Councilwoman Ivalis Meza Gonzalez after DWI arrest
Read full article: San Antonio City Council censures Councilwoman Ivalis Meza Gonzalez after DWI arrestSan Antonio City Council passed a motion to censure District 8 Councilwoman Ivalis Meza Gonzalez after her arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI) in July.
SA Transportation Department seeks input on Complete Streets design guide at public meeting
Read full article: SA Transportation Department seeks input on Complete Streets design guide at public meetingSan Antonio’s Transportation Department is beginning the process of developing a design guide for the city’s Complete Streets policy, and they want to hear from you.
More than 800 new laws went into effect in Texas on Sept. 1. Here are some of the significant ones.
Read full article: More than 800 new laws went into effect in Texas on Sept. 1. Here are some of the significant ones.New laws range from school vouchers and water infrastructure funding to a ban on city and county-funded abortion travel funds.
Council approves term sheet, shoots down Mayor Jones’ request for ‘strategic pause’ on Spurs funding deal
Read full article: Council approves term sheet, shoots down Mayor Jones’ request for ‘strategic pause’ on Spurs funding dealThe San Antonio City Council has approved a funding deal for a $1.3 billion Spurs arena after shooting down the mayor’s request for a pause.
Council approves term sheet, shoots down Mayor Jones’ request for ‘strategic pause’ on Spurs funding deal
Read full article: Council approves term sheet, shoots down Mayor Jones’ request for ‘strategic pause’ on Spurs funding dealThe San Antonio City Council has approved a funding deal for a $1.3 billion Spurs arena after shooting down the mayor’s request for a pause.
Pause or push ahead? Pivotal choices on Spurs arena funding up for city council votes
Read full article: Pause or push ahead? Pivotal choices on Spurs arena funding up for city council votesMayor Gina Ortiz Jones wants the city to hold off on approving the nonbinding terms until a new economic report can be completed and the city can hold numerous community meetings. Supporters say it's time to push ahead so voters have a clear idea of the larger deal when they go to the polls in November.
San Antonio City Council goes head-to-head in dueling paths for Spurs arena next steps
Read full article: San Antonio City Council goes head-to-head in dueling paths for Spurs arena next stepsThe San Antonio City Council on Thursday could determine whether the city will move forward with a proposed plan to fund a new downtown arena for the San Antonio Spurs.
San Antonio District 8 councilwoman addresses 2010 arrest for DWI in public statement
Read full article: San Antonio District 8 councilwoman addresses 2010 arrest for DWI in public statementSan Antonio City Council District 8 Councilwoman Ivalis Meza Gonzalez publicly acknowledged a 2010 driving while intoxicated (DWI) arrest for the first time on Wednesday.
San Antonio City Council discuss Project Marvel during special session meeting
Read full article: San Antonio City Council discuss Project Marvel during special session meetingThe San Antonio City Council discussed the proposed downtown sports and entertainment district, dubbed Project Marvel, in a roughly nine-hour special session on Wednesday.
District 8 Councilwoman Ivalis Meza Gonzalez arrested on driving while intoxicated charge, records show
Read full article: District 8 Councilwoman Ivalis Meza Gonzalez arrested on driving while intoxicated charge, records showSan Antonio City Council District 8 Councilwoman Ivalis Meza Gonzalez was arrested late Thursday on a driving while intoxicated charge, according to a warrant obtained by KSAT.
San Antonio City Council discusses proposed Spurs arena during special session meeting
Read full article: San Antonio City Council discusses proposed Spurs arena during special session meetingThe San Antonio City Council is expected to discuss a proposed Spurs arena downtown on Friday, linked to the city’s plans for a sports and entertainment district at Hemisfair.
City of San Antonio delays release of expenses council members made leading up to Final Four games
Read full article: City of San Antonio delays release of expenses council members made leading up to Final Four gamesNearly two months after KSAT Investigates requested city credit card records for all 10 members of San Antonio City Council, Mayor Ron Nirenberg and City Manager Erik Walsh, the city has yet to provide those documents.
Former District 2 candidates among applicants to sub in for McKee-Rodriguez during his parental leave
Read full article: Former District 2 candidates among applicants to sub in for McKee-Rodriguez during his parental leaveThe City of San Antonio closed its application period at noon on Tuesday for people interested in representing District 2 as its interim council member during August and September, when Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez plans to be out on parental leave. As of Tuesday evening, 12 applications were posted on the city website.
San Antonio has a way to funnel state tax dollars for a new NBA arena - what does it mean?
Read full article: San Antonio has a way to funnel state tax dollars for a new NBA arena - what does it mean?San Antonio City Council voted Thursday to create a new “Project Finance Zone,” a funding source connected to plans for a downtown NBA arena.
San Antonio City Council approves creation of pedestrian and bike safety commission
Read full article: San Antonio City Council approves creation of pedestrian and bike safety commissionSan Antonio City Council formally approved the creation of a pedestrian and bike safety commission, a recommendation of several city transportation and street safety plans.
Results for San Antonio Mayor, City Council election races on May 3, 2025
Read full article: Results for San Antonio Mayor, City Council election races on May 3, 2025As Ron Nirenberg’s term as San Antonio mayor comes to a close, 27 candidates are vying to succeed him in what has become a competitive race.
DISTRICT 6 RESULTS: Kelly Ann Gonzalez, Ric Galvan will head to June 7 runoff
Read full article: DISTRICT 6 RESULTS: Kelly Ann Gonzalez, Ric Galvan will head to June 7 runoffIn a tight race for San Antonio City Council District 6, Kelly Ann Gonzalez and Ric Galvan will head to the June 7 runoff election.
DISTRICT 9 RESULTS: Misty Spears, Angi Taylor Aramburu advance to the runoff after a closely contested race
Read full article: DISTRICT 9 RESULTS: Misty Spears, Angi Taylor Aramburu advance to the runoff after a closely contested raceIn a closely contested race for San Antonio City Council District 9, Misty Spears and Angi Taylor Aramburu will advance to the runoff election on June 7.
San Antonio City Council District 3 race heats up as 3 candidates challenge incumbent Phyllis J. Viagran
Read full article: San Antonio City Council District 3 race heats up as 3 candidates challenge incumbent Phyllis J. ViagranSeveral candidates are looking to dethrone incumbent Phyllis J. Viagran in the San Antonio City Council District 3 race.
Oversized parking ordinance goes into effect this week, 40+ signs to be set up, city says
Read full article: Oversized parking ordinance goes into effect this week, 40+ signs to be set up, city saysAn amended ordinance that prohibits oversized vehicles from parking in non-residential areas where signs are posted will go into effect this weekend.
Jalen McKee-Rodriguez faces 7 challengers in San Antonio City Council District 2 race
Read full article: Jalen McKee-Rodriguez faces 7 challengers in San Antonio City Council District 2 raceThanks to a citywide vote that passed during the 2024 general election, the San Antonio City Council District 2 race could usher in a new era or mark the beginning of the end of another later this spring.
City approves next step in proposed downtown ballpark for San Antonio Missions
Read full article: City approves next step in proposed downtown ballpark for San Antonio MissionsThe San Antonio City Council approved the creation of a new development district on Thursday that would own and operate a new downtown baseball stadium for the Missions.
San Antonio City Council passes ordinance to more easily restrict semi-truck parking in non-residential areas
Read full article: San Antonio City Council passes ordinance to more easily restrict semi-truck parking in non-residential areasSan Antonio residents who live near areas with big problems with big rig parking will have an easier route to keeping them out in the future.
San Antonio City Council passes ordinance to more easily restrict semi-truck parking in non-residential areas
Read full article: San Antonio City Council passes ordinance to more easily restrict semi-truck parking in non-residential areasSan Antonio residents who live near areas with big problems with big rig parking will have an easier route to keeping them out in the future.
Funding plans for a $1.5B Spurs arena up for San Antonio City Council discussion
Read full article: Funding plans for a $1.5B Spurs arena up for San Antonio City Council discussionA new San Antonio Spurs arena could cost $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion, according to a city estimate, and there’s still no clear breakdown of how it will be paid for.
Two San Antonio golf courses gain approval to begin selling alcoholic beverages
Read full article: Two San Antonio golf courses gain approval to begin selling alcoholic beveragesSan Antonio City Council members approved an ordinance Thursday that will allow the sale of alcoholic beverages at two golf courses in town.
Denser development with less parking greenlit for San Antonio’s new ‘Green Line’ rapid bus corridor
Read full article: Denser development with less parking greenlit for San Antonio’s new ‘Green Line’ rapid bus corridorThe city is trying to encourage mixed development that supports the new $446 million “Green Line,” which VIA Metropolitan Transit hopes to start operating by late 2027.
San Antonio City Council approves TxDOT funding agreement for downtown bike lane project
Read full article: San Antonio City Council approves TxDOT funding agreement for downtown bike lane projectThe Market Street Cycle Project will install a nearly one-mile, two-way cycle track from Flores Street to Interstate 37.
San Antonio to phase out horse carriages by 2030 in compromise plan
Read full article: San Antonio to phase out horse carriages by 2030 in compromise planTwo years after a pair of council members pushed to ban carriage rides for hire, the San Antonio City Council voted 10-0, with one abstention, on a compromise plan to phase out the carriages over the next five years.
City Council approves forced pet sterilizations, bigger fines for repeat offenders in San Antonio
Read full article: City Council approves forced pet sterilizations, bigger fines for repeat offenders in San AntonioCouncil members' approval is needed before the city can raise fines for repeat offenders or begin sterilizing dogs before they are returned to their owners.
San Antonio Councilman Marc Whyte voices opposition to using city funds for abortion travel
Read full article: San Antonio Councilman Marc Whyte voices opposition to using city funds for abortion travelDistrict 10 Councilman Marc Whyte voiced strong opposition to efforts by several San Antonio City Council members to allocate city funds toward travel costs for abortion seekers.

Renewed push for abortion travel funding in San Antonio after Reproductive Justice Fund passes without it
Read full article: Renewed push for abortion travel funding in San Antonio after Reproductive Justice Fund passes without itAbout half the San Antonio City Council is pushing to find more money for the city’s Reproductive Justice Fund, which — this time — they want to actually fund travel costs for abortion seekers.

San Antonio's controversial Reproductive Fund passes, but pay for abortion travel not included
Read full article: San Antonio's controversial Reproductive Fund passes, but pay for abortion travel not includedAfter more than a year of debates and a lawsuit, San Antonio City Council voted to approve the Reproductive Justice Fund. The fund won't cover travel costs for out-of-state abortions.
San Antonio City Council approves merger of two existing climate advisory committees
Read full article: San Antonio City Council approves merger of two existing climate advisory committeesSan Antonio City Council approved a proposed merging ordinance for the city’s two existing climate advisory committees, setting in motion a singular team to oversee sustainability efforts.
City Council approves ordinance for major East-West Corridor project on South Side
Read full article: City Council approves ordinance for major East-West Corridor project on South SideSan Antonio City Council approved an ordinance and funding reallocation to begin the process of creating a significant thoroughfare project aimed at connecting portions of the city’s major manufacturers across the South Side.
Vapes, e-cigarettes banned in San Antonio’s public spaces
Read full article: Vapes, e-cigarettes banned in San Antonio’s public spacesAn alarming trend of younger people and teens using e-cigarettes and vapes is pushing the City of San Antonio to change its Smoke-Free Ordinance to include these products.
San Antonio City Council to finally discuss what Reproductive Justice Fund will actually pay for
Read full article: San Antonio City Council to finally discuss what Reproductive Justice Fund will actually pay forA full budget year after they approved it, the San Antonio City Council is poised to discuss what the city’s controversial Reproductive Justice Fund will cover.
SAWS launches lead service line outreach after new EPA ruling, Biden deadline
Read full article: SAWS launches lead service line outreach after new EPA ruling, Biden deadlineThe San Antonio Water System (SAWS) will conduct free line service inspections to identify lead and galvanized water lines on the same day President Biden set a 10-year deadline for cities to replace the piping.
A first in 15 years, San Antonio and its fire union both pass new contract
Read full article: A first in 15 years, San Antonio and its fire union both pass new contractThe San Antonio City Council ratified a new three-year contract with the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association, marking the first time in 15 years the two sides have successfully collaborated on a deal.
Belt-tightening $4B San Antonio budget still includes new cops, ACS funding, homeless camp cleanups
Read full article: Belt-tightening $4B San Antonio budget still includes new cops, ACS funding, homeless camp cleanupsSan Antonio City Council approved a $3.96 billion budget Thursday morning that, despite its record size, includes several belt-tightening measures.
San Antonio’s plan to lower CPS Energy rate hikes could be ditched before plan was ever used
Read full article: San Antonio’s plan to lower CPS Energy rate hikes could be ditched before plan was ever usedFive months after they agreed to a policy meant to soften the blow of future CPS Energy rate hikes, some members of the San Antonio City Council want to consider bypassing it.
San Antonio City Council to vote Thursday on downtown Missions Stadium
Read full article: San Antonio City Council to vote Thursday on downtown Missions StadiumThe proposal for a $160 million San Antonio Missions ballpark relies on also developing the surrounding area, including the low-cost Soap Factory Apartments. Thursday's vote would give the go-ahead to the broad strokes of a deal with the city, county, Missions ownership, and a downtown developer.
Funding to support East Side, downtown connectivity study inked on City Council agenda
Read full article: Funding to support East Side, downtown connectivity study inked on City Council agendaPlanning efforts to address East Side and downtown connectivity could get a boost in funding support later this week, according to the agenda for Thursday’s San Antonio City Council meeting.
Soap Factory residents want city council to delay baseball stadium vote
Read full article: Soap Factory residents want city council to delay baseball stadium voteResidents of the 381-unit Soap Factory Apartments worry that affordable housing will be out of their grasp if a downtown baseball stadium project forces them out as planned.
City council members look to curb SAWS’ shut-off practices at properties with delinquent accounts
Read full article: City council members look to curb SAWS’ shut-off practices at properties with delinquent accountsOver the last two months, SAWS has either shut off or threatened to shut off water services at some local apartment complexes.
A raise for San Antonio council members and longer terms look likely for November ballot, but details are still in flux
Read full article: A raise for San Antonio council members and longer terms look likely for November ballot, but details are still in fluxThe San Antonio City Council appears ready to ask voters to raise their pay and extend their terms, though the finer points haven’t been hammered out yet.
San Antonio City Council approves $24.4 million incentive package to expand Toyota plant
Read full article: San Antonio City Council approves $24.4 million incentive package to expand Toyota plantThe San Antonio City Council on Thursday approved a tax incentive of $16.2 million for 10 years for a major expansion of the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, Inc. (TMMTX) plant.
Fire contract controversy fizzles out with closed-door discussion
Read full article: Fire contract controversy fizzles out with closed-door discussionFollowing a week of back-and-forth discussions over transparency, leaks, and the fitness of the city attorney, San Antonio City Council members ended up discussing the stalled contract negotiations behind closed doors, just as nearly half of them had already asked.
San Antonio City Manager will have ‘conversation’ with city attorney after council members’ closed-door grievance airing
Read full article: San Antonio City Manager will have ‘conversation’ with city attorney after council members’ closed-door grievance airingLess than week after nearly half the San Antonio City Council called for a meeting to discuss the “fitness” of the city attorney, they got a chance to air their grievances behind closed doors.
San Antonio City Council members launch annual ‘District Challenge’ blood drive
Read full article: San Antonio City Council members launch annual ‘District Challenge’ blood driveSan Antonio City Council members will soon begin their annual competition to see which district collects the most blood donations.
After using ‘nuclear’ option, San Antonio council members get their meetings on fire contract, city attorney suitability
Read full article: After using ‘nuclear’ option, San Antonio council members get their meetings on fire contract, city attorney suitabilityFollowing a public blow-up that included calling to possibly oust the city attorney, some San Antonio City Council members will get the meetings they’ve been demanding.
San Antonio City Council in revolt; nearly half of members want to consider forcing out city attorney
Read full article: San Antonio City Council in revolt; nearly half of members want to consider forcing out city attorneyThe day after they say the city attorney tried to partially block their demand for a special meeting, five San Antonio City Council members are demanding another meeting - this time to discuss whether he is fit for the job.
San Antonio will send future windfalls back to CPS Energy, hopes to mitigate rate hikes
Read full article: San Antonio will send future windfalls back to CPS Energy, hopes to mitigate rate hikesSan Antonio City Council members appear to be on board with a plan to return money to CPS Energy when the utility’s payments to the city far exceed expectations.
‘Transportation to abortion care’ part of plans for San Antonio’s Reproductive Justice Fund
Read full article: ‘Transportation to abortion care’ part of plans for San Antonio’s Reproductive Justice FundMost of the San Antonio City Council appears open to using at least part of the $500,000 Reproductive Justice Fund to help cover the costs of women traveling out of state to access legal abortions.
San Antonio airport to get 420 pound ‘autonomous security robot’
Read full article: San Antonio airport to get 420 pound ‘autonomous security robot’The San Antonio City Council agreed Thursday to lease a nearly 5′ 5″ tall, 420-pound “autonomous security robot” to patrol a secure area of the San Antonio International Airport to check on alarms set off by opened doors. It’s expected to be deployed within a month.
San Antonio City Council passes new code of conduct; questions raised about enforcement
Read full article: San Antonio City Council passes new code of conduct; questions raised about enforcementLess than three weeks after issuing its third formal reprimand to a council member in the past 15 months, the city council voted 8-2 to adopt a new code of conduct. However, it’s debatable if the code would even apply to all three incidents, and the enforcement measures included in the code are all largely symbolic.
City council pay, more council districts: commission begins 6-month process considering charter changes
Read full article: City council pay, more council districts: commission begins 6-month process considering charter changesHow much to pay San Antonio city council members, whether to add more council districts, and independent redistricting could all end up on San Antonio voters’ ballots next year. But it will depend first on what a 15-members citizen commission decides over the next six months.
CPS Energy board approves rate increase; council to vote Thursday
Read full article: CPS Energy board approves rate increase; council to vote ThursdayThe board voted 5-0 to approve the proposed increase of 4.25% to the base rates, raising the average customer’s monthly bill by $4.45. The city-owned utility still needs the approval of the San Antonio City Council, which meets on Dec. 7.
City hopes solar project partnership will yield fiscal, environmental benefits
Read full article: City hopes solar project partnership will yield fiscal, environmental benefitsAccording to a news release from the Office of Sustainability, the new solar project is the largest in the state and the second largest in the country.
San Antonio City Council split on what to do with extra CPS Energy money in windfall years
Read full article: San Antonio City Council split on what to do with extra CPS Energy money in windfall yearsSan Antonio City Council members are split on the best way to spend unexpected windfalls of CPS Energy money in future years.
‘Grave oversight’: San Antonio childcare center slams plans for low-barrier homeless shelter next door
Read full article: ‘Grave oversight’: San Antonio childcare center slams plans for low-barrier homeless shelter next doorJust days after San Antonio City Council members approved a $15.9 million plan to use a downtown hotel as a 200-room, low-barrier homeless shelter, the childcare center next door says it is “outraged.”
City to shift low-barrier homeless shelter to 200-room downtown hotel
Read full article: City to shift low-barrier homeless shelter to 200-room downtown hotelSan Antonio’s city-funded low-barrier homeless shelter will move to a larger, leased hotel downtown where it will have more than four times as many rooms.
Anti-abortion groups sue City of San Antonio over ‘Reproductive Justice Fund’
Read full article: Anti-abortion groups sue City of San Antonio over ‘Reproductive Justice Fund’A pair of anti-abortion groups have sued the City of San Antonio over its newly created, still undefined “Reproductive Justice Fund,” which they worry could help women access out-of-state abortions.
First Latina on San Antonio City Council remains an outspoken advocate
Read full article: First Latina on San Antonio City Council remains an outspoken advocateMaria Antonietta Berriozabal said her lifelong commitment to helping others has been guided by the question, “Who needs somebody to advocate for them that is not being heard?”
Some sparks fly as council finalizes budget, including fund to assist travel for abortion care
Read full article: Some sparks fly as council finalizes budget, including fund to assist travel for abortion careAs the San Antonio City Council spent a second day debating last-minute tweaks to the city budget, a proposal that could help fund trips to out-of-state abortion clinics continued to be a point of contention.
‘Air of compromise’: Abortion travel fund, mental health teams among proposed city budget tweaks
Read full article: ‘Air of compromise’: Abortion travel fund, mental health teams among proposed city budget tweaksExpanding a popular mental health team, creating a fund to help cover travel to out-of-state abortion clinics, and giving more money for Animal Care Services were among the most high-profile changes council members discussed making to the budget - largely favorably.
Court tosses code enforcement cases spurred on by letter from disgraced former assistant development services director
Read full article: Court tosses code enforcement cases spurred on by letter from disgraced former assistant development services directorAn administrative hearing officer has tossed out four code violation cases against the owners of a west San Antonio storage yard after ruling that city code does not require the parking area to be paved.
Advocates ask city to help fund out-of-state trips to access legal abortion
Read full article: Advocates ask city to help fund out-of-state trips to access legal abortionA coalition of groups supporting abortion rights has asked the City of San Antonio to set up a new $500,000 “Reproductive Justice Fund."
San Antonio makes breaks and water mandatory - for city contracts only
Read full article: San Antonio makes breaks and water mandatory - for city contracts onlyOn another scorching summer day Thursday, the San Antonio City Council passed a new mandate requiring contractors on city job sites to provide shade, water, and breaks for construction workers.