Smart Cities: Local Leadership for Urban Sustainability Planning

September 4-9, 2025

SACIV welcomed sustainability and urban planning professionals from Latin America to observe themes of resource management in expanding urban areas, adaptive reuse in commercial districts, and public-private partnerships in integrated urban design. The visitors for this IVLP project are representatives from Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, and Peru. 

Their first meeting in San Antonio was with representatives from Lake|Flato Architects. Partners of the architecture firm shared their work in adaptive reuse, sustainable urban design, and community impact projects in the city—including the Pearl Brewery Redevelopment. The group was also led on a tour of the Pearl District to showcase Lake|Flato’s work and the continued development in the community-driven district. 

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design welcomed the visitors to a discussion of the School of Architecture and Planning’s education and research. Professors from UTSA introduced the work of the Center for Urban and Regional Planning Research and the Sustainable Pervasive Urban Resilience (SPUR) Program, and highlighted research related to community design, environmental resilience, housing, transportation, and sustainable urban development. 

The delegates visited Centro San Antonio, to learn about Centro’s role as a catalyst for urban renewal and development, including its work organizing programs that keep downtown inviting to the public and advantageous for business.

Our visitors then met with officials from the Office of Sustainability and the Office of Historic Preservation at the City of San Antonio City Tower. This meeting focused on the initiatives that support economic vitality, environmental protection, and an enhanced quality of life in San Antonio. Additionally, they explored how the City of San Antonio works to protect and promote the city’s historic and cultural resources. 

The visitors wrapped up their time in San Antonio with a visit to the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) to meet with the Executive Director of Aquifer Management Services. The group discussed EAA’s work in sustaining the aquifer as a critical natural resource, protecting domestic water supplies, and supporting economic interests dependent on the aquifer. Additionally, they visited the Education Outreach Center to explore the various exhibits that encourage engagement and education on conservation efforts in Texas.