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/

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

In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete welcomes Mike Lynd, CEO of Kairoi Residential, for a deep dive into economic development and the pivotal opportunities facing San Antonio. Mike shares his personal journey from Florida to Texas and discusses how his family's business background shaped his approach to property development and community investment. The conversation highlights Kairoi’s impressive projects, such as the landmark 6G building and Waterline in Austin, and explores the impact of visionary economic planning on shaping vibrant, prosperous cities.

The discussion shifts towards the pressing issue of San Antonio’s downtown development, focusing on the upcoming November 4th ballot measures related to a new Spurs arena and proposed investments in the urban core. Mike draws on lessons from Austin’s economic resurgence and the importance of sustained, private-sector-led economic development. He explains how coordinated, long-term planning—coupled with catalytic projects like the proposed arena—can create unprecedented job opportunities, boost incomes, and revitalize the city center, using greaterSATX’s recent achievements as proof of what’s possible.

Mike and Eddie also clarify that the proposed arena deal leverages state and tourist dollars rather than local taxpayer funds. They make a strong case for embracing these investments, not only as a way to secure San Antonio’s status as a major-league city but also to support inclusive growth that uplifts underserved communities. With insights on the broader implications for the rodeo grounds, convention center, and local economic momentum, this episode is a powerful call to action for residents and stakeholders to recognize what’s at stake and for the people of San Antonio to invest in their own future.

https://www.kairoi.com/

https://www.kairoi.com/about-kairoi/our-team/michaelj-lynd/

https://www.howsawins.com/

https://www.bexar.org/2237/Early-Vote-Information