This ordinance adopts the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code with 2001 supplement, mandating energy efficiency rates of 15% above current rates set by the city. The ordinance shall regulate the design and construction of new buildings, building additions, or level 3 alterations as defined in the International Existing Building Code 2006.

The ordinance orders a sales and use tax referendum be held on November 6, 2012 on whether or not to authorize the City Council to levy a one-eighth of one percent sales tax within the City of San Antonio for a maximum period of eight years for the purpose of financing authorized programs for early childhood development and education services for the development of math, reading, and life long learning skills and the promotion of literacy skills to be implemented and developed by the San Antonio Early Childhood Education Municipal Development Corporation pursuant to Chapter 379A, Texas Local Government Code. The early childhood plan is referred to as: Pre-K for SA.

This policy brief examines case studies of local living wage ordinances and presents evidence that a living wage results in only limited job losses and not generally economically destructive.