New Braunfels EDC Board Regular Meeting – June 18, 2026

The New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Board met on June 18, 2026, at 4:02 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included an executive session, approval of previous minutes, a treasurer's report, four public hearings with discussion and votes, and public comments on one item. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of May 21, 2026 regular meeting minutes – Unanimously approved (motion by Director Austin, second by Director Campos).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Gener8tor entrepreneurship incubator (Item 7C): Julie King, a resident taxpayer, expressed strong opposition, arguing that the $1,200,000 should instead be directed to existing local resources (Spark Small Business Center) and that the chamber should develop such programming internally. She stated the program is a "canned program" from a Madison-based firm, questioned the lack of a major university, and asserted private sector investors would have funded it if viable. Richard Kelsheimer, a resident and former financial planner, urged more deliberation and research, including feedback from other communities using Gener8tor, before spending $1.2 million. He noted existing government resources through the Small Business Administration.

Discussion Items

• Item 7A – Castell Avenue Phase 1 – Coll Street Drainage Improvement: Scott McClelland, Assistant Director of Transportation & Construction Services, presented the request for an additional $2,400,000 in construction funding. The project aims to reduce 100-year flooding on Castell, enhance pedestrian walkability, underground utilities, and landscaping. The original 60% design estimate of $7.2 million (funded in 2024) fell short due to project complexity, narrow right-of-way, cost escalation, and construction administration. The project is a joint bid with MBU (utility board) and is scheduled to begin construction in fall 2026 (target September). No public comments. Unanimously approved.
• Item 7B – AAMPO Gruene Multimodal Improvements final design: Mr. McClelland presented the request for $1,400,000 for final design of pedestrian/ADA improvements on Gruene Road and Hunter Road, including shared-use paths, sidewalks, bike lane enhancements, and intersection improvements at Gruene Road and Rock Road. The project leverages $5.4 million in federal MPO funding (80% of construction costs). Final design is expected to start this fall, with construction letting scheduled for 2031. No public comments. Unanimously approved.
• Item 7C – Gener8tor entrepreneurship incubator: Jonathan Packer, President & CEO of the New Braunfels Chamber, presented a three-year, $1,200,000 agreement with Gener8tor for a multi-year incubator program. The program would run two five-company cohorts per year (seven-week intensive coaching, no equity taken, no cost to participants), employ one full-time staff in New Braunfels, occupy physical space, and connect companies to capital. Mr. Packer compared the program to similar efforts in Round Rock (first cohort: $600,000 additional funding raised, 46 jobs created) and other communities. Board members expressed support, noting it fills a gap between Spark (early-stage) and high-growth needs. Director Hammonds suggested including performance metrics and termination clauses. Public comments heard (see above). Unanimously approved.
• Item 7D – First amendment of purchase contract (Bartels/Voges property): Jeff Jewell, Director of Economic & Community Development, presented a $10,000 expenditure to extend the feasibility period for an adjacent 9-acre parcel (currently under contract) for two additional 90-day periods. The EDC owns the adjacent 16 acres (purchased 2016 for HD Supply expansion, not pursued). The extension allows further consideration by city council and staff for a preferred developer and eventual development agreement. No public comments. Unanimously approved.
• Treasurer's Report (Item 6): Jared Werner, Assistant City Manager, reported sales tax collections for April up 39.5% overall, but 15% net increase when removing AC Supply revenue. Fiscal year-to-date collections up 18.9%. The airport loan forgiveness (approved by EDC in May) remains on projections pending city council action (expected July). Board reviewed updated revenue, commitments, and projected fund balances through FY 2030.

Key Outcomes

• All four action items (7A–7D) were approved unanimously.
  • 7A: $2,400,000 for Castell Avenue drainage construction.
  • 7B: $1,400,000 for Gruene Multimodal final design.
  • 7C: $1,200,000 for Gener8tor incubator (three-year agreement).
  • 7D: $10,000 to extend purchase contract feasibility period.
• Executive session (4:04–5:00 PM) covered economic development negotiations (Gener8tor, Project Thread, Project Casa, Project Shoot, Project Sherpa, Project Icon) and real property discussion (Sports Complex lots). No action taken.
• Next steps: The purchase contract extension (7D) will be considered by city council in July. The Gener8tor agreement includes potential performance metrics. Staff will adjust projections after city council actions on airport loan and MPO projects.