New Braunfels Launches Envision New Braunfels Update: Community Questionnaire Open Through December 12
The City of New Braunfels is calling on residents to help shape the future of their growing community through the official update of Envision New Braunfels, the city’s comprehensive plan first adopted in 2018. With more than 30,000 new residents having moved to New Braunfels since the plan’s initial adoption, city leaders say it’s time to take a fresh look at priorities and goals—and they’re starting with a five-minute public questionnaire open now through December 12, 2025.
For residents asking, “What is a comprehensive plan?”—think of it as the city's strategic roadmap. It helps guide decisions about everything from land use and parks to transportation and economic development. With the city’s population growth, increased housing needs, and infrastructure demands, this update will ensure the plan continues to reflect a shared community vision for the years ahead.
A Roadmap Shaped by Community Input
The original Envision New Braunfels plan wasn’t created in isolation—it was built on the voices of nearly 9,000 residents through surveys, open houses, and community workshops between 2016 and 2018. Dozens of citywide events and thousands of public comments shaped what ultimately became the city’s guiding document.
Now, the city is once again asking residents to weigh in. The updated plan will address nine key focus areas:
- Growth & Future Land Use
- Urban Design and Cultural, Heritage, and Historic Preservation
- Parks and Recreation
- Economic Competitiveness
- Tourism
- Transportation
- Natural Resources and Infrastructure
- Education and Youth
- Facilities, Services, and Capital Improvements
“Thisplan is only as strong as the voices behind it,” said city staff in the Community Engagement Plan. “We’re striving to ensure inclusive, transparent, and accessible engagement that reflects all New Braunfels residents.”
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Why Update Now?
Since its adoption in 2018, much of the plan’s original goals are either complete or underway. But the New Braunfels of today looks significantly different than it did even seven years ago. With a population that has ballooned and demographics that have shifted, city planners aim to ensure the vision remains relevant and forward-thinking.
The updated comprehensive plan will account for changes in:
- Housing needs and affordability
- Local job markets and business trends
- Environmental pressures on natural resources
- Transportation systems and infrastructure
- Quality-of-life services for a more diverse population
The planning team is also looking ahead at emerging land use patterns. Future growth areas have been evaluated with consideration to employment, tourism, recreation, civic, medical, and educational hubs across the city.
Diverse Community Voices at the Forefront
This year’s update emphasizes equity and inclusion more than ever before. Outreach efforts are targeting youth, renters, people of color, senior citizens, and others who have traditionally been underrepresented in planning efforts.
From bilingual surveys (English and Spanish) to pop-up events at community hubs like grocery stores and parks, the city is working to meet people where they are. “The goal is not only to collect feedback, but to create a sense of ownership among residents for the city’s future,” noted the MIG planning team, who are leading the engagement process.
How to Participate
Residents are encouraged to take the brief, five-minute questionnaire by visiting the City’s comprehensive planning webpage here.
The survey is accessible in both English and Spanish and includes interactive map features, allowing participants to pinpoint areas of importance or concern. Residents who require assistance navigating the form can contact Marco Hinojosa at mhinojosa@migcom.com.
The city’s planning department is also organizing community open houses and pop-up feedback events as part of the engagement timeline running through 2026. Following the questionnaire, future phases will focus on refining land use scenarios, testing policies, and presenting the final plan for adoption.
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What’s Next?
The Envision New Braunfels update will move through four key phases:
- Data, Vision & Outline Updates (Nov–Dec 2025)
- Place Types & Future Land Use Development (Jan–Feb 2026)
- Policy Refinement & Implementation (Apr–May 2026)
- Comprehensive Plan Adoption (Jul–Oct 2026)
Throughout these phases, city staff and planning consultants will maintain transparency with residents through public briefings, social media updates, and community reporting summaries.
For more information or to take the survey before the December 12 deadline, visit newbraunfels.gov/3454. Let your voice be part of the plan shaping New Braunfels for decades to come.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.