Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas –The City of El Paso has officially adopted its first-ever International Policy Agenda, marking a major milestone in the City’s global engagement efforts. This historic policy provides a strategic framework to guide binational collaboration, attract foreign direct investment, and modernize critical City-owned infrastructure, including international bridges and trade corridors.
“El Paso is a global gateway, and this agenda formalizes our commitment to leading on issues that matter across borders—from economic growth and infrastructure to public health and climate resilience,” said Mayor Renard Johnson. “With more than $145 billion in annual trade flowing through El Paso and over 1.4 million monthly pedestrian and vehicle crossings, the International Policy Agenda positions the City to better manage growth, promote safety, and enhance competitiveness on a global scale.”
Led by the Economic and International Development Department, in coordination with Strategic and Legislative Affairs, the agenda outlines three core goals:
Strengthening international partnerships with Ciudad Juárez, the State of Chihuahua, and the Government of Mexico through joint trade missions, shared programming, and data-driven collaboration;
Improving border infrastructure for trade and mobility, including feasibility studies and modernization projects for the Ysleta-Zaragoza, Paso del Norte, and Stanton ports of entry—many of which are City-owned assets; and
Facilitating trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) through incentive programs, site readiness efforts, and targeted prospecting with regional business organizations.
“El Paso’s international assets are key to our long-term success,” said City Manager Dionne Mack. “This agenda ensures we are not only maximizing the value of our City-owned infrastructure, but also taking concrete steps—like coordinating trade missions, developing shared FDI strategies, and advancing port modernization plans—that will drive economic opportunity for generations to come.”
For more information, visit www.elpasotexas.gov/econdev.
