A New Space City

San Antonio blasts to top of list for new Space Command headquarters

San Antonio is one of just six finalists.

Photo by Sean Pavone/Getty Images

Move over, Houston — there might be a new Space City in Texas.

On November 19, the Department of the Air Force announced the finalist cities for the new U.S. Space Command Headquarters. Port San Antonio bested 50 sites across the country to become one of six finalists.

“We are honored to be on the short list for the U.S. Space Command headquarters, and I am confident that we will make a strong case for locating it in Military City, USA," said Mayor Ron Nirenberg in a release. “San Antonio is well positioned for the headquarters considering our many military and community assets, as well as the team approach that we will put to work to land this historic and important command.”

San Antonio's rich, centuries-long history as a military city (not to mention that Military City, USA moniker) should help bolster its chances at landing the headquarters. In addition to having one of the largest concentrations of military bases in the country, San Antonio is also home to Joint Base San Antonio Fort Sam Houston, the Department of Defense’s largest medical center. The city also frequently tops best-of lists for military personnel and veterans.

Joining San Antonio on the finalists' list:

Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Patrick Air Force Base in Brevard County, Florida
Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Offutt Air Force Base in Sarpy County, Nebraska
Redstone Army Airfield in Huntsville, Alabama

In order to determine the eventual site for the Space Command, members of the Department of the Air Force will conduct both virtual and onsite visits to each place, including San Antonio. The finalist is expected to be announced in early 2021.

"We will work with the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, Port San Antonio and other community partners to ensure we are prepared to host the Air Force’s survey team," said City of San Antonio Director of Military and Veteran Affairs Maj. Gen. Juan Ayala. "I am confident that we will not only meet, but exceed, all the requirements needed to host the command."

The Space Command was authorized by President Trump in early 2019, who has characterized it as the eventual sixth brach of the U.S. government. "The Space Force will organize, train and equip warriors to support Spacecom’s mission,” he said in January 2019.

It was overwhelmingly approved by Congress in December 2019 as part of a $738 billion defense spending bill.

lists downtown

leading the way

CultureMap founder David Gow named CEO of Houston policy nonprofit

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

David Gow will begin his new role in September.

A nonprofit organization dedicated to leading Houston into the future has named its next leader.

The Center for Houston’s Future named David Gow as president and CEO, succeeding Brett Perlman, who was announced in April to be remaining at the Center with a focus on the Center’s hydrogen initiative. Gow is the founder and chairman of Gow Media, CultureMap's parent company. His role is effective September 3.

“I am excited to step into this opportunity with the Center and work with the team, the board and many other stakeholders to help shape Houston’s future,” Gow said in a statement. “The Center presents an exciting opportunity to cast a vision for our region and identify initiatives that will make an impact.”

Gow — whose portfolio includes CultureMap, its sister sites, and ESPN Radio's Houston affiliate — is a board member of Goose Capital and chair of MSAI, an entity he formed through a SPAC acquisition. Before he founded Gow Media, he served as CFO and CEO of online watch retailer Ashford.com. Prior to Ashford, Gow was director of corporate strategy at Compaq Computers and a consultant at McKinsey & Co. He received his master’s in public policy from Harvard and his bachelor's in economics from Williams College.

“David’s portfolio of experiences and skills, record of innovation and success, and deep commitment to the Houston community make him the perfect fit to lead the Center as we chart and execute on our next set of initiatives focused on ensuring a bright future for all residents in the Houston region,” adds Center for Houston’s Future Board Chair Cindy Yeilding.

In his new role, Gow will lead the Center’s next effort, Vision 2050, which plans to identify the city's key issues, gaps, and opportunities.

“Today’s announcement also reflects the success of the Center’s clean hydrogen program,” Yeilding continues. “On behalf of the Center’s board, I’d also like to recognize Brett for launching and building such a successful and important effort as well as his overall leadership and record of achievement at the Center these past seven years.”

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This article first appeared on our sister site InnovationMap.

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