San Antonio mayor creates Economic Security Advisory Group to target AI, biotech, quantum, and space manufacturing growth

New advisory panel is tasked with strengthening San Antonio’s competitiveness in emerging technology sectors

San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones announced on March 9, 2026, the creation of an 11-member Economic Security Advisory Group, a new panel intended to help position the city to attract high-tech companies and expand existing industries. The group’s stated focus areas include artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology and space manufacturing.

At a City Hall news conference, Jones described the targeted fields as foundational technologies with growing global demand. She also emphasized that developments in these sectors extend beyond defense applications and can influence areas such as public health, medical research, education and communications.

Leadership and membership reflect the city’s research and defense-adjacent ecosystem

The committee will be chaired by Jim Perschbach, president and CEO of Port San Antonio, the former Kelly Air Force Base site that has evolved into a major campus for aerospace, defense, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing-related activity. Other announced members include Adam Hamilton, president and CEO of Southwest Research Institute, and Dr. Larry Schlesinger, president and CEO of Texas Biomedical Research Institute, along with former military leaders.

The mayor linked the initiative to San Antonio’s existing assets, including its large active-duty and retired military population, a local workforce with advanced manufacturing experience, and a prominent cybersecurity presence.

Quarterly meetings and a role in shaping future city investments

The advisory group is expected to meet quarterly. Jones said she wants the panel to provide input on potential projects that could be included in a future city bond measure, including infrastructure improvements designed to make San Antonio more attractive to technology employers. The panel is also expected to advise on how the city structures economic agreements aimed at encouraging development.

International engagement planned with Taiwan visit starting March 14

Jones said she will travel to Taiwan on March 14, 2026, along with District 9 City Councilwoman Misty Spears and several members of the Economic Security Advisory Group. The trip is scheduled to last one week and is expected to include meetings with government officials and the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association, as well as attendance at the Smart City Summit & Expo, an event focused on technology, data use, sustainability and urban development.

The mayor framed the Taiwan trip as relevant to the future of advanced manufacturing, linking the visit to San Antonio’s broader effort to compete for investment in emerging industries.

• New body: 11-member Economic Security Advisory Group
• Target sectors: AI, quantum technology, biotechnology, space manufacturing
• Chair: Port San Antonio CEO Jim Perschbach
• Planned work: quarterly meetings, infrastructure and deal-structure recommendations
• Upcoming activity: Taiwan trip beginning March 14, 2026, including Smart City Summit & Expo