Mary Ann (Castilleja) Labowski a third-generation New Braunfels native and City Council Member for District 5, elected in 2023 with nearly 80% of the vote. She brings pro-business leadership promoting economic growth, small businesses, infrastructure, and development preserving small-town charm. Labowski serves as a Blue Coat Ambassador for the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, a 2025 graduate of the Chamber Leadership Program, past Chair of the Hispanic Business Alliance, and Dia ‘de Los Muertos Festival. A Texas Municipal League Leadership Fellow graduate, TML Certified Municipal Official 2024-2025, awarded 2019 Pillar of the Community, mother of five, and grandmother of four.
Q: If elected, how would you support a thriving local economy, particularly small businesses, and ensure City policies encourage investment and long term economic vitality?
A: A strong economy starts with making it easier to do business — clear rules, consistent policies, and a permitting process people can actually rely on. I want City Hall to be a partner to small businesses, not an obstacle. That also means encouraging reinvestment in the businesses and employers we already have, not just chasing new development. And we have to make sure infrastructure keeps pace with growth so taxpayers aren't left paying the price. It's about balanced, responsible growth that keeps New Braunfels strong.
Q: How are roads and major infrastructure projects funded, and what approach would you take to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with, or gets ahead of, growth?
A: Roads and major infrastructure are funded through a mix of property taxes, sales taxes, impact fees, grants, and sometimes bonds. New Braunfels has taken steps to strengthen impact fees, and I believe we should keep updating them so growth pays for growth. We also need to pursue outside funding whenever it's available. My approach is simple: plan ahead, protect taxpayer dollars, and make sure existing residents aren't left paying for unmanaged growth. That's how we keep infrastructure moving with growth.
Q: What is your vision for long range planning in our city, and how would you balance proactive infrastructure investment with responsible fiscal management as the community grows?
A: My vision for long-range planning is simple: grow in a way that protects what makes New Braunfels special. Plan ahead for roads, utilities, and public safety instead of playing catch-up. Work with NBU, CenterPoint, and others so growth happens where services can support it. And be fiscally responsible — growth should pay for growth, and we need to take care of what we have before expanding beyond our means. That's how we grow without losing what makes New Braunfels home.