The City of San Antonio on Oct. 1 told the council it has issued a request for proposals to update a strategic plan for the Riverwalk and to recommend capital, code and program changes aimed at improving accessibility, safety, wayfinding and visitor experience.

Shannon Miller, director of the Office of Historic Preservation, said the RFP closes Oct. 9 and staff expects to select a consultant by November. The scope includes a comprehensive public‑input campaign, a diagnostic review of relevant city regulations, and recommendations on infrastructure, signage, circulation and business‑support strategies. “The Riverwalk is an extremely important component of our downtown and a top tourist destination in the state,” Miller said. “We want locals and visitors to leave with a favorable impression and residents to be proud to show it off.”

Why it matters: The Riverwalk is a major tourism and downtown‑economic asset. Capital improvements funded through a special Riverwalk capital account and lease revenue affect how the river is managed, who operates there, and how the space serves both tourists and residents.

Background and funding: City staff said a Riverwalk capital fund, established in 2001, receives revenue from about 30 patio leases within the Riverwalk right of way and must be used for Riverwalk capital projects. Staff reported the fund generates roughly $800,000 a year from those patio‑lease revenues; a follow‑up memo was requested by council to document fund revenue and the capital investments made since the previous master plan in 2008. Officials told council that a previous master plan produced six phases of improvements culminating in projects completed in 2022 and a cumulative investment of about $18.7 million in Riverwalk capital improvements.

Scope and stakeholder engagement: The new plan will evaluate infrastructure (ramps, stairs, lighting), accessibility and ADA compliance, safety and public‑safety staffing, signage and wayfinding, business needs, and ecology/landscaping. Staff said the RFP requires a robust outreach program targeting tourists, Riverwalk employees, nearby residents and businesses, and the council asked that workers and disability‑advocacy groups be engaged directly. The city’s Riverwalk Capital Improvements Advisory Board — composed of appointees representing downtown business owners, residents and lessees — helped develop the RFP scope; Charles Riley currently chairs that board.

Business community response: Marco Barros, a trustee of the Riverwalk Business Group, told council the businesses support the update and have been coordinating with city staff and Visit San Antonio. “We had a quick survey in 2023; about a third of respondents were people who work on the Riverwalk and we were impressed by the local feedback,” Barros said. Business stakeholders urged attention to summer-season challenges (heat and reduced foot traffic), parking and wayfinding, and code elements such as permitted signage and digital menus that may be updated for modern technology.

Council priorities and concerns: Council members urged the plan to protect accessibility and quality of life for nearby residents, balance commercial activity against public uses, and include measurable sustainability goals (water conservation, native plantings, shade). Several members asked that the plan explicitly consider workers’ safety and nighttime access and that the public‑input campaign reach people who do not routinely visit downtown.

Optional extended area and next steps: The RFP includes an optional task to study an extended Riverwalk area; staff said the task was priced separately because additional funding may be required. The solicitation closes Oct. 9, staff will evaluate proposals and expects to select a consultant in November, then launch a citywide outreach program and complete the strategic plan within the fiscal year.

Ending: Councilmembers asked staff to provide a follow‑up memo summarizing Riverwalk fund revenues and investments since 2008, confirmed that public‑safety and disability‑community outreach will be included, and urged early attention to wayfinding and shade to address both resident and visitor needs.