Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Braunfels public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues with high priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Plan Adoption
The board reviewed ongoing plans to improve walking and biking routes across the city.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2027 River Season Fees and Ordinance Changes
The committee is gearing up to discuss potential changes to river user fees and local ordinances ahead of the 2027 season, which could impact how locals and tourists experience the rivers.
Airport Financial Sustainability
The board discussed a proposal to forgive an airport loan, allowing funds to be reinvested directly into airport operations and infrastructure expansion.
Land Purchase Feasibility Extension for 6.7 Acres
The board extended the feasibility period on a 6.7-acre land contract to allow time for public workshops and City Council guidance on whether to proceed with purchase or sell the land.
Comal River Master Plan Funding
The EDC is considering providing financial support for the Comal River Master Plan, which aims to guide future improvements and management of the river area.
Parks and Recreation Strategic Master Plan
The city is updating its master plan for parks. This plan will decide what new parks or programs we get in the future.
Road Infrastructure Financing
City staff presented upcoming infrastructure and transportation projects aligned with the economic development corporation's strategic priorities.
Property Acquisition and Utility Infrastructure Easements
The council authorized eminent domain to acquire a utility easement at 470 Rio Drive for critical sewer system and lift station upgrades.
Downtown Managed Parking Program
Residents and business owners shared concerns and suggestions regarding the downtown managed parking program, prompting council to direct staff to study resident passes and validation options.
High School Stadium Traffic and Parking Management
The council established new parking restrictions around the newly opened Long Creek High School stadium to protect residential neighborhoods from event congestion.
School Resource Officer Staffing
Residents and council members discussed the adequacy of school resource officer coverage across local school campuses, with police leadership detailing rovers and dedicated staffing agreements with NBISD.
Police Officer Disciplinary Appeal
A police officer is appealing their indefinite suspension. This process is a standard legal requirement for civil service employees.
Employee Compensation and Tiered Cost-of-Living Adjustments
Council discussed whether to implement a tiered cost-of-living adjustment to give larger raises to lower-paid employees. While some council members favored helping lower-income workers, the city manager raised concerns about potential impacts on recruitment, retention, and existing market pay studies.
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #3
The board set its budget priorities for the year, saving half of its funds for future capital projects while funding grants and parking.
Airport Safety and Communications
Council members and residents discussed airport safety, including intermittent ground radio lines and military flight deconfliction with Randolph Air Force Base.
Animal Shelter Operational Funding and Facility Conditions
The Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area reported rising animal intake numbers and facility strains, prompting discussions on increasing city financial support for the FY 2027 contract.
Use of Certificates of Obligation
The city initiated the debt issuance process for the Call Street Drainage Project, with financing to be repaid entirely by the Economic Development Corporation sales tax revenues.
Gruene Road Land Acquisition
The EDC is considering buying 6.7 acres of land near Gruene Road to control future development. Residents are concerned about the cost and whether the city should be acting as a land speculator.
Neighborhood Traffic Safety and Speeding on Divine Way
The board recommended banning parking on both sides of Divine Way near Fayette Drive to fix traffic flow and safety concerns.
NBPL Five-Year Plan Endorsement
The board endorsed the library's new five-year strategic plan to guide future development and services.
Kohlenberg Road Improvements Project
The city moved to use eminent domain to acquire necessary land and easements from property owner Lynn K. Wohlfahrt after nearly a year of negotiations for the Kohlenberg Road widening project.
Mayfair Master District Revenue Bonds and Infrastructure Financing
The council discussed and approved a bond issuance for road facilities in the Mayfair development, prompting questions from residents about total debt caps and developer reimbursements.
Economic Development Transparency
Residents expressed concerns about how the city and the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) make decisions, calling for more public input and transparency regarding project funding.
Public Safety Personnel Testing and Certification
The Civil Service Commission certified a new promotional list for Deputy Chief and called for entry-level exams for both police officers and firefighters to ensure fully staffed emergency services.
Champions Village Infrastructure & Sewer Concerns
Residents testified about chronic sewer backups and infrastructure failures in Champions Village, urging the city and NBU to prioritize permanent fixes over new development approvals.
June 13, 2026 Runoff Election Canvass
The city finalized the election results that bring a new mayor and a new District 6 representative to city hall. Michael French won the mayoral race, and Nikki Shaw secured the District 6 council seat.
Public Safety Training Facility
The city is moving forward with a feasibility study to co-locate police and fire training facilities, aiming to improve coordination, training capabilities, and long-term cost efficiency.
NBU Letter of Credit and Liquidity Management
New Braunfels Utilities secured a $25 million letter of credit to serve as ERCOT market collateral, allowing NBU to unlock and reinvest $9 million in cash reserves.