Chris Riley
Leon Valley Mayor
Guest Columnist

On Jan. 2 , the City of Leon Valley was notified from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) that we were awarded the SDAT (Sustainability Design Assessment Team) grant. There were only 10 SDAT grants awarded nationwide for 2008 and it is our understanding that this is the first such grant awarded in Texas. The SDAT program is a community assistance program that focuses on the principles of sustainability. The AIA brings teams of volunteer professionals (architects, urban designers, planners, other professionals) to work with community decision makers and stakeholders to help them develop a vision and framework for a sustainable future. This means we will get the help of professional planners and architects to assist the city in developing a comprehensive revitalization effort of our 3.5 square mile city. The $25,000 total budget will be shared, with the AIA providing $15,000, the City of Leon Valley $5,000, and donations from local organizations totaling $5,000. To date, we have received letters of support and/or financial commitments from AT&T, Walgreens, San Antonio River Authority, Waste Management, Senator Leticia Van de Putte and VIA, among others.

Special thanks to citizen volunteer grant writer Al Uvietta, City Manager Lanny Lambert, Leon Valley intern, Kathryn Word, and other staff members, as well as the City Council, for their work and input on this grant. More details will follow as we begin this process.

HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY to former City Councilman Maxwell Jones, who is still winning at dominos! Max was also the first president of the Leon Valley Senior Citizens group.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN LEON VALLEY:

Monday, Jan. 21: Martin Luther King Holiday. City Hall offices will be closed.

Saturday, Jan. 26: Rabies Clinic, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community Center. Discounted rabies vaccination for your pets. For more information, contact Kendall Webster, Animal Control Officer, at 684-1391, ext. 227.