Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Braunfels public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
Charter Review Committee
Members will look into potential funding sources to establish a dedicated committee budget for upcoming local projects.
Germany Resident Travel and Communication
The committee is planning to discuss communication efforts and potential future trips for New Braunfels residents visiting Germany, reinforcing international cultural ties.
210 S. Castell Contract Extension Request
Developers working at 210 S. Castell are asking for more time to meet their contract deadlines.
Park at Dogwood Affordable Housing Impact Fee Waiver
The board is scheduled to consider spending up to $500,000 to improve the Park at Dogwood under state economic development rules.
Northwest Park Lease Agreement
The council approved a lease agreement with the NBEDC to open primitive natural-surface trails at a newly acquired 130-acre park site, providing much-needed green space and recreation opportunities in northwest New Braunfels with volunteer help.
CTTC Building Tenancy
Members will discuss upcoming tenancy arrangements for the CTTC building to support educational and workforce programs.
Field and Facility Allocation Policy Update
City staff will present updates on how sports fields and park facilities are scheduled and shared among local groups.
2026 Roadway Impact Fee Rate Review
Staff presented a multi-year financial audit required by state law to account for how roadway impact fee funds have been collected and spent.
Comal and Guadalupe Counties Workforce Study
The alliance will review the ongoing workforce study covering Comal and Guadalupe Counties to help align local education and training programs with regional job market demands.
Historic District Alteration and Demolition Requests
The Historic Landmark Commission is reviewing multiple requests for property alterations, sign installations, window replacements, and a potential structure relocation or demolition within local historic districts. These cases test how the city balances property owner needs with preserving historic architectural character.
Golf Course Operations and Financial Performance
The advisory board is reviewing the Q4 financial report and operational updates for the Landa Park Municipal Golf Course. These updates help ensure the course remains financially sustainable and well-maintained for local golfers.
Economic Development Negotiations with Gener8tor
The council is considering a $1.125 million economic development investment in a multi-year entrepreneurship incubator project led by Gener8tor to support local startups.
City Executive Leadership Search & Real Estate Lease
The City Council is evaluating candidates and defining the duties for key executive leadership roles, specifically the City Manager and City Attorney. These positions direct city staff, oversee municipal operations, and manage city legal affairs.
Installation of 'In God We Trust' Motto in Council Chambers
Councilmember Nikki Shaw brought forward a presentation and discussion regarding whether to install the 'In God We Trust' motto in the council chambers.
Board and Commission Code of Conduct and Free Speech Review
The council is reviewing legal guidelines regarding free speech rights and the code of conduct expected from members serving on city advisory boards and commissions.
Solid Waste Residential Services Rate Adjustments
The City Council will review proposed adjustments to residential solid waste service rates, which could impact monthly trash and recycling bills for local households.
Pahmeyer Road Traffic Calming
The board will consider recommending traffic calming measures between Broadmoor Drive and McQueeney Road to help manage vehicle speeds and improve neighborhood safety.
Chapter 138 Vehicles for Hire Amendments
The board will review proposed updates to local regulations governing pedicabs, general shuttle services, and horse-drawn carriages.
Short-Term Rental Zoning
Residents pushed back against placing commercial zoning and short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods, successfully defeating a proposal on Fieldcrest. Commissioners agreed that spot zoning single lots to commercial in housing areas disrupts community character.
Commercial Rezoning at 1283 State Highway 46 South
The commission will consider changing 2.6 acres from residential and agricultural pre-development to commercial office use. This change could pave the way for new business or office development along a major highway corridor.
Firefighter Drug Use Disqualification Guidelines
The commission is reviewing proposed clarifications regarding drug use disqualifications for entry-level firefighter applicants.
Police Officer Psychological Examination Standards
The commission will consider updates to the psychological exam parameters for beginning police officers to ensure proper screening for candidates.
Police Union Meet and Confer Agreement Amendments
The city and the local firefighters union are negotiating updates to their labor agreement, which shapes employment terms and public safety operations.
Legal Briefing on Governance and Open Government
Council members received a closed briefing on open meetings, public information laws, and meeting decorum.
Entrepreneurship Incubator Program
The city is considering a $1.2 million Economic Development Corporation investment in Gener8tor to support local business startups over multiple years.
Code Amendments for Unimproved Parking, Sidewalks, and Drainage
Staff proposed new rules to crack down on parking on grass, allow escrow payments instead of installing sidewalks during permitting, and clarify drainage plan requirements for large homes.
Towing Ordinance Reform
The city is updating its towing regulations and fee schedules for the first time since 2015 to account for rising operational costs, with new rules proposed for electric vehicles and fuel adjustments.
Citywide Pedestrian Improvements and Sidewalk Gaps
The city is leveraging federal AMPO grants and EDC funds to design and construct sidewalk gap closures and pedestrian safety enhancements near schools and major corridors.
Automated License Plate Reader Program
Police Chief Flores presented 2025 crime stats showing a 5% overall crime reduction and discussed independent third-party audits verifying strict privacy compliance for License Plate Readers.
FY 2027 Proposed Budget
The city council adopted a no-new-revenue tax rate of 41.56 cents and the FY 2027 operating budget, resulting in a modest $13 annual increase for average homesteads while funding staff cost-of-living adjustments and key street repairs.
Legal Review of City Boards and Commissions
Council members are receiving a legal briefing covering the Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act, and governance rules to ensure compliance with state laws.
FY 2027 Reinvestment Zone and Development Authority Budget
The board reviewed and approved the proposed budget and funding allocations for fiscal year 2027, determining how tax increment and authority funds will be distributed for local improvements.
FY 2027-2032 Financial Projections
The board received a presentation detailing financial forecasts for the next five years, giving insight into future revenues and planned investments.
FY 2027-FY 2032 Financial Projections
Board members reviewed long-range financial forecasts to understand expected revenue and spending trends over the next five years.
Interim City Attorney Employment Terms
Following the recent vacancy in the city attorney position, the council interviewed and appointed the law firm Davidson, Troilo, Ream & Garza as interim legal counsel.
Manufactured Home Zoning and Non-Conforming Use
Sun Retreats requested a rezoning from C-3 to C-3 SUP to legalize 10 manufactured homes placed on their property. Surrounding neighbors strongly opposed the move, citing neighborhood character and illegal permit issuance, prompting the council to postpone the decision.
City Attorney and City Manager Searches
City leaders are actively managing searches and evaluations for top administrative and judicial roles, including the City Manager, City Attorney, and Municipal Court Judge.
Data Center Regulations
The city is reviewing potential legal strategies and regulations for data centers operating within the area.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Plan Adoption
The board reviewed ongoing plans to improve walking and biking routes across the city.
City Leadership Recruitment
Council is evaluating key leadership positions, including the Municipal Court Judge, City Manager, and City Attorney searches.
Lake Front Avenue Speed Limit
Residents near Lake Front Avenue raised concerns about dangerous speeding and pedestrian safety issues. The board responded by recommending a speed limit reduction to 25 mph.
Drought Irrigation Surcharges
City council adopted stricter drought stage triggers and surcharges while allowing once-a-week watering through stage five, sparking debate over water conservation and resident utility bills.
Rezoning Request for Sun Retreats Texas Hill Country (141 Rueckle Road)
Sun Communities requested a rezone to C-3 SUP to legalize ten manufactured homes, drawing strong opposition from neighboring residents over precedent and neighborhood character.
Castell Avenue Infrastructure and Drainage Improvements
Council authorized $9.6 million in certificates of obligation to fund critical drainage and roadway upgrades along South Castell Avenue, supported by EDC sales tax revenues.
2026 Soul Searching Program
The committee will review and consider plans for the 2026 Soul Searching event or program, which engages the community with local history and cemetery heritage.
Carport Setback Variance at 831 East Basel Street
Homeowners are asking for permission to build a carport that reaches 13 feet into the standard 25-foot front yard setback. This will affect how the property lines up with the streetscape in an R-2 residential neighborhood.
Signage Regulations and Alternative Plans
A developer requested a larger multi-tenant monument sign for a light industrial flex-space project, offering to remove an existing billboard in 2031 as a trade-off.
Carport Variance in Mill Street Historic District (586 West Mill Street)
Property owners want to build a detached carport that encroaches 2 feet into the side setback in a historic neighborhood. The board must weigh the homeowner's needs against historic preservation guidelines.
Residential Accessory Structure Setbacks
Homeowners requested setback variances to accommodate carports due to narrow lot layouts and lack of rear or side vehicle access.
Library Test Proctoring Policy Update
The board updated loan periods, renewals, and fine procedures, deciding that patron cards will be placed on hold until fines are paid or items returned.