Mayor Cook Says Downtown Is Key To City’s Renaissance

One word dominated El Paso Mayor John Cook’s 2011 State of the City speech: Renaissance.

“With the key strategies of reviving our downtown, protecting and enhancing our parks and open space, and improving mobility, we’ve made great strides during our cultural and economic Renaissance,” Cook said.

Cook then spoke about the Downtown Renaissance that began with the Plaza Theatre’s restoration.

“Any city that is in search of Renaissance must have plans that include a vibrant Downtown,” Cook said. “The Downtown is already becoming a happening place where a new generation will make memories that will last a lifetime. I’m reminded of Petula Clark’s lyrics (to the song ‘Downtown’).”

Cook, famous for taking his guitar and singing at some of his speeches, spoke the Downtown lyrics rather than singing them.

“Don’t worry, Richard (Dayoub, president of Chamber of Commerce), I’m not going to break out my guitar and sing even though our Downtown is becoming something to sing about,” Cook said.

Cook’s speech also included talking about the Borderland’s economic impact.

“The Greater El Paso region is the center for economic activity in West Texas, Southern New Mexico and Northern Mexico,” Cook said. “As the 19th largest city in the U.S., and with more than 2.3 million people within a 50-mile radius, El Paso represents one of the largest international borderplexes in the world. El Paso’s county-wide population has grown to more than 800,000. That’s more than a 17 percent increase since 2000. And according the UTEP Borderplex forecast, our economy is expected to reach $23.4 billion in 2011.”