A significant piece of land in South San Antonio is being positioned for future economic development, job creation, and major investment through a new regional partnership.
On September 8, 2026, the San Antonio River Authority Board of Directors approved the conveyance of approximately 243 acres to Brooks Development Authority. The agreement advances Project Oso, a collaborative initiative involving Brooks, the San Antonio River Authority, and Bexar County.
The goal is to transform the property into a shovel-ready mega-site that can attract major employers and large-scale development projects to South San Antonio.
The Project Oso property is located just south of Loop 410 and approximately 1.7 miles from the original Brooks campus. Its size, rail access, proximity to major employers and regional transportation infrastructure, and location near the planned South Texas Parkway make it a strong candidate for future development.
“This property represents an opportunity to think strategically about the long-term economic future of South San Antonio,” said Derek Boese, General Manager of the San Antonio River Authority. “The property supported the completion of the Mission Reach and is positioned to be used during the construction of the Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration project.”
Boese added that the River Authority is proud to work alongside Brooks and Bexar County to position the land for responsible development while supporting regional growth and economic opportunity.
Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai has also supported Project Oso and the broader effort to ensure the region has the land, infrastructure and partnerships needed to compete for major economic development opportunities.
“Project Oso demonstrates what we can accomplish when our public partners align around a shared vision for Bexar County’s future,” Sakai said. “Preparing strategically located land for future investment gives our community another tool to compete for major employers, create quality jobs and expand economic opportunity.”
With ownership transitioning to Brooks, the organization will work with Bexar County, the San Antonio River Authority and other stakeholders to evaluate infrastructure needs, advance site readiness and pursue development opportunities that support the long-term economic interests of South San Antonio and the greater region.
Project Oso also marks another chapter in Brooks’ continued growth. Nearly 25 years after redevelopment began at the former Brooks Air Force Base, the organization’s economic impact is extending beyond its original campus and throughout South San Antonio.
“Project Oso is an important milestone in the evolution of Brooks and in how we think about our responsibility to the region,” said Leo Gomez, President and CEO of Brooks. “We have demonstrated what intentional, strategic development can accomplish at Brooks. Our opportunity now is to take what we have learned beyond our original boundaries and help lead and influence the next generation of community and economic development across South San Antonio.”
The initiative builds on the area’s growing economic development momentum and years of collaboration among regional partners. Brooks recently announced plans for IEM to establish a major manufacturing operation at its campus. The project is expected to represent approximately $200 million in capital investment and create 3,000 new jobs.
Brooks will continue working with Bexar County, the San Antonio River Authority and other public and private partners to prepare the Project Oso property for development. The partners will pursue opportunities capable of creating quality jobs, attracting investment and producing a lasting economic impact for South San Antonio and the greater region.
