Office of the County Manager

David Smith, County ManagerOn July 12, 2011, Bexar County Commissioners Court established the Office of the County Manager in an effort to develop a more effective and cost-efficient re-organization of the functions, offices and departments that report to Commissioners Court. I am honored to serve the Bexar County community in the role as County Manager. 

I am mindful of the need to address demands for new and better services for our growing population. With the support of Commissioners Court, I would like to share a number of important priorities and some of the steps I am taking and expect to take to move these initiatives forward:

Services to the Unincorporated Area

In spite of limited revenue growth, the population of the County is projected to continue to grow. Working with County offices and departments, I already have staff identifying the demand for new services that this population growth will create. Over the next years, we will identify all legal tools and practical options available to provide more "city-like" services to these areas.

Cultural and Historic County Assets Program

Bexar County is blessed to have a number of County-owned historic and cultural assets. One of the most obvious of these assets is our historic Courthouse. In order to insure that we identify, preserve, highlight, and, where appropriate, augment these treasures, we have established a Cultural and Historic County Asset program. This program is charged with bringing greater public awareness to these County assets.

Bexar County Mental Health Consortium

In 2008, Commissioners Court took the extraordinary action of allocating general fund money for the institution of a Mental Health Court (MHC) and for the enhanced provision of services by the Center for Health Care Services. This effort will remain a high priority of the County Manager's office and we will provide assistance and support to the MHC.

Coordination of Alternatives to Incarceration

Bexar County has made great strides over the past few years in initiating programs to reduce the number of individuals incarcerated in our Adult Detention Center, as well as identifying ways to reduce their length of stay, all while preserving public safety.

Transportation

Bexar County Commissioners Court has historically taken a leadership role in identifying and solving important transportation issues in the County. The Alamo Regional Mobility, the Texas Department of Transportation, and Bexar County have worked together to develop the "825 Plan", a comprehensive funding approach for the development of several transportation projects in the region, including the 281 Project, IH-10 Project, and Loop 1604 Project. The goal of the partnership is to address much needed congestion relief in several highly traveled corridors including IH-10, Loop 1604, and US 281.

San Pedro Creek Feasibility Study

Commissioners Court and the County Manager initiated a feasibility study of redevelopment of the downtown segment of San Pedro Creek. This is one of the Westside Creeks Initiative that grew from successes experienced with the ecosystem restoration of the San Antonio River. San Antonio River Authority was engaged to study San Pedro Creek, selected as the first among the Westside Creeks to be considered for redevelopment. Visit the SARA Westside Creeks website for more information.

My office will continue our diligent, proactive efforts to ensure the Bexar County community remains an exceptional place to live and a desired place to visit. 

Thank you, 

David L. Smith
 DAVID L. SMITH
 Bexar County Manager