New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation Meeting – October 15, 2026

The New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (EDC) held its regular meeting on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers, 550 Landa St. The meeting included a public hearing on a $500,000 expenditure for an affordable housing project, a presentation on the Dittlinger Mill redevelopment, an update on the Northwest Park Master Plan, and an executive session on ten economic development projects. The meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved the minutes of the September 15, 2026 regular meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Warmkey (District 5) spoke during Citizens’ Communication, criticizing the EDC’s transparency and calling for scaled-back sales tax retention to fund police/fire. He questioned the Generator startup accelerator, asked about a $50,000 study on Green 16, and urged that recipients of EDC funds be required to be open and transparent.
• Julie King (citizen) praised the SPARK Small Business Center’s performance metrics (e.g., $3.3 million in capital infusion, positive testimonials) compared to Generator, and suggested that any future Dittlinger Mill request would be enormous.
• David Warmkey (later) complimented city staff and Parks Director Bernadette for defusing a social-media storm with two impromptu meetings on the Northwest Park Master Plan, which he said left attendees satisfied.
• Debbie Flume (resident) questioned the $500,000 expenditure for Park at Dogwood, arguing the developer should reduce its $2.5 million fee before asking for public money, and asked who independently verified the project’s finances.
• David Warmkey, on Park at Dogwood, opposed the expenditure, stating $293,000 per unit was high, and said the project served an outside developer rather than the community.
• Brant Walls (resident and apartment owner) argued there is already affordable housing available (e.g., one-bedrooms under $800), that the developer should have accounted for FEMA floodplain changes, and that tax-exempt property puts existing landlords at a disadvantage.
• David Warmkey (on 210 S. Castell) supported the five-year extension, calling the developer a community pillar and the project beneficial for downtown culture.
• Debbie Flume (on Dittlinger Mill) asked how the EDC would prioritize competing requests given existing debt and projected FY27 expenditures of $23 million, and questioned whether small businesses could afford build-outs.

Discussion Items

Treasurer’s Report (October 2026)

• Mr. Werner reported July sales tax collections: gross growth with HT Supply included; net of HT Supply growth was 2.8%; current-to-current collections increased 7.3%. The report projected revenues through FY2031 assuming 2% annual sales tax growth.
• FY27 is projected to be a “logjam” with large payouts (co-op project, Northeast Lakeview College incentive, downtown site balloon payment, NOIA project). If all commitments materialize and no new ones are added, reserves would be about $15 million at end of FY27.

SPARK Small Business Center – Q4 and FY2024-25 Update

• Ron (SPARK director) presented metrics: 50 business plans (target met), 24 business starts/expansions (target 24), jobs created/retained lower due to fewer businesses with 10+ employees, capital infusion $3.3 million above last year. Community engagement included Rotary, downtown association, chamber committees, school mock interviews, Shark Tank judging, and continued advising at Westside Community Center (92 clients since June 2025). Training programs had 546 attendees. SPARK budget request remains unchanged for three years.

Northwest Park Master Plan – Final Vision

• Bernadette (Parks staff) presented the 16-month planning process: community surveys (87% wanted nature/shade, 61% trails, 58% family/community, 60% natural/low-impact), 1,200 postcards with 340 responses, two concept open houses. Final plan features: primary entrance on Conrad’s Lane, community core with three all-abilities playgrounds, woodland nature play, active recreation area, Alligator Creek Trail (1.25-mile loop with future connections), 4.65 miles total trails, 21 acres of Blackland Prairie restoration, and 4,400+ existing trees. Planning-level construction cost: $56.2 million (2026 dollars) for full build-out. No funding request at this time. Parks Board unanimously approved; City Council presentation scheduled for October 26. An interim primitive trail system and parking area will open on October 24.

Park at Dogwood – Public Hearing & Expenditure Approval (up to $500,000, Texas Local Government Code §505.153)

• Jeff Jewell (Economic & Community Development Director) presented the request. The Park at Dogwood is a 76-unit Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) project by The Park Companies (established 1994), all units reserved for households earning 30%, 50%, or 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). Rents range from ~$600–$1,200; eligible households: ~3,600. Total development cost: $22.3 million; tax credit equity: $17.6 million. A funding gap of ~$2 million emerged due to FEMA floodplain re-mapping and declining credit pricing. The city already waives roadway impact fees ($276,000); NBU waives up to $500,000 in water/wastewater impact fees. City Council directed the EDC to consider the $500,000 contribution. Staff recommended approval. Developer representative Byron Burkhalt explained the fee is required by state rules and that project costs have increased.
• Motion made and seconded. Vote: All in favor (unanimous).

210 S. Castell, LLC – First Amendment to Contract (Extension of Performance Deadlines)

• Jeff Jewell proposed a five-year extension of performance deadlines for the co-op redevelopment incentive (public space improvements). Original deadline was end of 2026; design and permitting delays pushed completion. No EDC funds have been disbursed; payout occurs only upon project completion. Mike Myers (ownership team) stated they expect construction to begin in 2027 and take about a year, and that the five-year window avoids repeated amendments.
• Motion made and seconded. Vote: All in favor (unanimous).

Dittlinger Mill Redevelopment – Public Input Meeting Summary

• Omar Gonzalez (Oxpo Development Group, developers of the Pearl in San Antonio) presented the vision for the 12-acre former ADM mill site, now called Dittlinger Mill. Key points:
  • Will preserve mill building, silos, rock warehouse, limestone brewery walls.
  • Proposed uses: hotel in the mill building, rooftop bar in the silos, retail/restaurant/office along San Antonio Street, residential on the west side, public parking garage (200–250 spaces, likely public).
  • Second public meeting (October 13) showed 88% favorably inclined; top concerns: traffic/parking.
  • Community wants: dining at various price points, green space, live music, kid/family amenities, local businesses.
  • Traffic improvements planned (restriping, signal at Market & San Antonio, roundabout at Zink & Seguin – not yet funded).
  • Floodplain management: proposed terraced seating, respectful development.
  • Pedestrian bridge and trails connecting to Prince Solms Park and the river.
  • Needed public support: parking garage, infrastructure, river improvements, park enhancements, small business assistance.
  • Timeline: term sheet by end of 2026, design 18-24 months, construction 2-3 years; earliest opening 2030, more likely 2031.
• Board members expressed excitement about the track record and asked about height (Mr. Gonzalez stated no plan for 10 stories; likely 6–7 stories max 85 ft).

Advisory Team Report (Q3 2026)

• Michelle Boggs (Chamber of Commerce) reported on Confluence strategic plan priorities:
  • Business Retention & Expansion (BRE): 12 visits, 24 assists (mostly workforce), career fair with 350 job seekers & 48 employers.
  • Online learning academy launching January 2027.
  • Quarterly HR roundtables (27 leaders).
  • Regional workforce study underway with Texas State.
  • Project pipeline: 35 new leads (mostly manufacturing, some defense), 12 active projects, 8 site visits (up from 15 all of last year).
  • Economic indicators: unemployment 3.8%, median hourly wage $22.46, labor force participation steady, job growth leveling off at 0.5% (down from 34% over four years).
  • Autonium Movio expansion ($110 million, 100 jobs) on schedule.
  • Startup accelerator program planned for November 9.

Executive Session

• The Board entered executive session at approximately 6:30 PM to deliberate on economic development negotiations for Project Iris, Project Shoot, Project Thread, Project Icon, Project Knight, Project Lotus, Project Bruce Wayne, Project Flex, Project Mockingbird, and Project Sherpa (Texas Government Code §551.087). No action was taken upon returning to open session at 7:47 PM.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimously approved the minutes of September 15, 2026.
• Approved an expenditure of up to $500,000 for the Park at Dogwood affordable housing project (Parks at Dogwood LIHTC). Motion passed unanimously (six votes in favor, none opposed).
• Approved a five-year extension of performance deadlines in the contract with 210 S. Castell, LLC. Motion passed unanimously.
• No action taken on ten executive session projects.
• Staff directed to continue working on a term sheet for the Dittlinger Mill redevelopment by end of 2026.
• Interim primitive trail system and parking at Northwest Park will open on October 24, 2026, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
• The SPARK budget request remains unchanged; Board expressed support for the program.