Commissioners to vote on economic development plan

El Paso County Commissioners have been increasing their focus on economic development around the county lately, part of a re-focused set of priorities. So far, it can be seen in recent public-private partnerships, activity around the Tornillo port of entry, and the recently approved downtown historic building survey.

“(We have) architecture that was created more than a hundred years ago that is still standing,” said County Judge Veronica Escobar after a vote on the survey Feb. 8, “and if preserved, can be a tool for tourism, can be a tool for economic development.”

In line with that, county commissioners will hold a special meeting Monday morning to with the agenda set to “receive a presentation from Market Street Services regarding the development of an economic development strategic plan and policy for the County of El Paso.”

Market Street, a private consulting firm, was hired by the county last year on a $25,000 contract to analyze the county’s efforts to attract new businesses to our area and provide feedback on what is being done right and what could be done better when it comes to economic development.

That is something that commissioners seem to have taken an interest in based on recent votes, and Monday’s decision could lead to even more.
“You know, when you have a vital core, a vibrant core,” said Commissioner David Stout, “it benefits the whole city. You create a larger tax base, money comes back into the coffers and you can spend it in other parts of the county.”

You can find the full agenda for Monday’s special meeting on the county’s website.