what does the future hold?

AI could replace 150,000 jobs in San Antonio, new report says

Is AI coming for your job?

Photo by Possessed Photography on Unsplash

There are essential jobs that many feel artificial intelligence could never replace, like first responders, teachers, engineers, and tradespeople. But what about factory workers, accountants, or cashiers? According to the latest Chamber of Commerce study, "Cities Where AI Threatens Employment the Most," – administrative and retail occupations are the most at risk all over the country, and particularly in San Antonio.

Out of the 1,048,960 people employed in San Antonio, 149,860 are at risk of having their jobs replaced by artificial intelligence, the study says. That amounts to 14.29 percent of the potential workforce lost, which is the highest percentage out of the four Texas cities included in the report – including Austin, Dallas, and Houston.

San Antonio ranked as the No. 6 city with the most at-risk jobs out of 50 major metro areas in the U.S.

The study sources its data from the World Economic Forum's (WEF) "Future of Jobs Report 2023," which estimated that about 83 million jobs could be automated by AI as early as 2027. With the rise of AI technology like ChatGPT or Google's Bard chatbot, people are also witnessing a rise in job losses.

"According to WEF, this fast-growing technology could make tasks related to reasoning, communication, and coordinating more automatable in the coming years," the study's author wrote.

A similar study by a UK-based affiliate marketing site estimated that 237,000 jobs in Texas have a high risk of being replaced by AI, and more than a million jobs are considered at "medium risk."

Besides accountants and cashiers, the report claims the professions that are the most susceptible to AI automation include clerks, data entry, and bookkeeping.

"From bank tellers and retail workers, to software engineers and doctors, no line of work or type of business is entirely immune to artificial intelligence," the report continues. "Despite AI’s potential to save employers on labor costs, increase productivity, and spur overall economic growth, it can also lead to the disruption or loss of millions of jobs throughout the next several years."

The 10 cities where AI threatens the most jobs include:

No. 1 – Las Vegas, Nevada (161,840 at-risk jobs)
No. 2 – Miami, Florida (393,920 at-risk jobs)
No. 3 – Louisville, Kentucky (96,420 at-risk jobs)
No. 4 – Orlando, Florida (190,000 at-risk jobs)
No. 5 – Grand Rapids, Michigan (79,910 at-risk jobs)
No. 6 – San Antonio, Texas (149,860 at-risk jobs)
No. 7 – Phoenix, Arizona (312,610 at-risk jobs)
No. 8 – Salt Lake City, Utah (109,500 at-risk jobs)
No. 9 – Detroit, Michigan (261,650 at-risk jobs)
No. 10 – Nashville, Tennessee (145,170 at-risk jobs)

Furthermore, the study examined the top three fastest-declining occupations within the 50 metro areas. In San Antonio, the fastest-declining profession is office and administrative support, which has lost nearly 30,000 jobs within the last five years. Following behind are personal care and service-related occupations, and sales occupations. The study says 22,570 personal care jobs and 15,200 sales jobs in San Antonio have been lost within the last five years.

The report does remind readers that artificial intelligence will also present the opportunity for more jobs, citing WEF's estimate that 69 million jobs will be created by 2027.

"Roles such as data analysts, scientists, machine learning specialists, and cybersecurity experts could grow as much as 30 percent within the next five years," the report says. "It’s easy to let the fear of the unknown seep in when it comes to AI, but using AI to your advantage could not only protect your job or business, but it could also help it grow."

The report can be found on chamberofcommerce.org.

san antonio reports artificial intelligence job market finance jobs technology

Ready for Harvest

New farmers market and yoga classes stretch into St. Paul Square

Photo courtesy of St. Paul Square

St. Paul Square is historic, but keeping up with the times.

San Antonians have a fresh way to pick up groceries and artisan goods at St. Paul Square with the addition of a new farmers market. It will be free to attend in the central courtyard every Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm.

Shoppers will be able to browse produce, handcrafted goods, and ready-to-eat treats by farmers, bakers, and artisans, according to a release. Suppliers will come from San Antonio and other places in South Texas.

This recurring event is just called the St. Paul Square Farmers Market. It's attributed directly to St. Paul Square, which is not just a neighborhood destination but an organization developing the historic district. Part of the purpose of the new programming is to support local businesses, as well as drawing in visitors.

The area was founded in 1778, and now includes all kinds of modern and retro attractions like the popular Francis Bogside bar, several eateries, 1902 Nightclub, and live music venue The Espee.

Donation-based yoga classes on Sundays from 9-11 am give even more to to do at The Espee's courtyard (1174 E. Commerce St.). They'll be led by Bendy with Lenny, and guests joining in will get to choose between a gentler slow flow in the earlier slot, and a higher energy class in the later slots.

“Our team is excited to introduce a series of new programs this winter aimed at enriching and uplifting our local community," said St. Paul Square managing partnerDon Thomas in the release. "We invite residents from across San Antonio to join us at St. Paul Square this Sunday to kick off the series and enjoy supporting local businesses as we enter the holiday season.”

The debut St. Paul Square Farmers Market takes place November 17 at17 Heiman Street.

openings farmers market groceries artisans