Black El Paso Voice

All Things Black in El Paso

City of El Paso

Mayor Renard Johnson Expresses Concern Over Proposed El Paso Electric Rate Increase

by

EL PASO, Texas—Mayor Renard Johnson today released the following statement regarding El Paso Electric’s proposed rate increase and its potential impact on the community:

“I was informed of El Paso Electric’s proposed rate increase and the potential negative impact it will have on our residents.

The City Attorney’s Office will brief the City Council during Executive Session at the upcoming City Council meeting on Monday, February 3, to determine next steps.

I am deeply concerned about this proposed increase, as it could place a substantial burden on all El Pasoans. The preliminary estimates are significant. I will take every necessary step to ensure that our residents’ interests are protected throughout this process.”

The City will host the next City Council Agenda Review and Work Session meetings, to include Executive Session, at 9 a.m. Monday, February 3, at City Hall, 300 N. Campbell. The regular City Council meeting will take place at 9 a.m. Tuesday, February 4, at City Hall, 300 N. Campbell.

For more information about City Council meetings, visit https://ElPasoTexas.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.

###

City Hosts Re-Opening Ceremony for Veterans Recreation Center

by

WHO: The City of El Paso
WHAT: Grand Re-opening Ceremony for Veterans Recreation Center
WHEN: 4 p.m. Monday, January 27, 2025
WHERE: Veterans Recreation Center, 5301 Salem Drive

The City of El Paso invites the public to the grand re-opening ceremony for the Veterans Recreation Center, located at 5301 Salem Drive.

This highly utilized recreation center in Northeast El Paso received a $1.5 million facelift thanks to the 2012 Quality of Life Bond.

The renovations to this facility included:

  • New centralized restrooms
  • New game room (game room expansion)
  • New reception desks
    New surveillance system (CCTV)
  • Interior improvements (floors, paint, electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
  • New storefronts
  • Exterior paint

The renovations will breathe new life into this existing facility and allow it to serve the community for many more years to come. This project is part of the City of El Paso’s commitment to enhance the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors.

City News Release: El Paso Mayor Reaffirms Commitment to Safety, Collaboration, and Economic Prosperity

by

EL PASO, Texas—In a message shared earlier today, Mayor Renard Johnson highlighted his unwavering commitment to ensuring El Paso remains a safe, welcoming, and prosperous community. The Mayor’s remarks emphasized the unique strengths of El Paso as a border city, its importance in cross-border trade, and his priorities for public safety and collaboration.

“Living in a border community has been a tremendous gift for all of us who have chosen to make El Paso our home. We are a City defined by our warm and inviting people and a shared culture that enriches us all,” Mayor Johnson said.

Recognizing the challenges and opportunities presented by El Paso’s position as a border city, Mayor Johnson emphasized the importance of strong partnerships in addressing migration and public safety. He extended his gratitude to El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego for his continued collaboration and support.

“Judge Samaniego and I have been in discussions about how we can best address migration and ensure public safety for all residents. I want to thank him, along with all of our local community partners, for their leadership and collaboration. The City is committed to strengthening our bond with the County and working closely with all of our partners to support the needs of our community,” Mayor Johnson said.

The Mayor also underscored the critical role of cross-border trade in El Paso’s economic success, pledging continued collaboration with local, state, and federal authorities on both sides of the border. “Cross-border trade is essential to the success of our community and its economic future. My team and I will continue to work with partners at every level of government to ensure we maintain and grow this vital aspect of our economy,” he said.

Mayor Johnson further addressed the potential impacts of policy changes from the new federal administration. He committed to monitoring developments closely and delivering timely, clear, and accessible updates to the community.

“One of my top priorities has always been maintaining a high level of safety and security for all El Pasoans. I am proud to say we live in one of the safest communities in the state, thanks to the dedication of our police department under Police Chief Peter Pacillas’ leadership,” Mayor Johnson noted.

The Mayor emphasized that public safety is foundational to the city’s wellbeing and pledged to ensure that everyone in El Paso feels secure when accessing schools, hospitals, places of faith, and other essential services.

“Public safety is best served when every resident feels safe and protected. I remain committed to working with our community, as well as local and federal partners, to address the impacts of recent announcements and ensure the safety of all El Pasoans,” he concluded.

Mayor Johnson’s message reflects his steadfast dedication to protecting residents, supporting economic growth, and preserving El Paso’s reputation as a safe and welcoming community.

###

City News Release: City Council Approves Construction for Advanced Manufacturing District – El Paso Sets Sights on Becoming a National Leader in Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation

by

EL PASO, Texas—The El Paso City Council has approved a contract to begin construction on the first phase of the Advanced Manufacturing District (AMD) at the El Paso International Airport.

The contract marks a considerable step toward making El Paso a hub for advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and defense industries.

The AMD will help grow local businesses and create more jobs in the region. Once completed, it is expected to serve as a launchpad for an estimated 300 new small and medium manufacturing companies and bring approximately 4,000 engineering and technology jobs and 13,000 high-skill technical jobs to Far West Texas by 2030, solidifying El Paso as a leader in innovation and workforce development.

“Creating high-paying jobs for our community has been one of my top priorities,” said Mayor Renard Johnson. “The Advanced Manufacturing District is a key investment in El Paso’s future, fulfilling that promise by opening doors to life-changing opportunities for our residents. This project will not only transform our local economy but also position El Paso as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and innovation.”

“This project highlights El Paso’s dedication to building a stronger, more innovative economy,” said City Manager Dionne Mack. “The Advanced Manufacturing District will boost our local supply chain, attract new industries, and create meaningful, high-quality jobs that will drive our region forward. It’s an exciting step toward a brighter future for our community.”

The AMD project began in September 2022 when the U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded $40 million to the West Texas Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Coalition through the Department of Commerce’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge. Of that, $25 million was given to the El Paso International Airport to develop the 250-acre AMD.

The AMD will bring together aerospace and defense companies, manufacturers, and support services. It will also provide resources and training for manufacturing technology startups and small- to medium-sized manufacturers. Purpose-built with a shared physical, cyber, and digital infrastructure, the District will address significant barriers to entry by providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.

Phase 1 of the project is envisioned to include the construction of a 50,000-square-foot stand-alone building and two 100,000-square-foot multi-tenant buildings. These proposed facilities would be tailored to the needs of small- and medium-sized manufacturers, fostering innovation and collaboration across industries.

For more information about the Advanced Manufacturing District and its impact on the region, visit the City of El Paso’s Advance Manufacturing website.

###

City News Release: City of El Paso Invites Community to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Tree Planting Event

by

EL PASO, Texas―The El Paso Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the 915 Tree Keepers Program, invites the community to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day by participating in a meaningful day of service.

Volunteers are needed to assist with a tree planting project at Washington Park.
This initiative will take place on Saturday, January 18, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., or until all trees are planted. Volunteers will meet in the main parking lot of Washington Park, located at 4201 E. Paisano Drive. Carpooling is encouraged to minimize environmental impact.

As part of the 915 Tree Keepers’ mission to improve Tree Equity in underserved areas, participants will help plant 24 trees at the park.

Since fall 2024, the program has successfully planted nearly 200 trees in collaboration with the City’s Parks and Recreation and the Streets and Maintenance departments.

The 915 Tree Keepers Program engages the community in environmental stewardship by providing opportunities for residents to plant and care for trees, helping to improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and beautify neighborhoods. To learn more about the program, visit 915 Tree Keepers website.

What to Know Before You Go:

  • Dress in layers for cooler morning weather; the event will proceed rain or shine.
  • Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.
  • Tools, gloves, and light refreshments will be provided.

How to Register:
To join this impactful event, register via this link or call 915-337-2444. Minors under 18 must submit a signed consent form, available via this link.

This tree planting event is one of many ways the El Paso community can celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Established as a National Day of Service in 1994, MLK Day encourages Americans to strengthen their communities and serve others in honor of Dr. King’s life and work.
###