Mayor Neal Linnartz

Here in New Braunfels, we enjoy an amazing quality of life. It’s one of the things that draws people here, keeps families rooted here, and convinces businesses and employers that this is the right place to invest. What’s important for residents to know is that quality of life doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and strategic investments.

One of our most valuable partners in this work is the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (NBEDC). While economic development is often associated with jobs and business growth, the NBEDC has also played a critical role in funding projects that make New Braunfels a healthier, safer, and more enjoyable place to live. In fact, since 2019, the NBEDC has invested over $50 million towards projects focused on economic development, parks, infrastructure, and long-term resiliency, which are all crucial parts of a strong local economy. Here are some recent examples of that philosophy in action:

Almost exactly one year ago, New Braunfels City Council unanimously approved the $8 million purchase of 131 acres of land along FM 1102 south of Conrads Lane using NBEDC funds. Combined with an additional 15 acres of land previously dedicated to the City by the developers of the Arroyo Verde neighborhood, this 145-acre section of the city will become the largest park in New Braunfels, exceeding the size of Landa Park and Fischer Park combined! That purchase is a major step forward in our long-term vision for parks, trails, and green space. Still unnamed, what’s currently being called “Northwest Park” will connect neighborhoods in that area to other parks, trails, and greenways, including Alligator Creek Trail. About 70 acres of the property is relatively flat and suitable for recreation facilities and structures, while roughly 50 acres is wooded, offering tremendous potential for trails, conservation, and outdoor experiences. The City has already begun asking residents to give their input on the types of amenities they’d like to see at that park, along with preliminary engineering and site plans. I sincerely hope residents will continue to participate in that process and share their input. 

While we’re talking about parks, I should also note that the NBEDC has played a key role in moving the Zipp Family Sports Park project forward. Since 2018, the Economic Development Corporation has provided nearly $19.5 million dollars, funding the initial land purchase, construction costs, and providing additional funds for operations and maintenance. Zipp Family Sports Park is now scheduled to open later this year with a grand opening celebration scheduled for the end of May.

Of course, quality of life investments aren’t limited to parks. They also include infrastructure projects that protect people, property, and economic activity. For instance, the Coll Street Improvement Project is a major drainage and flood-mitigation investment for downtown. This $7.85 million project, funded entirely by the NBEDC, includes design, engineering, and construction of drainage infrastructure improvements along Coll Street, reducing flood risk, protecting businesses and historic areas, and ensuring that our downtown remains vibrant and accessible.

Another critical, but not as well known, project fully funded by the NBEDC is the Landa Lake Dam Rehabilitation Project. This $1.2 million investment addresses structural repairs and safety upgrades to the dam and spillway system at Landa Lake, which regulates water flow from the Comal Springs into the Comal River. This structure plays an important role in protecting spring flows, park amenities, and nearby streets during high-water events. Preserving Landa Park, one of our community’s most treasured assets, means protecting both its natural beauty and the infrastructure that supports it.

Education is also a key component to quality of life because it shapes both individual opportunity and the long-term health of a community. Strong local education options improve access to good jobs, raise earning potential, attract employers, and reduce commute times and financial strain. With that in mind, this past August, the NBEDC and New Braunfels City Council approved a total of $5 million in funding to help expand the Northeast Lakeview College campus in New Braunfels. Renovation work on an existing 58,000+ sq. ft. building at Old FM 306 & Sundance Pkwy will get underway this year, eventually allowing Northeast Lakeview College the ability to offer additional courses on construction management, engineering tech, logistics, allied health, natural sciences, and IT.

From parks to infrastructure to education, these projects reflect a clear guiding principal for the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation: Investing in quality of life is investing in New Braunfels’ future. I’m grateful for the partnership the City has with the NBEDC and the support of our community as we continue building a New Braunfels that honors its natural resources, protects its residents, and creates opportunities for generations to come.