In this high-level episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with two titans of San Antonio public affairs: Kevin Matula, Senior Manager of Government Relations at USAA, and Krista Piferrer, Head of Public Affairs and Government Relations for the First Day Foundation. The conversation provides an insider’s look at the record-breaking SA to DC trip—an annual advocacy mission that saw a historic delegation of 255 leaders descending on Washington, D.C. Kevin and Krista discuss the logistical and strategic “heavy lifting” required to coordinate five major chambers—including the Greater Chamber, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber, and Greater SATX—to represent the city with a unified, singular voice on the national stage.

The dialogue explores the evolving nature of municipal advocacy, revealing a strategic shift from simply “requesting appropriations” to the defensive posture of “protecting what we have.” With San Antonio’s status as “Military City, USA” at stake, the guests emphasize the critical importance of safeguarding existing military missions and infrastructure against federal budget shifts. Beyond the policy, this episode highlights the power of collaborative leadership and the necessity of elite public speaking skills when presenting a city’s needs to Congressional leaders. Whether you are a business owner or a community advocate, this discussion is a testament to the sophisticated “ground game” required to maintain San Antonio’s economic momentum and federal influence.