New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation Regular Meeting - May 21, 2026

The New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (EDC) held its regular meeting on May 21, 2026, at 5:10 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The Board approved routine minutes, received a sales tax revenue update, discussed two major projects (Castell Avenue drainage improvements and Gener8tor accelerator), and unanimously approved three public hearing items totaling over $1.7 million in expenditures. The meeting concluded with an executive session covering real property, economic development negotiations, and litigation, with no action taken. The meeting adjourned at 6:31 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (April 16, 2026): Motion by Director Austin, second by Director Campos, unanimously approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jim Holster, resident: Commented during Citizens' Communications that the meeting room door was locked upon arrival, noting an apparent access issue; staff reported the doors had since been opened.
• Jim Holster, resident (during Public Hearing on Pedestrian Improvements Phase 1): Raised a concern regarding pedestrian safety on Loop 337 near a planned apartment complex at 1801, stating that the Housing Authority's presentation claiming children could walk to a new school was inaccurate due to lack of sidewalks and dangerous crossing conditions. He requested the city consider long-term sidewalk or crosswalk improvements in that area.

Treasurer's Report

• Presentation by Jared Werner, Assistant City Manager: Presented the May 2026 Treasurer's Report. Key highlights: March 2026 sales tax collections showed overall growth of 26.1% compared to March 2025, driven partly by HC Supply coming online. Net of HC Supply and Comptroller adjustments, growth was 8.7%. Over the last five months, average sales tax growth was approximately 7.4%. FY 2026 collections are currently exceeding FY 2025. No new expenditures were added since the last meeting. The projected fund balance through FY 2030 remains stable. The report included a new appendix showing project-by-project expenditure forecasts for FY 2026, totaling $19.9 million.

Discussion Items

• Castell Avenue Phase 1 – Coll Street Drainage Improvement Project (Possible Additional Construction Costs): Garry Ford, Director of Transportation & Construction Services, presented an update. The project aims to install a major storm drainage trunk system (10 ft x 8 ft box) to alleviate downtown flooding, reconstruct Coll Street, bury utilities, and enhance pedestrian safety. Original construction funding of $7.2 million was approved in February 2026 at 60% design. Bids received in April 2026 came in approximately 33% higher ($2.4 million additional), attributed to design refinement, utility coordination complexity, and construction cost escalation. Total cost would be approximately $9.6 million. Jared Werner explained the financing strategy: the EDC would support a certificate of obligation sized to $9 million, increasing annual debt service from $550,000 to roughly $700,000–$750,000. No action was taken; the item will return for a future decision.
• Gener8tor – Entrepreneurship, Workforce Development, and Local Innovation Accelerator Project: Jonathan Packer, President & CEO of New Braunfels Chamber, introduced Robert Pieroni of Gener8tor. Mr. Pieroni provided an updated overview of the program: a non-dilutive startup accelerator that identifies 10 companies per year (two cohorts of five), provides mentor swarms, bi-weekly coaching, investor introductions, and a community showcase. Gener8tor operates in 39 states, 50 cities, and 9 countries. Statistics: 440 cohorts, 2,100+ startups accelerated, over $3 billion in follow-on financing, 15,000+ jobs created locally, 88% startup survival rate (vs. 20% U.S. average), and 39% female-founded startups (vs. 2.3% U.S. average). Early results from Round Rock (one cohort, 46 jobs, $600k raised) and Huntsville (nine cohorts, 242 jobs, $14M raised, $25M economic impact) were highlighted. The program would require a local EDC investment for services. Mr. Pieroni answered board questions regarding the recruitment timeline (2–3 months per cycle) and the non-dilutive nature of the contract (no equity taken by Gener8tor). No action was taken; the item will return for a future vote.

Public Hearings & Actions

• AAMPO Citywide Pedestrian Improvements Phase 2 – Final Design Expenditure ($405,000): Garry Ford presented. This project received federal funding through the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) call. The total project cost is approximately $5 million, with about $4 million in federal funds. Phase 2 final design covers three locations: sidewalk extensions on Peach/Plum/Grape (west end), Hans Drive shared-use path connection, and Avery Parkway sidewalk. EDC's $405,000 covers final design. Public hearing was opened; no comments. Motion by Director Campos, second by Director Austin, unanimously approved.
• AAMPO Citywide Pedestrian Improvements Phase 1 – Construction Expenditure ($700,000): Garry Ford presented. Phase 1 construction includes five locations: Alvis Lane enhanced intersection shared-use path, Union Street sidewalk gaps, concrete path at Heman Island (replacing decomposed granite), San Antonio Street sidewalk improvements, Klein Road sidewalk corrections near Fisher Park, and Oak Run Parkway sidewalk/bicycle gaps. The $700,000 represents the 20% local match plus construction administration. Construction ready to bid in June 2026. Public hearing opened; Jim Holster commented (see Public Comments). Motion by Director Thompson, second by Director Campos, unanimously approved.
• New Braunfels National Airport Loan Forgiveness ($644,770): Jeff Jewell, Director of Economic & Community Development, presented. In late 2015, the EDC authorized $2.4 million for a taxiway extension and utility infrastructure at the airport—$1.2 million as a grant and $1.2 million as a 10-year amortizing loan at 3%. The loan balance is $644,770, with payments scheduled through 2031. The project led to significant increases in based aircraft and fuel sales (as illustrated by data), improving the airport's financial position. Forgiving the remaining balance would free up cash flow for future capital projects. Public hearing opened; no comments. Motion by Director Campos, second by Director Austin, unanimously approved.

Executive Session

• The Board adjourned to executive session at 5:58 PM under Texas Government Code Sections 551.071, 551.072, and 551.087 to discuss:
  • Real property: New Braunfels Sports Complex Lots 2 and 3 (acquisition/valuation).
  • Economic development negotiations: Gener8tor, Gruene 16, Project Shoot, Project Thread, Project Icon, Project Casa, and Project Hammer.
  • Pending/contemplated litigation and privileged client information: Lefko USA, Inc.
• Executive session ended at 6:31 PM. No action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimously approved April 16, 2026 meeting minutes.
• Unanimously approved expenditure of up to $405,000 for final design of AAMPO Citywide Pedestrian Improvements Phase 2.
• Unanimously approved expenditure of up to $700,000 for construction of AAMPO Citywide Pedestrian Improvements Phase 1.
• Unanimously approved forgiveness of New Braunfels National Airport loan remaining balance of $644,770.
• No action on additional construction costs for Castell Avenue drainage project and Gener8tor accelerator; both will return at future meetings.
• No action taken during executive session.