Beyond the Bite

Eddie Aldrete
  • 4.9 (35)
  • News
  • Updated Biweekly

Beyond the Bite is a podcast that goes beyond the headlines and sound bites to uncover the stories that drive the business community of San Antonio and South Texas. Hosted by seasoned journalist and advocate, Eddie Aldrete, each episode features real conversations with job creators, business leaders, and community pillars. Whether they are carrying on family legacies or breaking new ground, Eddie's guests offer unique perspectives on the economic drivers of the region. With decades of experience at the intersection of business, public policy, and politics, Eddie is known for his advocacy efforts and relationship building. Tune in to Beyond the Bite to discover the stories that shape our region’s future.

  1. Oct 20

    Pre-K 4 SA: Has San Antonio's Investment Paid Off?

    Fourteen years ago, San Antonio made a significant investment in its youngest residents. In 2012, voters approved a one-eighth-of-a-cent sales tax to establish Pre-K 4 SA, an initiative designed to expand access to high-quality early childhood education. Today, the program has grown beyond its original four education centers, developing partnerships with school districts and early learning providers throughout the community. But as Pre-K 4 SA looks toward its next chapter, important questions remain: Has the program delivered on its promise? What does it cost taxpayers? And why should voters authorize it to continue for another 20 years? On this episode of Beyond the Bite with Eddie Aldrete, I sit down with Elaine Mendoza, chair of the Pre-K 4 SA board and a member of the original team that helped establish the program, and Dr. Sarah Baray, who has led the organization since 2016. They explain the thinking behind the original initiative, why early childhood education became a community priority, and how Pre-K 4 SA complements rather than replaces traditional public education. We also examine the program's funding model, the services it provides beyond the classroom, and its efforts to help other early learning providers improve quality while keeping their businesses sustainable. The conversation also explores the long-term case for investing in children before they reach kindergarten. Baray discusses the research behind early brain development, the importance of learning through play, and the connections between early education and later academic achievement, career opportunities, and economic mobility. Mendoza describes how Pre-K 4 SA has evolved since its launch, sharing best practices with other providers and building a broader early learning network. The guests also discuss the role of parents and families, including how giving children a strong educational foundation can influence the opportunities available to an entire household. Finally, we look ahead to the future of Pre-K 4 SA and the proposal to seek a 20-year authorization. Why is a longer planning horizon important? How can the program maintain accountability while continuing to innovate? And what are the implications for San Antonio's workforce and economic competitiveness? Whether you view Pre-K 4 SA primarily as an educational initiative, a public investment, or an economic development strategy, this conversation examines the results, the costs, and the choices facing the community. This conversation is about more than pre-school, it's about what kind of community does San Antonio want to become and what it is willing to invest to get there. For more information, go to https://prek4sa.com/

  2. Oct 8

    The Power of Partnership: Merging Chambers to Shape San Antonio’s Future

    In this episode, Eddie Aldrete sits down with Kevin Dinnin, Board Chair of the Greater San Antonio Chamber, and Paul Basaldua, Board Chair of the Metro San Antonio Chamber, for an in-depth conversation about an unprecedented effort to unify San Antonio's business voice. Together, they discuss the evolving roles of the city's two major chambers of commerce, tracing their origins, missions, and the vision behind their planned merger. You'll hear candid reflections on the challenges of merging nonprofit organizations, what it means for economic development, and how business leadership can tackle generational poverty and foster opportunity across the city. This episode captures the optimism, collaboration, and pragmatic problem-solving at the heart of San Antonio’s business community—highlighting how the unified chamber could amplify local advocacy, bridge historic divides, and shape the city’s future for generations to come. Join us as we explore the power of working together and what it really takes to move a city forward.

  3. Sep 24

    Is San Antonio Working? Inside the New Civic Newsroom

    San Antonio’s media landscape is changing—and a new voice is asking some important questions. In this episode of Beyond the Bite, Eddie Aldrete sits down with Phil Reichert, editor of The Civic San Antonio, an independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan media outlet focused on accountability journalism. Reichert explains why the founders of The Civic believed San Antonio needed a different kind of local news outlet—and how their mission of accountability journalism is designed to ask a simple question: “Is our city working the way it should?” The conversation takes a closer look at what accountability journalism means in practice—from comparing what public officials say they will do with what actually happens, to examining whether institutions are achieving the goals they set for themselves. Reichert and Aldrete discuss the changing San Antonio media environment, the challenges facing traditional news organizations, and why local journalism matters when decisions made at City Hall can directly affect the everyday lives of residents. They also explore some of the biggest issues facing San Antonio, including the downtown arena, development, taxes, the city budget and the growing pressure on local government to make difficult choices. Looking ahead, Reichert shares his vision for The Civic and for San Antonio itself. Beyond covering conflict at City Hall, he wants to examine the institutions and leaders working to move the community forward—and the importance of building consensus around a shared vision for the city's future. From economic development to downtown investment and the potential for greater collaboration among San Antonio's civic institutions, this conversation explores not only what is happening at City Hall, but the bigger question of where San Antonio is going—and who is helping shape its future.

  4. Aug 25

    San Antonio’s Next Big Fight: Taxes, SAWS, CPS & the $158M Budget Gap

    The San Antonio City Council has rejected Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones’ call for a second vote on the city’s $489 million contribution to the new Spurs arena. Now the focus shifts to what comes next: negotiating the contract with the Spurs, shaping the master plan for the surrounding development, and confronting a $158 million budget gap. In this episode of Beyond the Bite, Eddie Aldrete sits down with two veterans of San Antonio city government and politics, Carlos Contreras, CEO of Goodwill and former assistant city manager, and Demonte Alexander, Managing Director of Public Affairs at Bridgewater Consulting Group and former city hall staffer, to examine what comes next. The conversation then turns to one of City Hall’s biggest immediate challenges: closing a $158 million budget gap. Carlos and Demonte explain how the city builds its budget, where cuts could come from, and the difficult choices facing council members as they weigh public safety, parks, libraries, nonprofit funding and other priorities. They also discuss the growing financial pressure on San Antonio residents as the city, SAWS, schools and other public entities consider tax increases or bond packages. The discussion also looks ahead to the next legislative session and Governor Greg Abbott’s proposal to open CPS Energy to competition. What would that mean for one of San Antonio’s most important economic assets—and for the hundreds of millions of dollars CPS contributes to the city’s general fund? Carlos and Demonte weigh the potential benefits, risks and unanswered questions surrounding the proposal. Finally, the conversation looks toward San Antonio’s next major bond program and the city’s growing infrastructure needs. From roads and sidewalks to drainage and aging water infrastructure, the challenge is how to prioritize limited resources while continuing to accommodate one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Throughout the episode, Carlos and Demonte offer an insider’s perspective on City Hall, leadership, coalition-building and the difficult choices that will shape San Antonio’s future. https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-contreras-80a6491a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/demonte-alexander-7a6a7620/

  5. Aug 5

    San Antonio Voted Yes. Why Is Mayor Jones Trying to Reopen the Question?

    Who gets the final say when voters have already spoken? In November 2025, Bexar County voters approved a financing plan for a new downtown arena for the San Antonio Spurs, including $489 million in city visitor tax funds and $311 million in county visitor tax funds. The Spurs are contributing $500 million toward the arena, guaranteeing construction cost overruns, and investing another $1.5 billion in the surrounding sports and entertainment district. But now, Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is calling for another vote on the city’s $489 million commitment. On this episode of Beyond the Bite, Eddie Aldrete sits down with San Antonio City Councilwoman Ivalis Meza Gonzalez and Councilman Marc Whyte to ask a fundamental question: Haven’t San Antonio voters already made their decision? The conversation takes a deep dive into how the arena is actually being financed, including the capturing of hospitality taxes generated in the Project Finance Zone that would normally go back to the State of Texas, other hospitality taxes, the use of revenue bonds, and the Spurs’ private investment. Meza Gonzalez and Whyte explain why they believe the $489 million cannot simply be redirected to address San Antonio’s budget deficit or increase the city’s future bond capacity. They also discuss the Spurs’ $75 million commitment in the form of community benefits agreement, how residents can have a greater voice in the sports and entertainment district, and why clear communication about complicated public financing is essential. The arena debate is just the beginning. With San Antonio facing a significant budget deficit, Aldrete, Meza Gonzalez, and Whyte tackle the difficult choices confronting City Hall—from Ready to Work and Pre-K 4 SA to nonprofit funding, zero-based budgeting, public safety, infrastructure, and the future of city services. They also discuss the increasingly contentious relationship between Mayor Jones and City Council and why collaboration may be essential to solving San Antonio’s fiscal challenges. Is it time to revisit decisions already made—or time for City Hall to move forward and focus on making the arena and downtown sports and entertainment district work for all San Antonians? Listen now to this candid conversation about the Spurs arena, San Antonio’s budget crisis, voter-approved funding, and the future direction of the city.

  6. Jul 21

    Texas Was 4 Minutes From a Total Grid Collapse. Are we ready now?

    Texas came within 4 minutes and 23 seconds of a total grid collapse during Winter Storm Uri—and the consequences could have been catastrophic. In this episode, Host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Bill Lauderback of Texans for Responsible Infrastructure Investment to take listeners inside that near-disaster and explains why strengthening the state’s power grid has become one of Texas’s most urgent economic and public-safety challenges. As Texas adds millions of residents, major employers, manufacturing plants, electric vehicles, and data centers, demand is quickly outgrowing the system built to serve it. Lauderback breaks down the push for new 765kV transmission lines in plain language: why moving power across the state is like expanding a congested highway, why inadequate transmission already costs Texans billions, and why the Permian Basin’s power needs matter to the entire country. The debate is about more than power lines—it’s about whether Texas can protect its people, keep its economy growing, and avoid another devastating grid emergency. Hear the case for building the grid “right and now,” the concerns from landowners and communities, and what these high-voltage lines could mean for Texas’s future. Dive in for a timely, candid conversation about the infrastructure behind every light switch, phone charge, business, and home in the state. https://www.ercot.com/files/docs/2024/09/25/ERCOT_EHV_Infrastructure_Initiative_Update_September_2024_RPG.pdf https://www.puc.texas.gov/industry/electric/business/permian-basin/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQzsgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE3ZmNEZzF2MzR6c0JtYUFDc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnkps6Wt6V37FUDYyhRSleo7oKwFHaTbTZJ1Qdyp-xLIMy2M3CcP-NqDsCLQ_aem_O9Kavd7pWp1LYwaeuaF10Q https://texansforresponsibleinfrastructureinvestment.com/ If you would like to comment on this episode, or any other, reach out to beyondthebiteEA@gmail.com

  7. Jul 7

    Passing the Torch: How One Leadership Transition Could Shape San Antonio’s Future

    For more than three decades, Janet Holliday has helped shape some of San Antonio’s most memorable moments. As founder of CE Group, she has been behind major civic celebrations, public projects, and events that have defined the city’s growth. In this episode, Janet joins former San Antonio Assistant City Manager Lori Houston to discuss an extraordinary leadership transition as Lori becomes the new owner of CE Group. Together, they reflect on mentorship, entrepreneurship, and why succession planning is about preserving values—not simply passing along a business. Lori also shares the deeply personal journey that led her to leave a successful 23-year career at City Hall. From overseeing transformative projects like the Museum Reach, downtown development, and Project Marvel to balancing motherhood and public service, she opens up about taking one of the biggest professional risks of her life. The conversation also explores her passion for addressing homelessness, addiction recovery, and building stronger communities through compassionate leadership. Beyond the business transition, the discussion becomes a thoughtful look at San Antonio’s future. Janet and Lori examine the city’s remarkable evolution, the importance of preserving its unique culture while embracing growth, the future of the Spurs Sports & Entertainment District, downtown development, tourism, and what it will take for San Antonio to compete on the world stage. It’s an inspiring conversation about legacy, leadership, and why the next chapter for both CE Group and San Antonio may be the most exciting yet. https://www.cegroupinc.net/about/meet-the-team/

  8. Jun 23

    Can San Antonio Become America’s Next Economic Powerhouse?

    This episode kicks off with a brief overview of the evolution and expanded mission of greaterSATX, highlighting the organization’s transition from the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation to a dynamic force serving a 10-county region. greaterSATX CEO Sarah Carabias Rush drilled into the organization's drive to create and diversify jobs, both by attracting new businesses to the area and retaining existing ones, with an emphasis on collaborative workforce development and regional strategies. The discussion explored the proactive approach to business development, shifting from a passive reliance on state-generated leads to actively cultivating relationships with site selectors and companies across targeted industry clusters. Another central topic was the importance of foundational assets such as workforce, available land, water, energy, and transportation infrastructure—especially the ongoing expansion of the San Antonio airport and the region’s forward-thinking water strategy through initiatives like Vista Ridge. Several points were raised, including the challenge of workforce shortages in the trades, efforts to upskill local residents (such as the Ready to Work program), and the impact these have on the area’s competitiveness and attractiveness for corporate headquarters and advanced manufacturing. The discussion also delved into recent debates about data centers, their energy and water demands, and the need for communities to set thoughtful incentives and requirements for such projects. The region’s strengths in cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and biosciences were emphasized as key differentiators, with the current project pipeline showcasing billions in potential capital investment and thousands of jobs. Ultimately, the episode framed greaterSATX as a collaborative, future-focused organization deeply invested in San Antonio’s growth, competitiveness, and quality of place.

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About

Beyond the Bite is a podcast that goes beyond the headlines and sound bites to uncover the stories that drive the business community of San Antonio and South Texas. Hosted by seasoned journalist and advocate, Eddie Aldrete, each episode features real conversations with job creators, business leaders, and community pillars. Whether they are carrying on family legacies or breaking new ground, Eddie's guests offer unique perspectives on the economic drivers of the region. With decades of experience at the intersection of business, public policy, and politics, Eddie is known for his advocacy efforts and relationship building. Tune in to Beyond the Bite to discover the stories that shape our region’s future.

Information

  • Creator
    Eddie Aldrete
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    94
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Bite

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