Henry Cisneros

Henry Cisneros is an American politician, businessman, and urban planner who served as the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton. He first gained national prominence as the Mayor of San Antonio, becoming one of the first Hispanic mayors of a major U.S. city. Cisneros's career has spanned public service, corporate leadership, and advocacy for affordable housing and urban development.

Early life and education

Henry Cisneros was born in San Antonio, Texas, into a prominent Mexican-American family; his father, George Cisneros, was a United States Army colonel and his mother, Elvira Cisneros, was a civic volunteer. He attended Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and was a member of the Corps of Cadets. Cisneros subsequently received a Master of Urban Planning from Texas A&M and a Master of Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He later completed a Doctor of Philosophy in public administration from George Washington University, with his dissertation focusing on San Antonio's urban challenges.

Political career

Cisneros began his political career on the San Antonio City Council, where he served from 1975 to 1981. In 1981, he was elected Mayor of San Antonio, succeeding Lila Cockrell and becoming the city's first Hispanic mayor since the 19th century. During his tenure, he championed economic development initiatives like the River Walk expansion and helped attract technology investments. His leadership placed him on the national stage, leading to his selection as the keynote speaker at the 1984 Democratic National Convention. After declining to seek re-election in 1989, he was appointed by President Bill Clinton as the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in 1993. At HUD, he managed programs like the HOME Investment Partnerships Program and advocated for the revitalization of public housing through initiatives such as HOPE VI.

Post-political career

Following his departure from the Clinton administration in 1997, Cisneros entered the private sector, becoming president and chief operating officer of the Spanish-language broadcaster Univision. He later founded American CityVista, a company focused on developing mixed-income housing in urban areas. Cisneros also served as chairman of CityView, a firm specializing in workforce housing, and has been a board member for corporations including Live Nation and KCET. He remains a prominent voice on housing policy, frequently contributing to discussions at institutions like the Urban Land Institute and the Brookings Institution.

Personal life

Cisneros married Mary Alice Perez in 1969; the couple has three children. His brother, George Cisneros, served as a Bexar County commissioner. In 1999, Cisneros pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding payments to a former mistress, a case that concluded with a presidential pardon from President Bill Clinton in 2001. He has been active in Catholic charitable organizations and maintains deep ties to the San Antonio community.

Legacy and honors

Henry Cisneros is widely recognized as a trailblazer for Hispanic political representation in the United States. His work on urban revitalization and affordable housing has left a lasting impact on federal policy and city planning. Among his numerous accolades are the Jefferson Award for Public Service and an induction into the National Association of Home Builders Hall of Fame. Educational institutions, including Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at San Antonio, have established programs and lectureships in his name, cementing his legacy in public service and urban affairs.

Category:1947 births Category:Living people Category:American city mayors Category:United States Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development Category:People from San Antonio