El Paso City Council Unanimously Approves Zoning Changes to Support 10,000 New Downtown Housing Units by 2040

The El Paso City Council on Monday took several significant actions aimed at shaping the city's growth over the next two decades, the most far-reaching being a unanimous vote to amend Title 20 zoning regulations for the C-5 downtown district. The changes, which permit childcare facilities, corner stores, and self-storage businesses, are intended to support the city's goal of adding 10,000 new housing units downtown by 2040, according to council proceedings streamed on the city's official video portal.

The zoning overhaul is designed to make downtown living more practical for families and residents by allowing neighborhood-scale commercial uses within residential areas. Advocates for the changes argued that permitting corner stores and childcare centers within walking distance of new homes will reduce car dependence and improve quality of life. The unanimous vote reflected broad council consensus on the need to update land-use rules that have not been revised in years as the city's population and economic ambitions have grown.

Anti-Displacement Strategy and Task Force Formed

In a parallel move to protect existing residents, the council adopted a comprehensive anti-displacement strategy and directed City Manager Tommy Gonzalez to form a cross-sector task force. The task force will focus on identifying and mitigating displacement risks in vulnerable neighborhoods near areas targeted for new development. The strategy acknowledges that downtown revitalization, while beneficial for the tax base and housing supply, can also price out long-term residents if not managed carefully. The formation of the task force represents a concrete effort to balance growth with affordability, though no specific funding or timeline for its recommendations was announced during the meeting.

The council also voted 5-3 to reject a motion that would have terminated the Chapter 380 economic development agreement with Meta for a proposed data center in Northeast El Paso. The agreement, which provides tax incentives to the tech giant, had drawn criticism from some residents and council members who questioned the return on investment. However, the majority opted to maintain the deal, arguing that the data center would bring jobs and infrastructure investment to a part of the city that has long sought economic diversification. The vote was recorded and streamed via the council's YouTube channel, with council members offering differing views on the agreement's long-term value.

Infrastructure and Facility Investments Approved

The council approved a $572,053 contract to Veliz Construction for roof improvements at the Galatzan Recreational Center gym, a project aimed at extending the life of a popular community facility. Additionally, the sale of city-owned properties totaling over $138,000 was authorized. On the economic development front, a $10 million investment by Host International to modernize dining concessions at El Paso International Airport received council approval, a move expected to improve the travel experience for residents and visitors alike.

Budget adjustments also drew attention: the council authorized the transfer of $3.6 million in unspent bond proceeds to the Railroad Drive project but postponed further review and construction timelines. The delay means the infrastructure work along that corridor will not proceed immediately while city staff re-evaluate costs and scope. The series of votes and policy moves, taken together, signal a council focused on both long-range planning and near-term facility maintenance, with the zoning changes representing the most ambitious effort to reshape the urban core in years.