Weekly Lunch Thinking Big with Project Marvel

The City of San Antonio has announced Project Marvel, a transformative downtown revitalization plan centered on the development of a new sports and entertainment district, including a new state-of-the-art arena for the San Antonio Spurs. The project aims to transform the area surrounding the Hemisfair grounds, and could involve a significant investment of over $1 billion from the Spurs and their partners.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Career

Lori Houston was appointed Assistant City Manager in July of 2015. In her role, she oversees the following departments:

• Center City Development and Operations
• Historic Preservation
• Human Services
• Neighborhood & Housing Services

Ms. Houston started her career in municipal government with the City of San Antonio in 2002. Prior to her appointment as Assistant City Manager, she served five years as the Director and Assistant Director of the Center City Development Operations Department. She also served 9 years in various capacities within the City’s Public Works Department and City Manager’s Office providing administrative support and managing numerous economic development projects.

During Lori’s tenure with the City, she led the development of major economic development projects such as the San Antonio River Improvements Project, numerous multifamily housing projects that will yield over 12,000 multi-family affordable housing units, the expansion of the University of Texas San Antonio’s downtown campus, and the Alamo restoration and development. She also led the creation and development of the Emergency Housing Assistance Program that provided rental, mortgage, and utility assistance to over 200,000 individuals impacted by the COVID pandemic and the establishment of the City’s Homeless Response System that addresses homelessness through a collaboration among multiple agencies and partners.

Education

• The University of Texas at San Antonio, Master of Public Administration
• New Mexico State University, Bachelor of Business Administration, Major: Marketing Civic Engagement
• San Antonio Sports Foundation, Board Member
• Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation, Executive Board Member
• Alameda Theater Conservancy, Board Member
• Haven for Hope, Board Member
• Alpha Home, Board Member
• Young Women’s Leadership Academy, Board Member

Personal

Lori is the proud mother to her daughter Millie.