About The Civic San Antonio
Who We Are
The Civic is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media outlet committed to exploring the issues and policies to help San Antonio build a dynamic, growing city that delivers broad opportunity and prosperity to its people. Through deep analysis and honest discussion we aim to influence San Antonio towards an urban policy that drives growth and progress.
The Problem
San Antonio is a gem. No other city offers such a winning blend of Texan and Mexican heritage and culture with an exceptional quality of life. Despite these advantages, and a growing population, San Antonio continues to lag on key measures of prosperity: job growth, median income, educational attainment, public safety, and citizen health.
We are getting bigger–but not necessarily better. Legacy media has not put a spotlight on these missed opportunities. Most outlets focus on policy intentions, which are almost always good, while ignoring effectiveness and real world outcomes. San Antonio needs a media outlet to ask hard questions, drive dialogue and help leaders make better decisions to build a world-class city for all.
Our Solution
A new pro-growth media outlet with one goal: to build a thriving city to benefit all through better policy, while keeping what makes San Antonio special intact. Not the next Houston or Austin, but a better San Antonio. A city that is growing, changing and innovating beyond its peer cities.
What We Will—and Won’t—Do
The Civic WILL
Advance pro-growth and pro-market perspectives to build a prosperous city
Engage in civil debate and discussion welcoming opposing views
Judge policy outcomes not intentions using facts and data
The Civic will NOT
Engage in deep cultural (or national) debates removed from city urban policy
Endorse political parties or candidates–we are explicitly non-partisan
Publish ad hominem attacks or click bait
Format to Start
Weekly deep dive analysis newsletter on Substack, as well as a news summary with an alternative, pro-growth perspective. Free forever. More events and content as we grow and gain traction.
Our Goal
Drive conversation that leads to better policy and outcomes for San Antonians.
Team
Co-Founder and Executive Director: John Dale Grover, a San Antonio native and former U.S. Treasury analyst, journalist, and policy writer.
Contact Us
For general concerns, please contact admin@thecivic.com.
For pitches, story ideas, or business inquiries, please contact admin@thecivic.com.
How You Can Support. The Civic grew out of the concerns of local stakeholders, including civic and business leaders. Core funding is in place, but we seek “skin-in-the-game” backing from residents who want better local journalism.
$500/year Charter Membership: Name of individual or company listed on site. Free and early invite to events. Your membership is a sign of support for more pro-growth local voices, not an endorsement of all content.
General Donations and Subscriptions: Sign up through Substack here and visit Stripe here to donate. Donations are tax deductible. Questions? Email at admin@thecivic.com.
