New Braunfels · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Braunfels public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #3
The board will discuss updates to the downtown grant program and review new applications submitted by local business owners. These grants help fund improvements that keep downtown New Braunfels vibrant and attractive.
2027 Heritage HOT Grant Process
City commission members will receive training on how to score upcoming grant applications for local arts and heritage programs. This session ensures fair and consistent evaluation of community funding requests.
Committee Budget and Future Project Funding
Members will look into potential funding sources to establish a dedicated committee budget for upcoming local projects.
FY 2026 Third Quarter Financial Report
The council is reviewing the city's financial performance and spending halfway through the fiscal year's final stretch.
FY 2027 Reinvestment Zone and Development Authority Budget
The advisory committee reviewed how parking revenue is reinvested into downtown New Braunfels to support wayfinding, signage, and infrastructure projects that benefit visitors and local businesses.
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.
TIRZ #5 Project and Finance Plan
The board reviewed and approved the financial blueprint for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 4 near Zipp Park, which will guide future public investments and funding allocations in the area.
FY 2026 Annual External Audit and Financial Reporting
The committee reviewed the city's financial standing through the May Financial Report and the external audit conducted by Crowe LLP to ensure fiscal accountability.
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.
CDBG Program Year 2026 Planning and Application Cycle
The advisory committee reviewed ongoing grant-funded activities and handled administrative duties like officer elections and conflict-of-interest forms for the CDBG program.
Airport Financial Sustainability
Forgiving the airport's remaining loan balance will help improve its operating cash flow and support future infrastructure expansions.
FY 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report Review
Independent auditors presented the city's financial results for fiscal year 2025, giving New Braunfels an unmodified 'clean' opinion. Officials discussed a corrected $6.4 million accounts payable misstatement caused by Workday software processing timing.
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.