For New Braunfels Utilities (NBU), delivering reliable water, electric and wastewater services is only part of its mission. Through school visits, field trips, volunteer work, local partnerships and other outreach events, NBU employees actively work to build lasting relationships with the community they serve.
That commitment has grown over the years. Since 2001, NBU staff have logged more than 13,200 hours of community service. In fiscal year 2026 alone, employees contributed over 365 volunteer hours and have continued to expand the utility's educational and outreach programs.
Why does community engagement matter to NBU?
While online communications keep customers informed, community engagement manager Nicole Wesley noted that meeting people face-to-face accomplishes something deeper.
“There's something very powerful about physical communication and connecting with people face-to-face,” Wesley said. “It’s through genuine human interaction that we see the impact of our work and are reminded why it matters. That’s why we lead with authenticity and intentionality, ensuring that every connection we make is meaningful, every interaction is purposeful and every person feels the difference we’re here to make.”
One key initiative is the newly debuted Connection Crew: a team of 14 employees from various departments who represent NBU at local events.
For enterprise communications manager Daniel Mendez, this outreach reflects NBU’s core responsibility as a nonprofit utility.
“Our main focus is, ‘How can we apply these resources that are going to be beneficial [to the community] and ensure we are good stewards of the resources we’re providing?’” Mendez said. “Our goal is [for NBU] to continue to be a community member.”
That mindset extends across the organization. More than 175 employees participated in quarterly volunteer events during FY26, such as Night to Shine and monthly food distribution at the Family Life Center. And over half the workforce pledged a combined $41,356 during NBU’s annual United Way campaign.
How is NBU bringing education into the community?
NBU’s educational programming helps residents understand local resource management and everyday conservation practices.
NBU has joined career fairs, education expos, homeschool programs, teacher workshops and field trips focused on resource management.
For example, through the Monster Detective Learning Lab, 1,010 students across 14 schools participated in hands-on energy and conservation lessons during FY26.
Additionally, NBU converted what was once a utility service yard into Headwaters at the Comal, a space where visitors can learn about water conservation and land restoration.
“NBU has restored the area back to its natural native landscape, which leads to improved water quality at the springs, and it is just amazing what it's done for the water in our community. The transformation is so incredible,” Wesley said.
How are partnerships expanding NBU’s impact?
NBU works closely with local service organizations, including Communities In Schools of South Central Texas, the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
The utility's KinderKraft donation drive with Communities In Schools of South Central Texas collected over 1,200 essential items for students in spring 2026, with the third annual drive scheduled to launch on Jan. 25, 2027.
In addition, a new workplace mentoring program with Big Brothers Big Sisters pairs 14 NBU staff members, including executive leadership, with local middle school students who visit NBU monthly for ongoing mentorship.
What does community connection look like in action?
For Wesley, New Braunfels’ annual Thru the Chute event stood out as a clear example of NBU's outreach.
During the event, NBU employees ran a free hydration station while the conservation team entered the homemade boat competition. Wesley recalled seeing staff enjoy the day alongside residents as active community members.
Overall, NBU participated in 26 public events in FY26, connecting with more than 15,000 residents and customers.
For Wesley, those face-to-face interactions build something far more durable than just raising awareness.
“It really is about making those honest connections, because that can build a true communal relationship and that's what our job for the city of New Braunfels is about,” Wesley said.
Those interested in learning more can find resources here:
Website: https://www.nbutexas.com/
Phone number: 830-629-8400
Community outreach information: https://www.nbutexas.com/community-engagement-resources/
Frequently asked questions
What is NBU’s mission beyond providing utility services?
NBU focuses on building lasting relationships within New Braunfels as a nonprofit utility. Beyond delivering water, electric and wastewater services, its vision centers on building a lasting customer confidence through dedicated service, face-to-face connection and giving back through regular volunteer hours and local outreach.
How active are NBU employees in community service and volunteering?
NBU staff have logged over 13,200 community service hours since 2001, including more than 365 hours in fiscal year 2026 alone. Over 175 employees participated in quarterly service projects during FY26; over half the workforce pledged $41,356 to the United Way and 14 staff members actively serve on the Connection Crew team.
How does NBU bring energy and water education into the community?
NBU offers hands-on learning by engaging 1,010 students through the Monster Detective Learning Lab, participating in local career fairs and teacher workshops and converting a former service yard into Headwaters at the Comal: a dedicated public space for water conservation and land restoration education.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller of Community Impact's Storytelling team, with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
