Project Oso Unlocked: San Antonio River Authority and Brooks Formalize 243-Acre South Bexar County Mega-Site
Project Oso represents a major collaborative milestone for South San Antonio, as the San Antonio River Authority formally approved the transfer of approximately 243 acres of land to the Brooks Development Authority on September 8, 2026. This strategic partnership between Brooks, the San Antonio River Authority, and Bexar County aims to prepare the property for future large-scale economic development, robust job creation, and regional expansion just south of Loop 410.
Expanding Beyond the Original Campus Boundaries
Nearly 25 years have passed since the initial redevelopment of the former Brooks Air Force Base transformed the regional landscape. Today, the economic footprint of Brooks extends far beyond its historic acreage and deep into the greater South San Antonio region. Project Oso capitalizes on this momentum by unlocking a rare, large-scale parcel situated approximately 1.7 miles from the original campus. The site boasts critical logistical advantages, including access to rail infrastructure, regional transportation networks, and proximity to the planned South Texas Parkway.
This property represents an opportunity to think strategically about the long-term economic future of South San Antonio,
Boese noted. 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.
The River Authority emphasizes that the transfer secures a path for responsible development while fueling ongoing growth across the area.
Aligning Regional Leadership and Infrastructure Readiness
Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai has emerged as a central champion of Project Oso, driving the alignment of local public partners to secure competitive advantages for the region. Judge Sakai stressed that positioning strategically prepared land gives the community an essential instrument to attract major corporate employers and high-quality jobs. Project Oso demonstrates what we can accomplish when our public partners align around a shared vision for Bexar County’s future,
Sakai stated following the board’s approval.
With ownership officially transitioned, Brooks will spearhead collaborative efforts alongside Bexar County and the River Authority. Stakeholders will evaluate immediate infrastructure requirements, advance site readiness, and court high-impact ventures that align with South San Antonio’s long-term economic trajectory. This initiative arrives on the heels of major industrial wins for the area, such as IEM’s recent announcement to establish a manufacturing operation at Brooks backed by a $200 million capital investment and 3,000 new jobs.
The Next Chapter for South Bexar County
Leo Gomez, President and CEO of Brooks, views the site as a defining test of regional responsibility and scaling success. We have demonstrated what intentional, strategic development can accomplish at Brooks,
Gomez explained. 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.
How will local leaders balance heavy industrial recruitment with the environmental sensitivities tied to the nearby river basin as development accelerates?
