New Braunfels City Manager Robert Camareno Announces Retirement After Nearly Two Decades Leading His Hometown
For many New Braunfels residents, the rapid transformation of the city over the past two decades has been visible in new parks, expanded public safety services, improved roadways, and continued investment in community amenities. Much of that work has taken place under the leadership of City Manager Robert Camareno, who has now announced plans to retire after an 18-year career with the City of New Braunfels and three decades in public service.
Camareno will officially retire at the end of May 2027, following an extended transition period that gives the New Braunfels City Council time to conduct a comprehensive search for the city's next chief executive. The retirement timeline was first shared with the Mayor and City Council during Camareno's annual performance evaluation in November 2025, allowing nearly two years for succession planning while maintaining continuity in city operations.
For residents, the announcement represents more than a personnel change. It marks the eventual conclusion of a leadership era that coincided with one of the fastest periods of growth in New Braunfels' history, while also ensuring that long-term projects and strategic priorities continue moving forward without interruption.
A Lifetime of Service to His Hometown
Born and raised in New Braunfels, Camareno graduated from New Braunfels High School before serving in the United States Marine Corps. After earning a bachelor's degree in accounting, he built a career in municipal finance and management, serving communities in both Arizona and Texas, including as Assistant City Manager and Director of Finance for the City of Copperas Cove and later as City Manager in Buda.
He returned home in 2008 to become New Braunfels' Assistant City Manager before being appointed City Manager in 2013.
"Public service has been more than a career, it has been my calling for 30 years," said City Manager Robert Camareno. "Serving as the City Manager of my hometown has been the highest honor of my professional career. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated elected officials, exceptional team members, community leaders, and residents who care deeply about our city."
Helping Shape a Growing New Braunfels
During Camareno's tenure, New Braunfels experienced significant residential and commercial growth while expanding the services and infrastructure needed to support a rapidly increasing population.
His administration oversaw the development and expansion of numerous parks and recreation amenities, including Fischer Park, Das Rec, Mission Hill Park, Zipp Family Sports Park, Morningside Park, County Line Memorial Trail, Alligator Creek Trail, accessibility improvements at multiple parks, and the acquisition of a future northwest community park. The city's library system also expanded with the addition of the Westside Branch and the planned Southeast Branch.
Public safety investments also became a major focus. Under Camareno's leadership, the city expanded staffing, technology, equipment, and training while constructing the New Braunfels Police Department Headquarters, Fire Stations 2, 3, and 7, and renovating Fire Stations 1 and 5.
Economic development efforts during his administration also helped diversify the local economy, attract employers, expand educational opportunities, and continue revitalization efforts in downtown New Braunfels.
Investing in Roads, Mobility and City Services
As New Braunfels continued to grow, transportation infrastructure remained a key priority.
Camareno oversaw voter-approved bond programs that invested more than $181 million in roadway improvements and maintenance. His administration also increased annual roadway maintenance funding, strengthened partnerships with regional and state transportation agencies, and launched the Ride the Rio transit program to improve local mobility options.
Internally, Camareno emphasized organizational excellence through long-range planning, financial stewardship, workforce development, and operational improvements.
His leadership included construction of the current City Hall, expansion of city departments and services, investments in employee leadership development, and promotion of the organization's "One City, One Team" philosophy.
Reflecting on Three Decades of Public Service
Looking back on his career, Camareno credited the city's employees, elected officials, and residents for the accomplishments achieved together.
"Together, we have celebrated milestones, overcome challenges, responded to crises, and delivered projects and services that have made a lasting impact on our community," Camareno reflected. "I am proud of what we have accomplished, but even more proud of how we accomplished it, through teamwork, professionalism, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to serving others."
Although retirement is now on the horizon, Camareno emphasized that his focus remains firmly on the work ahead.
"Between now and my retirement in May 2027, I remain fully committed to supporting the Mayor and City Council, advancing the City's Strategic Priorities, and helping ensure a smooth transition for the organization," Camareno said.
What Happens Next
The New Braunfels City Council will determine the timeline and process for selecting the city's next City Manager in the coming months. The extended transition period is designed to allow for a deliberate national search while ensuring continuity in leadership as the city continues implementing major projects and long-term strategic initiatives.
For New Braunfels residents, the coming year will provide an opportunity to reflect on nearly two decades of civic growth while looking ahead to the next chapter in the city's leadership.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for continued coverage of New Braunfels city government, community development, local leadership, and the issues shaping the future of the community.
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.
