As New Braunfels continues to grow, one issue is increasingly shaping the city’s workforce and economic future—child care.

Some details: The Greater New Braunfels Economic Development Foundation, or GNBEDF, and the McKenna Foundation are working to assess and address gaps in access, affordability and quality of care for children ages 0-5, following a resolution from City Council to match startup funds at a meeting Jan. 26.

Early Matters Texas operates as a policy and advocacy framework at the state level, focusing on streamlining regulations, improving licensing processes and supporting quality standards such as Texas Rising Star, or TRS, ratings, said Mike Crowley, vice president of the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce. What started as a conversation about working parents evolved into a broader discussion about the workforce, and in 2023, the chamber began examining child care more closely, Crowley said.

A new glass contractor has opened for business in New Braunfels.

The details: Gatsby Glass of New Braunfels opened on March 9 at 4155 Altgelt Lane, Ste. 101, Co-owner Scott Kastelic told Community Impact.

The franchise is owned by Kastelic and his wife, Lisa. The couple said they chose to bring the franchise to New Braunfels because of the community-focused atmosphere of the city.

“We like New Braunfels, and we want to stay here, live here and be a part of the community,” Kastelic said.

What they offer: Gatsby Glass offers custom glasswork, designs, finishes and more.

“There’s so much more to glass than just looking through it,” Kastelic said.

• 4155 Altgelt Lane, Ste. 101, New Braunfels

A new housing community called Village at Mayfair, located at 5430 Addante St., New Braunfels, has started moving in residents.

The details: Village at Mayfair, which began leasing its first phase in February, boasts 217 single-family and duplex homes. The project is being developed by Empire Development, according to an email from Mayfair Vice President of Marketing Kristi Robinson. 

Each home features stainless steel appliances, private backyards, dog doors and quartz countertops, according to Robinson's email.

Village at Mayfair also has an array of amenities, including a community center/clubhouse with a fitness center, dog spa and dog park. The community has a pool with a sundeck along with electric vehicle charging stations, the email states.

Quote of note: Bryan Freel, managing director of development for Empire Group, said they were proud to bring an innovative living experience to Mayfair and New Braunfels.

“Village at Mayfair is not just another rental option; it’s a lifestyle,” Freel said.