Latest news with #DionneMack
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City to move planned public safety complex to near airport
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso City Council has approved relocating the planned public safety complex — funded through the 2019 Public Safety Bond — from Northeast El Paso to near El Paso International Airport. The complex was planned for Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and will now be built on Global Reach, the City said in a news release on Monday, May 12. The City says the move could save $22 million. 'The new location is expected to reduce construction costs, provide more space for future expansion, and position the City to explore additional regional partnerships,' the City said. The facility will house the Joint Police and Fire Training Academy, Police and Fire Department headquarters, and the Fire Department's Vehicle Maintenance and Logistics Center. The $163 million project was approved by voters as part of the $413 million Public Safety Bond in November 2019. 'Relocating the Public Safety Complex is a fiscally responsible move that aligns with our goal to deliver a modern, comprehensive training and operations facility for our first responders,' City Manager Dionne Mack said. 'This site gives us flexibility, room to grow, and the ability to adapt to future public safety needs.' A recent evaluation showed that the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard site would cost at least $22 million more to develop due to terrain conditions, elevation challenges, and limited utility infrastructure, the City said. Archeological protections and proximity to residential neighborhoods further restricted the site's potential, the City added. The Global Reach Drive site — adjacent to the El Paso International Airport — offers relatively flat terrain, better utility access, and space to support long-term development, the City said. The location also creates opportunities for future collaboration with regional partners, according to the City. The City of El Paso listed the following benefits: · Lower Development Costs: Reduced site preparation and utility extension expenses compared to the original location. · Room for Expansion: Space to accommodate future public safety training needs and support facilities. · Improved Location: Easier access for multiple agencies and first responders. · Future Partnerships: Flexibility to support additional public safety uses as opportunities arise. 'As part of this decision, the City reaffirms its commitment to preserving open space in the Northeast. The more than 1,400 acres surrounding the original project site near Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. will remain dedicated open space, as previously committed, protecting natural landscapes and ensuring long-term community benefit,' the City said in its news release. Deputy City Manager Mario D'Agostino said: 'This is a long-term investment in our public safety infrastructure. We are making sure the site can support both our immediate operational needs and any future growth. By relocating to Global Reach, we're building smarter and positioning ourselves to adapt to evolving public safety demands.' The City will move forward with refining the design and cost of the project. A 'guaranteed maximum price' (GMP) is expected by winter 2025, and groundbreaking is anticipated in 2026, the City said. The project is being managed by the City's Capital Improvement Department in collaboration with Jordan Foster Construction, which was awarded the design-build contract in 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City adopts ‘international' agenda to improve relations, spur trade
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of El Paso has adopted what it is calling its first 'International Policy Agenda,' the City said in a news release on Monday, April 14. This historic policy provides 'a strategic framework to guide binational collaboration, attract foreign direct investment, and modernize critical City-owned infrastructure, including international bridges and trade corridors,' the City said. 'El Paso is a global gateway, and this agenda formalizes our commitment to leading on issues that matter across borders — from economic growth and infrastructure to public health and climate resilience,' Mayor Renard Johnson said. 'With more than $145 billion in annual trade flowing through El Paso and over 1.4 million monthly pedestrian and vehicle crossings, the International Policy Agenda positions the City to better manage growth, promote safety, and enhance competitiveness on a global scale.' The agenda outlines three core goals, according to the City: Strengthening international partnerships with Ciudad Juárez, the State of Chihuahua, and the Government of Mexico through joint trade missions, shared programming, and data-driven collaboration; Improving border infrastructure for trade and mobility, including feasibility studies and modernization projects for the Ysleta-Zaragoza, Paso del Norte, and Stanton ports of entry— many of which are City-owned assets; and Facilitating trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) through incentive programs, site readiness efforts, and targeted prospecting with regional business organizations. 'El Paso's international assets are key to our long-term success,' City Manager Dionne Mack said. 'This agenda ensures we are not only maximizing the value of our City-owned infrastructure, but also taking concrete steps — like coordinating trade missions, developing shared FDI strategies, and advancing port modernization plans — that will drive economic opportunity for generations to come.' For more information, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
El Paso City Council to discuss I-10 Deck Plaza funding, grocery affordability plan
The city of El Paso is once again on the hunt for money to fund the ambitious Downtown I-10 Deck Plaza project. During its meeting Tuesday, April 15, the El Paso City Council will hear a report from City Manager Dionne Mack on potential federal, state and local funding sources for the design and construction of the Deck Plaza. The search for funding comes as the city lost out on two potential grants that the City Council agreed to spend $750,000 to apply for. Additionally, the City Council will "request a formally adopted position statement from the (Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone) #5 board about potential boundary expansion and the use of TIRZ #5 funds for Deck Plaza design and/or construction activities," according to documents accompanying Tuesday's agenda. While city leaders have insisted that the Deck Plaza will not be put on the back of El Paso taxpayers, it's unclear how the city — already more than $30 million short of what's needed to address city roads — will come up with the hundreds of millions of dollars that will be required for the project. "The Deck Plaza is expected to require a combination of local, state and federal resources for design, construction and operations," the agenda document stated. "The ratios of funding will be significantly impacted by the current timeline for I-10 Downtown reconstruction, which is expected to begin in 2026." The City Council will also hear a plan to increase the threshold for placing budget transfers, contracts, bids, requests for proposals or qualifications on the City Council agenda. In 2004, the City Council approved placing such items on the regular agenda if the funds involved topped $500,000 —under the latest proposal, that number would be increased to $1.5 million. "About 54% of purchasing items fall under this threshold," a document attached to the agenda item states, "if this threshold increase is approved, it will save staff time when attending City Council meetings." The move comes after the City Council rejected a plan to extend bond oversight. Approval of the item would mean over half of city purchasing items are never included on a City Council agenda and therefore more difficult for the public to view. The City Council will also hear a plan from West-Central city Rep. Josh Acevedo to make discount pricing at El Paso grocery stores accessible to all customers. Acevedo's item calls for the city manager and city attorney to draft and present an ordinance within 120 days to require retail grocery stores "to offer fair access to discount pricing to all consumers, regardless of their access to or familiarity with digital technology." The proposal would require grocery stores in El Paso that offer digital coupons or discounts online, via text message or through digital applications to make such discounts available to all customers in the form of physical coupons. "My office has spoken to community members who maintain that a digital divide negatively impacts a significant portion of El Paso residents with regard to food discounts and access to healthy food options," Acevedo wrote in the agenda document. Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@ This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso City Council to mull Deck Plaza funds, grocery prices
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City of El Paso to host meetings on budget for FY2026
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of El Paso has scheduled a series of community meetings so the public can learn about the budget for Fiscal Year 2026. Meetings will be held in all eight City Council districts as the City works on creating a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. 'The budget represents much more than just figures; it serves as a road map for the growth and well-being of our community. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us prioritize essential services, infrastructure projects, and community programs,' City Manager Dionne Mack said. 'By participating in the budget process, you play a crucial role in shaping the decisions that affect our daily lives. We truly appreciate your involvement and cooperation in this important matter.' Here is a schedule of the community meetings: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 15 at 5:30 p.m., Westside Regional Command Center, 4801 Osborne Dr. 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 21, Gary Del Palacio Recreation Center, 3001 Parkwood St. 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, The Beast Urban Park Recreation Center, 13501 Jason Crandall Dr. 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1, Marty Robbins Recreation Center, 11620 Vista Del Sol Dr. 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8, Pavo Real Recreation Center, 9301 Alameda Ave. Hybrid Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 13. In-person will be at City Hall, 300 N. Campbell, main conference room, second floor. Virtual will be ID: 290 271 157 452. Passcode: wL23tw6V. Phone: (915) 213-4096, 577362616#. 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, Wayne Thornton Community Center, 3134 Jefferson Ave. 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15, Northeast Regional Command Center, 9600 Dyer St. In addition to the community meetings, the City has launched its annual Chime In! survey, which offers residents another way to share their input on services and priorities. The survey is available in both English and Spanish and can be accessed by clicking here. For more information about the City of El Paso's budget planning process, visit and click on the Tax and Budget tab. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mexican American Cultural Center to open in March
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The long-awaited grand opening for the City's new Mexican American Cultural Center is a little under two months away. The City's Museums and Cultural Affairs Department announced that the grand opening of the facility will be Saturday, March 22. The center is located at 201 W. Franklin Ave. in Downtown El Paso. 'This is more than just a building. It's a long-awaited, transformative space that honors and preserves the history, art, and contributions of the Mexican American community,' El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson said. 'The MACC will be a cultural landmark, bringing people together to celebrate the rich diversity that makes El Paso such a special place.' The MACC is 'a signature project of the 2012 Quality-of-Life Bond, overwhelmingly approved by voters. The nearly $16 million project developed by the City's Capital Improvement Department will provide a dynamic venue for the creation, exhibition, and celebration of Mexican American art and culture,' the City said in a news release. City Manager Dionne Mack added: 'The MACC represents the heart of a shared vision, built with deep respect for the cultural identity and creativity that defines El Paso. This center is not just an investment in our present. It's a promise to future generations that their stories, traditions, and artistic expression will be celebrated and preserved in a world-class space designed for all.' The MACC's location in the Downtown Arts district allows for 'strong synergy with our museums, performing arts centers, and major festivals, which collectively draw over 1.2 million attendees annually,' Quality of Life Managing Director Ben Fyffe said. The 40,000-square-foot facility features the following amenities, the City said.: An auditorium and black box theater A dance studio and recording studio A teaching kitchen A rooftop event space Multi-use classrooms and an artist-in-residence studio An exhibition space and community gallery, both debuting exhibits featuring El Paso and regional artists The MACC's grand opening will also serve as the celebration of the recently completed improvements to Cleveland Square Park, located next to the MACC, the City said. The day's festivities will include: Guided tours of the MACC Hands-on activities from MCAD The unveiling of two new exhibitions Food trucks Additional details about the grand opening festivities will be announced in the coming weeks. For more details on the Mexican American Cultural Center, including amenities, space rentals, and hours of operation, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
