EP Days in Austin

Representing El Paso in Austin

El Paso Days in Austin is a city-led visit to the State Capitol that brings El Paso leaders, departments, and partners together to share the City's priorities, meet with state officials, and advocate for issues that matter to the El Paso community.

The purpose is to elevate El Paso's priorities at the State Capitol, strengthen relationships with state leaders, and support the City's adopted legislative agenda. Through meetings, advocacy, and coordination with state delegation and agencies. This engagement brings the city's state-level advocacy to life.

The City of El Paso's Strategic and Legislative Affairs Department is coordinating the City’s planning, meeting preparation, and updates for this effort and working in conjunction with the El Paso Chamber.

El Paso Days in Austin is happening March 2-3, 2027.

Group of men and women standing on staircase in work attire.

State Legislative Agenda for the 90th Texas Legislative Session

The State Legislative Agenda outlines the City of El Paso’s priorities for the 90th Texas Legislative Session. It helps guide the city’s work with the State Delegation, state agencies, and other partners during the legislative session.

The City’s general principles for the 90th Legislative Session include:

Protect City Financial Resources
Uphold Local Authority
Maximize State Resources

The City’s priority areas for the 90th Legislative Session include:

Critical Infrastructure
Public Safety
Core Municipal Services
Community and Economic Development
Military Affairs and Partnerships
Climate, Sustainability, and Energy Resilience

Proposed Legislation

The City has proposed the following legislation:

Project Financing Zone Eligibility: Legislation to expand Project Financing Zone eligibility for certain international border municipalities. The intent is to allow El Paso to use this economic development tool for qualified projects such as convention center facilities and related infrastructure.
Project Financing Zone Boundaries: Legislation to modify how Project Financing Zone boundaries may be drawn for certain border communities. This would help address challenges that occur when a standard radius extends beyond the City’s jurisdiction because of the international border.
Water Planning and Large Load Facilities: The city has proposed policy discussions related to how large load facilities, including data centers and artificial intelligence compute campuses, are considered in statewide and regional water planning. This topic includes water demand forecasting, drought resilience, and coordination with state agencies and local water providers.

Rider Requests

The city has identified the following rider requests for the 90th Legislative Session. These requests are intended to support major infrastructure and economic development priorities in El Paso.

I-10 Deck Plaza: The city is requesting state funding to support construction of the I-10 Deck Plaza project in coordination with other local, state, and federal funds.
Ysleta-Zaragoza Port of Entry: The city is requesting state funding to support construction activities, roadway and access improvements, facility upgrades, and related work at the Ysleta-Zaragoza Port of Entry.
Advanced Manufacturing District: The city is requesting state funding to support enabling infrastructure and initial facilities for the Advanced Manufacturing District, including site preparation, utilities, access, power, fiber, lighting, security, and shared-use industrial space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the City working with the El Paso Chamber?

Yes. The city will continue to coordinate with the El Paso Chamber where there are shared regional priorities and partnership opportunities. The City’s official advocacy program, meeting strategy, and legislative priorities will be guided by the city’s state legislative agenda.

Who may attend El Paso Days in Austin?

If you are interested in attending, please email [email protected].

City Departments:

Aviation	International Bridges
Capital Improvement	Libraries
City Attorney’s Office	Museum & Cultural Affairs/EP Destination
City Council	Planning & Inspections
Code Enforcement	Public Health
Community & Human Development	Real Estate
Community Driven Innovation	Strategic Communications Office
Economic & International Development	Sun Metro
El Paso Police	Urban Planning & Design Division

Partner Organizations:

El Paso Chamber, Opportunity Center

What issues will be discussed?

Discussion topics will be guided by the city’s adopted State Legislative Agenda. Topics may include infrastructure, public safety, municipal services, economic development, housing, ports of entry, military partnerships, water, utilities, climate resilience, data centers policy framework, DWI policy framework, and state funding opportunities.

Strategic & Legislative Affairs