The San Antonio city council voted 6‑5 on Monday to reject a proposal to hold a public vote on the city's planned $489 million contribution for a new Spurs downtown arena. The decision removes the public vote from the Nov. 3 midterm ballot.

Spurs CEO R.C. Buford said the move lets San Antonio continue the path built through years of work, public discussion, and last year's vote. He added the city can now focus on delivering the shared vision and the transformational opportunity.

Bexar County approved $311 million in venue‑tax dollars for the arena in Proposition B, which received 52.1% of the vote and authorized increases to hotel‑occupancy and short‑term car‑rental taxes. The city’s $489 million would come from revenue bonds, not voter approval, and could not cover operating deficits.

The Spurs will contribute at least $500 million, including overruns, and remain committed to working with public and community partners to build a downtown arena and district that strengthens San Antonio for generations.