About The Civic

Who We Are

The Civic is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan news outlet covering San Antonio. We believe honest debate and good data make cities better. Our goal is simple: help San Antonio become a thriving city that works for everyone.

The Problem

San Antonio is a gem—a rare blend of Texan and Mexican heritage with a quality of life that’s hard to match. But despite a growing population, we keep falling short on the things that matter: job growth, median income, schools, public safety, health outcomes. We’re getting bigger, but not better. Always five years away from becoming a major American city.

Part of the problem is coverage. Local media tends to focus on what leaders intend to do, which is almost always good, while ignoring whether policies actually work. San Antonio needs a news outlet willing to ask hard questions, dig into the data, and hold leaders accountable for results—not just promises.

Our Approach

We’re pro-growth but we’re not ideologues. We welcome disagreement and debate. We judge policies by outcomes, not intentions. We won’t engage in national culture wars, endorse candidates, or publish personal attacks.

Our aim isn’t to turn San Antonio into Houston or Austin. It’s to help make San Antonio a better version of itself—a city that’s growing, changing, and leading its peers.

What to Expect

We publish a weekly analysis newsletter on Substack, free forever. As we grow, expect more: deeper investigations, local events, and expanded coverage.

Leadership

Philip Reichert, Editor and Executive Director. Army intelligence veteran, former Texas House Communications Director, and media founder who has worked at every level of politics and journalism.