SAN ANTONIO – After eight years in office, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg officially said goodbye on Monday afternoon.
Nirenberg delivered a farewell address from city council chambers. He thanked his team, colleagues, and individual council members, whom he called “one of the most transformative city councils that San Antonio has ever elected.”
Nirenberg’s full address can be seen below.
Reflecting on his eight-year tenure, Nirenberg talked about the city’s progress on transportation, homelessness, poverty and crime.
He also touched on voter approval for the expansion of Pre-K 4 SA, mass transit funding, and Ready to Work, the workforce training program he championed.
“We truly have the best workforce of any city in the country,” Nirenberg said, concerning city staff. “Thank you for betting on me all these eight years.”
Ad executive Lionel Sosa also unveiled Nirenberg’s new portrait.
This was his last official address as mayor. He will remain in his seat until June 18, when the runoff election results are canvassed and the newest council members, including Mayor-Elect Gina Ortiz Jones, are sworn in.
Nirenberg is leaving office due to eight-year term limits. He was first elected to the mayor’s seat in 2017, beating out incumbent Ivy Taylor, after two terms as the District 8 council member.
Nirenberg also campaigned on behalf of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
Nirenberg plans to join his alma mater, Trinity University, as the Calgaard Distinguished Professor of Practice in the Department of Communications beginning in August.
He was also the general manager of the university’s campus radio station, KFTU, before running for office.
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