EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - The El Paso City Council voted 7-1 Tuesday to approve a sweeping $1.2 billion downtown revitalization plan that officials say will transform the city's urban core over the next decade.
The plan, which has been in development for more than two years, calls for new mixed-use developments, expanded green spaces, a modernized transit hub, and infrastructure improvements designed to better connect El Paso's downtown to the border and surrounding neighborhoods.
What the plan includes
City Manager Tommy Gonzalez outlined the major components during Tuesday's council session:
- $400 million in new mixed-use residential and commercial developments along Oregon Street and Mesa Street corridors
- $250 million transit hub connecting Sun Metro bus routes, future streetcar extensions, and cross-border transit
- $200 million in infrastructure upgrades including new water lines, broadband fiber, and road improvements
- $150 million San Jacinto Plaza expansion and new downtown park network
- $100 million arts and cultural district anchored by the El Paso Museum of Art expansion
- $100 million in affordable housing units integrated throughout the development
Funding sources
"This isn't just about spending money. This is about investing in El Paso's future," said Mayor Oscar Leeser. "We've secured commitments from federal, state, and private partners that make this plan not just ambitious, but achievable."
"When you drive through downtown today and compare it to five years ago, the transformation is already underway. This plan accelerates that momentum tenfold." - District 2 Representative Alexsandra Annello
The funding breaks down as follows: approximately $450 million from federal infrastructure grants, $300 million from private development commitments, $250 million from city bonds (subject to voter approval in November), and $200 million from state economic development programs.
Timeline and next steps
Construction on the first phase is expected to begin in early 2027, with the transit hub and Oregon Street corridor as priority projects. The full plan spans 10 years, with major milestones every two years.
The lone dissenting vote came from District 6 Representative Claudia Rodriguez, who expressed concerns about the timeline for affordable housing. "I support the vision, but I want to see the affordable housing component move faster, not last," Rodriguez said.
A public comment period will remain open through April 15 for residents to provide feedback on the plan details. Community meetings are scheduled at each district community center through the end of the month.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
