COSA Capital Delivery Department vs. Public Works Department
COSA Capital Delivery Department vs. Public Works Department
What is the difference between Capital Delivery and Public Works?
In October 2025, the Public Works Department was reorganized into two departments - Public Works and Capital Delivery. Residents can expect the same great service.
While both departments continue to work closely together, they serve different roles. This page explains how each department works and what residents can expect from each.
Capital Delivery Department
Building San Antonio’s Major Projects
The Capital Delivery Department manages the planning, design, and construction of the City’s major capital improvement and bond-funded projects.
These projects are typically long-term and involve significant upgrades or new construction across the city.
Examples of Capital Delivery projects include:
- New or improved parks and open spaces
- Libraries and community centers
- Public safety facilities
- Major roadway and drainage improvements
Capital Delivery oversees projects from early planning through construction, ensuring they are delivered on time and within scope.
Public Works Department
Maintaining and Operating Infrastructure
The Public Works Department focuses on maintaining the infrastructure residents use every day and responding to service requests across the city.
This includes ongoing repairs, safety improvements, and operational support.
Public Works services include:
- Pothole repairs and street maintenance
- Traffic signal and signage maintenance
- Storm drainage maintenance and channel mowing
- Pavement markings and street sweeping
- Traffic engineering and safety improvements
Residents typically interact with Public Works by submitting requests through 3-1-1.
When Should I Contact Each Department?
Contact Public Works (via 3-1-1) if you need:
- A pothole repaired
- A damaged street sign fixed
- A drainage issue checked
- Traffic signal concerns addressed
Follow Capital Delivery projects if you are interested in:
- Bond-funded construction projects
- Major roadway or park improvements
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who maintains the highways? The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) construct and maintain San Antonio's highways and access roads. They also maintain portions of non-highway roads, such as Broadway, Bandera, Roosevelt, Probandt, and Austin Highway.
- What about the City's Transportation Department? This is another department that works with City streets and sidewalks to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. They focus on planning and public education, but also manage some construction projects. For more info, visit the Department's website.
- Who manages Park construction projects? The Capital Delivery Department typically manages major construction projects in City parks, after which the Parks Department takes over maintenance, operating, and programming of the park.
- Who builds City facilities? The Capital Delivery Department typically manages major construction projects, after which the relevant departments take over - for example libraries, community centers, fire stations, police stations, the World Heritage Center, and the Animal Care Services veterinary hospital. Capital Delivery has also managed major construction projects surrounding La Villita and Market Square, which are otherwise managed by the Center City Development & Operations Department. Routine building maintenance is managed by the Building & Equipment Services Department.
- Who maintains the River Walk? Maintenance and operation of the San Antonio River and River Walk is a collaborative effort by Public Works, Center City Development & Operations, and the San Antonio River Authority. Every two years, these groups join forces to drain portions of the river and perform a deep clean.
- Who maintains the railroads? Most area railroads are owned and maintained by Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR). Public Works will coordinate with UPRR to perform street maintenance at or near railroad crossings.