The 2^nd Annual State of the City Address was delivered Oct. 16 by City Manager Robert Camareno at the EDF quarterly all-member board luncheon held at McKenna Events Center.  Nearly 150 members and guests were in attendance.

An Executive Abstract of the presentation is available by clicking here. Camareno showed slides of the record-breaking population growth in the city, with 5,833 new citizens added just last year.  New Braunfels ranks as the 2^nd fastest growing US city behind only Frisco, Texas.  The population in the city limits in 2023 is estimated to be 93,765.  Homes are being built across the city and the addition of Veramendi will add to the numbers in the years ahead.  Hot spots for commercial growth were also shown.

Sales tax revenue continues as the #1 city government revenue source, with major contributors being Town Center at Creekside and Westpointe Village.  Camareno went into great detail on the recently adopted city budget, which boasts the same tax rate as the previous year.  General fund expenditures are primarily in the areas of public safety.  Other sectors of expenditures are in quality of life, infrastructure, management, and growth and development. 

Recent or planned capital projects were shown, including a coming new sports park, Loop 337 widening, artificial turf at the NBISD middle school fields, downtown sidewalks, and Das Rec, the city’s new recreation center.  Camareno emphasized partnerships as having a major impact on the above projects and others. 

The City recently adopted a new comprehensive plan, entitle Envision New Braunfels- A Special Place By Design.  The plan won the top state award for such plans from the American Planning Association.  A May 2019 bond issue is planned as well.  Currently, a bond advisory committee is working to place priorities on the dozens of projects desired in the community.