Workforce of the Future: Policy & Civic Lab 2025

Workforce of the Future Report 2025

The Next Generation’s Blueprint for San Antonio

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About the Event

On July 9th, 2025, more than 100 college and high school students interning across San Antonio gathered at the University of Texas at San Antonio’s School of Data Science to attend Workforce of the Future: Policy & Civic Lab. Hosted by the Better Futures Institute, in partnership with Students + Startups, the half-day event featured civic dialogue, collaborative learning, and professional development. Students also participated in an interactive workshop where they shared their top priorities for choosing a city to live in and proposed ideas to help San Antonio retain young, skilled talent.

Top Priorities for Young Professionals

Job Opportunities

Why It Matters

Job opportunities are a cornerstone of long-term stability and career fulfillment. For young professionals, this includes access to growing industries, workplaces that value innovation, and roles that offer mentorship, upward mobility, and impact. A strong job market provides both a path to financial independence and the chance to develop skills, explore diverse interests, and contribute to a larger mission.

What Young Professionals Are Saying

Over 28% of participants ranked job opportunities as the top factor when choosing a city to live in. “Job opportunities will dictate a lot of the other priorities I have,” one respondent stated.

Suggested Solution

During the “Big Ideas” Workshop, a group of attendees pointed towards a need for more mentorship programs and professional development spaces within San Antonio to help bridge the gap between their education and employment opportunities.

Cost of Living

Why It Matters

Cost of living refers to the affordability of essential needs such as housing, transportation, food, and healthcare. For young professionals, it plays a critical role in shaping financial freedom and lifestyle choices. A reasonable cost of living allows individuals to focus on career growth, save for the future, and engage in the community without the burden of excessive expenses. It is a foundational factor in achieving personal and professional balance.

What Young Professionals Are Saying

Nearly one in five participants ranked the cost of living as their highest priority when choosing a city to live in. “Cost of living dictates many other environmental factors,” one participant shared. “You need to be able to support yourself financially to allow for true freedom and opportunity.” “Wishing not to have to constantly worry about expenses and allow myself to take more passion jobs that might pay less,” another respondent stated.

Suggested Solution

Many workshop attendees emphasized the need for more high-quality, affordable housing options in the city and proposed creating a centralized housing portal to better connect residents with available opportunities

Quality of Life

Why It Matters

Quality of life reflects the overall well-being of individuals in a community, including access to safe neighborhoods, vibrant culture, public spaces, and essential services. For young professionals, it also encompasses opportunities for connection, recreation, and personal growth. A high quality of life supports mental, physical, and social well-being, empowering individuals to thrive both inside and outside of the workplace.

What Young Professionals Are Saying

16% of respondents ranked quality of life as their top priority when picking a city to reside in. “Ensuring that the place I choose to live supports me in all walks of life,” wrote one participant. “I need to live in a city full of things to do,” another attendee shared.

Suggested Solution

Students suggested that the overall quality of life in San Antonio could improve if local leaders pursued shared goals, such as implementing a 4-day work week, developing a downtown light rail system, and expanding company culture and professional development programs.

The Next Generation’s Blueprint for San Antonio

Discover what young people want in San Antonio and how San Antonio can rise to meet those needs. Based on insights from over 150 students and professionals at the Better Futures Institute’s Civic Lab, this report shares priorities, big ideas, and actionable strategies to retain emerging talent, strengthen career pathways, and create a vibrant, inclusive future for the region.

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