Councilman Questioning Nonprofit Rent-Free Policy

The city of San Antonio owns and leases buildings and park facilities, and charges most nonprofit tenants either no rent at all, or $1 in monthly rent. But City Councilman Greg Brockhouse is questioning which tenants get these deals on the city’s real estate.

Brockhouse recently sent an email to staff and media, calling for an audit of approximately 100 contracts with various organizations. The issue is further complicated by the fact that some entities not having to pay rent are able to sublease property to others, including other nonprofits, for revenue.

The councilman has yet to file an official council consideration request, which would require signature support from four council colleagues to take some kind of action. And, according to Assistant City Manager Lori Houston, there isn’t really a standard policy determining the leases. Some of them date back to the 1960s, she told Rivard Report.

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