Strategic partnership positions significant property for future economic development and marks next chapter in Brooks’ regional impact 

SAN ANTONIO, TX — September 8, 2026 — The San Antonio River Authority Board of Directors today approved the conveyance of approximately 243 acres in South San Antonio to Brooks Development Authority, advancing a collaborative effort to position the property for transformative economic development. 

The action represents a major milestone for Project Oso, a strategic initiative involving Brooks, the San Antonio River Authority and Bexar County to prepare the property for future large-scale development and job creation.  

Located just south of Loop 410 and approximately 1.7 miles from the original Brooks campus, the property offers a rare opportunity for significant development because of its size, proximity to major employers, access to rail and regional transportation infrastructure, and location near the planned South Texas Parkway. 

The conveyance also marks a significant moment in the continued evolution of Brooks. Nearly 25 years after the redevelopment of the former Brooks Air Force Base began, Brooks’ economic development impact increasingly extends beyond the boundaries of the original campus and into the greater South San Antonio region. 

“This property represents an opportunity to think strategically about the long-term economic future of South San Antonio. 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,” said Derek Boese, General Manager of the San Antonio River Authority. “The River Authority is proud to work alongside Brooks and Bexar County to position this land for responsible development while supporting growth and economic opportunity for the region.”

Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai has been a key champion of Project Oso and the broader effort to ensure the region has the land, infrastructure and partnerships necessary 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,” said Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai. “Preparing strategically located land for future investment gives our community another tool to compete for major employers, create quality jobs and expand economic opportunity. I appreciate the commitment of the San Antonio River Authority and Brooks to moving this important initiative forward.”

With ownership of the property transitioning to Brooks, the organization will work with Bexar County, the San Antonio River Authority and other key stakeholders to evaluate infrastructure needs, advance site readiness and pursue development opportunities that align with the long-term economic interests of South San Antonio and the greater region.

“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 & 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. We are grateful to Judge Sakai for his leadership and commitment to this effort, to the San Antonio River Authority for its partnership, and to all of the stakeholders who have helped us reach this point.”

Project Oso builds on growing economic development momentum in South San Antonio and years of collaboration among regional partners. Most recently, Brooks announced plans by IEM to establish a major manufacturing operation at Brooks, representing approximately $200 million in capital investment and 3,000 new jobs. Bexar County supported the project through economic development incentives, demonstrating the impact of coordinated regional efforts to compete for and secure significant employers.

Brooks will continue working with Bexar County, the San Antonio River Authority and other public and private partners to advance Project Oso, prepare the property for development and pursue opportunities capable of generating meaningful jobs, investment and long-term economic impact for South San Antonio and the greater region.

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San Antonio Business Journal, Brooks lands 243 acres near Loop 410 as development footprint expands beyond original campus