El Paso Economy Grows Despite National Economy Drop

The nation’s economy slowed so significantly –by 2.9 percent in the first quarter of 2014–it was the worst performance in five years.

But some say the numbers here in the Borderland tell a different story. Interim City Development Coordinator Javier Camacho said El Paso has seen nothing but positive growth.

“If you’re comparing 2013 to 2003, the El Paso area has experienced a 12.9 percent economic increase,” Camacho said.

Camacho also said the unemployment rate has decreased, further showing the economy in El Paso is still thriving.

“When you look at El Paso, just in January of this year it was at 9 percent,” Camacho said. ” We’re currently standing at 6.7 percent.”

Ken Miyagishima, the Las Cruces mayor, said the neighboring country has a large part to do with the economic growth.

“Well I think the big thing is our friends there in Mexico,” Miyagishima said. “I mean, you are talking about people who have money to spend in either El Paso or Las Cruces. That’s a big engine that keeps our economies going.”

Camacho also said the average income has increased 9 percent in the last year, from $36,000 to $39,000. He also said the revitalization of downtown El Paso, such as the new ballpark, has helped grow business as well.