https://www.sabrinaforhelotes.com/

Helotes City Council Member Sabrina McGowan, Helotes, TX (2026)

09/23/2026

I had the pleasure of spending time with students at Harmony School of Science-San Antonio Middle/High to talk about something I’m passionate about—civic leadership and public service.

Students from the Service Leadership Society, College Readiness & Leadership Program, and Texas Association of Future Educators, along with Civic Engagement Society students from Harmony School of Science Elementary, joined me for a great conversation about local government, advocacy and what it means to get involved in your community.

I shared a little about my own journey from concerned citizen to elected official, including some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way. We talked about the importance of listening to different perspectives, researching the issues you care about, using facts and data to support your ideas, and—perhaps most importantly—being persistent when you believe something is worth pursuing.

One of the things I enjoy most about serving on City Council is the opportunity to encourage the next generation to become engaged citizens and community leaders. These students asked thoughtful questions and showed a genuine interest in making a difference.

Thank you to Tiffany Flores and the students and teachers at Harmony School of Science for inviting me to be part of your day. I left encouraged by these young people and excited to see where their interest in civic leadership takes them!

09/22/2026

The City of Helotes City Council will meet on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at 12951 Bandera Road. The public is welcome to attend in person or watch the meeting live at https://www.youtube.com/.

⭐Open Session Highlights⭐

- Discussion of and record vote on the Second and Final Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council making appropriations for support of the FYE 2027 Municipal Operating Budget.

- Discussion of and action on the Second and Final Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council setting the ad valorem (property) tax rate for Tax Year 2026 at $0.316100 cents per $100 valuation and directing the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector to assess, account for, and distribute the ad valorem (property) taxes as herein levied beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2026.

- Discussion of and action on the Second and Final Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Helotes establishing the Municipal Fee Schedule for FYE 2027.

- Discussion of and direction on the Second and Final Reading of a Resolution of the City Council of making appropriations for the Helotes Economic Development Corporation's FYE 2027 Maintenance & Operating, Interest & Sinking, and Capital Budgets.

- Discussion of and action on a Resolution of the City Council considering the lowest responsible bid and award of contract to RL Jones L.P. to reconstruct and widen the park driveway and expand the parking lot for the Helotes Fitness Park located at 10483 Parrigin Road in a total amount not to exceed $308,894.00, and authorizing the City Administrator to execute related documents.

- Discussion of and action on a Resolution of the City Council considering Amendment No. 5 to the Helotes Economic Development Corporation Articles of Incorporation.

- Discussion of and action on a Resolution of the City Council considering Amendment No. 5 to the City of Helotes Economic Development Corporation Bylaws.

- Discussion of and action on nominations from the Office of the Mayor and from the Helotes Economic Development Corporation for Places 2, 4, and 6 on the HEDC Board, each serving a two (2) year term beginning on October 1, 2026.

- Discussion of and action on a Resolution of the City Council considering a Marketing Services Agreement between the City of Helotes and the Helotes Economic Development Corporation for a fixed annual fee of $35,000.00 beginning in FYE 2027.

- Discussion of and action on a Resolution of the City Council considering the Helotes Economic Development Corporation One-Year Strategic Workplan for FYE 2027.

- Discussion of and action on a Resolution of the City Council authorizing the Helotes Economic Development Corporation to enter into a Lease Agreement with Helotes Gateway Plaza, LLC, for its corporate office space located at 12682 FM 1560 West, Suites 105 & 106, beginning on October 1, 2026.

🔒Closed Session🔒

Consultations with City Attorney regarding economic development negotiations relating to financial or other incentive information for the Bandera Ranch Planned Unit Development (PUD), and sale of SAWS water credits for a commercial prospect that wishes to locate, stay, or expand in the city.

🔗Link to Full Agenda and Supporting Materials🔗

https://helotes-tx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/09-24-2026-CC-Agenda-WEB.pdf

09/21/2026

It was such a special evening at Pedrotti’s Ranch last Saturday supporting Saving A Hero's Place and the incredible work they are doing to honor our fallen heroes.

The annual Honor Chair Benefit Night is always a wonderful evening of dinner, music and dancing, live and silent auctions, and door prizes—but what makes it especially meaningful is knowing what this organization accomplishes throughout the year.

To date, 333 Honor Chairs have been delivered to agencies across 30 states and two countries, providing a lasting tribute to fallen first responders and a place of honor for their families and colleagues to remember them.

I’m grateful to be part of a community that continues to show up for those who serve and protect us. Congratulations to Tommy and Robbie and everyone at Saving a Hero’s Place for another successful benefit night, and thank you to all of the volunteers, sponsors, individual and corporate donors, and supporters who make this important mission possible.

It was a beautiful evening for a very worthy cause. https://savingaherosplace.org

09/21/2026

What an honor it was to celebrate two outstanding members of our Helotes first responder family recently at the Helotes Independent Baptist Church during a special First Responders service and luncheon.

Pastor Joshua Kelly presented City of Helotes Fire Department Captain Garett Daugherty with the 2026 Faithful Watchman Award and City of Helotes Police Department Corporal Chris Aguirre with the 2026 Officer of the Year Award.

These well-deserved awards recognize them for their service, professionalism, dedication, and commitment to the Helotes community. Their willingness to serve and protect others is something we should never take for granted.

Following the service, we enjoyed a delicious brunch and the opportunity to visit with members of the church and celebrate these two deserving honorees together.

Please congratulate Captain Daugherty and Corporal Aguirre on these well-deserved honors—thanking them for all they do to keep Helotes safe. I am grateful for their service to Helotes!

09/14/2026

The Helotes Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors will meet on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 7 p.m. in the City of Helotes Council Chambers at 12951 Bandera Road. The public is welcome to attend in person or watch live or recorded meeting at https://www.youtube.com/.

Here are the highlights:

📢 Citizens to be Heard – an opportunity for residents, business owners, business representatives, property owners, and representatives of property owners of Helotes and its Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) to address the Commissioners. Guests wishing to speak must sign up prior to the start of the meeting.

Items for Individual Consideration:

📃 Discussion, direction and possible action regarding October 1, 2026 Joint Meeting with the City Council.

Closed Session:

🔒 Information and consultation regarding the request of a financial or other incentive to business prospect(s). (Project “Blue Moon”) (Project “Hugo”) (Project “Bravo”)

Staff Report:

- RETAIL LIVE – Austin, September 2
- Listening Session with Old Town Helotes Businesses, October 17
- CCIM Symposium – October 21
- Parking Lot Improvements Recommendation & Award
- Special Called Meeting proposed for October 14

Full Agenda and Supporting Materials:

🔗 https://helotesedc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/9.16.2026-Agenda-EDC-Regular-Meeting-and-Board-Packet.pdf.

09/11/2026

Today, we remember September 11, 2001, and the nearly 3,000 lives lost that day.

We continue to honor the courage of the first responders who ran toward danger, the strength of the survivors and families left behind, and the spirit of unity that brought our nation together.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

09/07/2026

The City of Helotes City Council will meet on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at 12951 Bandera Road. The public is welcome to attend in person or watch the meeting live at https://www.youtube.com/.

📢 Public Hearing

The meeting will begin with a Public Hearing to receive public comments on the proposed FYE 2027 Municipal Operating Budget.

🔈 Open Session

Citizens to be Heard – an opportunity for residents, business owners, business representatives, property owners, and representatives of property owners of Helotes and its Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) to address the Commissioners. Guests wishing to speak must sign up prior to the start of the meeting.

📃 Items for Individual Consideration:

- Discussion of and action on a Resolution of the City Council casting votes on the official ballot for the election of Place Nos. 1 – 4 of the Board of Trustees for the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool.

- Discussion of and action on the Second and Final Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council defining the term “utilities” and establishing a case-by-case review process to consider telecommunication facilities within residential districts through a specific City Council Use Permit.

- Discussion of and direction on the First Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council making appropriations for support of the FYE 2027 Municipal Operating Budget beginning October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2027; appropriating money to a sinking fund to pay the interest and principal of the city’s indebtedness; adopting the annual budget of the city for FYE 2027; authorizing personnel positions and salaries; setting the FYE 2027 holiday schedule for city employees; and authorizing the City Administrator to expend monies and sign documents in accordance with said Budget.

- Discussion of and direction on the First Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council setting the ad valorem (property) tax rate for Tax Year 2026 at $0.316100 cents per $100 valuation.

- Discussion of and direction on the First Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council establishing the Municipal Fee Schedule for FYE 2027.

- Discussion of and action on the Mayor’s nominations for Places 2, 4 and 6 on the Helotes Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, each to serve a two (2) year term beginning on October 1, 2026, and expiring on September 30, 2028.

- Discussion of and direction on the First Reading of a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Helotes, Texas, making appropriations for the Helotes Economic Development Corporation's (HEDC) FYE 2027 Maintenance & Operating, Interest & Sinking, and Capital Budgets beginning October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2027, to support the HEDC’s programs, “Projects,” as defined by Texas Local Government Code Chapter 505 Type B Corporations.

🔗 Full Agenda and Supporting Materials:

https://helotes-tx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/09-10-2026-CC-Agenda-WEB.pdf

09/02/2026

Please join me in welcoming Arz Lebanese Kitchen to Helotes!

My husband and I had the opportunity to try this wonderful new restaurant last Saturday, and we enjoyed a truly delicious meal.

We ordered the Lahma b’Ajin, topped with spiced lamb, tomato, and pomegranate molasses; the Cheese & Sojuk, featuring flavorful spiced beef sausage, akkawi cheese, and hot pepper; and the Lebanese Ful, a warm dish made with fava beans, lemon, garlic, cumin, and olive oil, served with fresh pita.

And then there was the falafel—absolutely amazing!

The food was only part of the experience. It was a pleasure to meet owner Fouad and his son, Ali, and enjoy their warm hospitality. Fouad has been baking since he was a child, and his passion and experience are evident in the quality and care that goes into every dish. Fouad has been baking since he was a child, and his passion and experience are evident in the quality and care that goes into every dish. After years of cooking in other people’s kitchens, Arz Lebanese Kitchen is Fouad’s first restaurant, making this new venture especially meaningful.

Arz Lebanese Kitchen is a wonderful new addition to our Helotes dining scene. If you enjoy authentic Lebanese cuisine—or are ready to try something new—I encourage you to stop by, meet Fouad and Ali, and give them a warm Helotes welcome!

📍12411 Bandera Road, Helotes (Hill Trail Shopping Center)
🔗 https://www.arzlebanesekitchen.com

Thank you for choosing Helotes, Arz Lebanese Kitchen! I'm glad you’re here! 🍽️

City of Helotes Helotes Economic Development Corporation

09/01/2026

Have you ever wondered why City Council holds public hearings—or what actually happens during one?

My September “Town Talk” column in Helotes Highlights Newspaper takes a closer look at the purpose of public hearings, when they are required, and why public participation is such an important part of local government.

Whether the topic is zoning, development, the budget, or another issue affecting our community, public hearings give residents an opportunity to share their thoughts and become part of the decision-making process.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read this month’s column and attend the next Public Hearing on September 10 at Helotes City Hall.

👇 Read this month’s “Town Talk” column on page 4 of Helotes Highlights here:
https://highlightspub.com/HH_9_26/HH_9_26.html

08/28/2026

I’m excited to share my latest article in the September issue of Helotes Highlights Newspaper, featuring one of our Helotes’ truly special nonprofit organizations, Saving A Hero's Place.

This incredible organization honors fallen first responders by building handcrafted honor chairs that preserve their memory and celebrate their service. Each chair is a lasting tribute to a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire the families, colleagues, and communities they served.

I hope you’ll check out the September issue of Helotes Highlights and read more about the important mission of Saving a Hero’s Place and its founders, Tommy and Robbie Capell. I’m honored to help share their story with our community.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read this month’s column on page 9.

👇 Read the September issue of Helotes Highlights here: https://highlightspub.com/HH_9_26/HH_9_26.html

To learn more and get involved, visit https://savingaherosplace.org/.

Helotes City Council Member Sabrina McGowan

09/23/2026

09/22/2026

09/21/2026

09/21/2026

09/14/2026

09/11/2026

09/07/2026

09/02/2026

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08/28/2026

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