PRESENTER: Presenter
Jeff Jewell, Economic and Community Development Director
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of a resolution supporting a collaborative effort between the City of New Braunfels, the City of Seguin, and Texas State University for a Workforce Study in Comal and Guadalupe Counties.
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DEPARTMENT: Economic and Community Development
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of New Braunfels and the City of Seguin share in the management of the Regional Workforce Education Alliance (RWEA) as a multi-stakeholder assembly for clear communication, aligned efforts, collaboration, and targeted support for workforce education efforts. Recently, the RWEA has evaluated and considered the benefits of a workforce study to provide regional leaders, educators, employers and workforce organizations with a clear actionable understanding of where alignment is strong, where gaps persist and where targeted investments can have the greatest impact. At a time when state and regional education and workforce partners are making substantial investments in programs and initiatives, an evidentiary-based workforce study is beneficial to guide future investment decisions.
At the February 10, 2026 RWEA meeting, the Board approved a direction for the study. In lieu of pursuing a consultant, with an estimated cost of $150,000, an existing member of the RWEA - a professor at Texas State University - elected to lead and conduct the work as a university research project at no cost to the communities. The study “Mapping Education-to-Workforce Pathways in Comal and Guadalupe Counties: An Applied Research Study of Opportunity, Access, and Alignment” will aim to complete the following:
- Map existing educational, training, and credentialing opportunities across K-12, higher education, and noncredit workforce programs
- Analyze current and projected workforce demand in targeted industries, including high-demand and middle-skill occupations
- Identify structural, geographic, and access barriers that limit participation for students, workers, and underserved populations
- Deliver region-specific, actionable recommendations to strengthen education-to-workforce alignment and coordination
The study is anticipated to take a year with a final Regional Workforce Study provided to regional partners, EDCs, and City Council.
The Seguin City Council considered a similar resolution of support at their April 7, 2026 meeting.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☒Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☐Community Identity
☐Organizational Excellence ☒Community Well-Being ☐N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for this study.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff and the RWEA recommend approval of this resolution in support of the study.