This series provides readers with the opportunity to learn about the unique insights and experiences of the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) Board of Directors and their personal connection to the San Antonio River in hopes of inspiring stewardship of area creeks and rivers.
How was your recent visit to Washington, DC?
The visit was an important opportunity to strengthen relationships with our federal partners and continue advocating for the support necessary to advance critical River Authority initiatives throughout our region. Meeting face-to-face with members of Congress, agency representatives, and federal staff allows us to share the direct impact these projects have on our communities and highlight why continued investment in our waterways and infrastructure is so important. These conversations help ensure that San Antonio and the surrounding counties remain part of the national dialogue when it comes to water resources, flood mitigation, environmental restoration, and public safety.
As our region continues to grow, these partnerships and investments become even more critical to ensuring that our communities remain resilient, environmentally sustainable, and connected to safe and accessible natural spaces. Continued collaboration with our federal delegation gives me confidence that we can keep building momentum for projects that will benefit residents for generations to come.
What are your goals and top priorities as a board member this year?
My top priority continues to be advancing and seeing the completion of the Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project. Growing up on the west side of San Antonio, the creeks were a central part of daily life for my family and neighbors. I want future generations to have access to clean, safe, and enjoyable creeks that connect our communities with nature and recreation.
In addition to the Westside Creeks, I remain focused on improving watershed management practices, supporting flood mitigation efforts, and expanding the Next Generation Flood Warning Program to help protect communities from future flooding events. Educational programming and volunteer engagement are also very important to me because teaching young people about environmental stewardship and supporting programs like the River Warrior Volunteer Program helps ensure our waterways remain healthy for years to come.
I also want to continue enhancing access to our rivers and creeks by identifying swimmable locations, creating additional access points, improving park resources, and rehabilitating aging infrastructure such as dams.
How have you been interacting with the River?
The river and creeks have been part of my life since childhood. Growing up, I spent countless days crossing and playing near Alazán Creek with my family and neighbors. Those experiences created a lifelong connection to our waterways and inspired my commitment to improving them for our community.
Today, I continue interacting with the river through my work as a board member by supporting restoration projects, participating in community outreach, advocating for support, and engaging with residents about improvements to our creeks and rivers. I also take great pride in supporting educational programs that teach students about environmental stewardship and in promoting volunteer efforts that help keep our waterways clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.
About Lourdes Galvan
Businesswoman Lourdes Galvan is a former San Antonio District 5 councilperson. She brings a wealth of community service experience to the River Authority. Ms. Galvan is a community activist and has been a supporter of the Westside Creeks Restoration Project for many years.
