ADVOCACY EFFORTS
Your Voice for a Stronger Business Community
The El Paso Chamber is committed to being the voice of business at every level of government. Through proactive engagement with local, state, and federal leaders, we advocate for policies that strengthen our regional economy, support a thriving business environment, and position El Paso for long-term growth. From the border to the Capitol, we show up for our members and our community.
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is modernizing the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) to address aging infrastructure, safety, and capacity needs, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. As part of this process, GSA selected Alternative 4, which would eliminate all commercial cargo operations at the bridge.
El Paso is the 22nd largest city in the United States and the 6th largest in Texas. It is next to Mexico, the 15th largest economy on the planet and it is on a favorable trajectory by almost all measures. EMCo’s mission is to ensure that El Paso’s transportation infrastructure keeps pace and even enhances El Paso’s already strong track.
Through community engagement sessions, support for grant applications, and amplification of ongoing reporting, the Chamber has championed the funding and construction of the Downtown Deck Plaza throughout the year. This transformational project is projected to generate over $1 billion in economic activity for the downtown area in the coming decades.
In February, during the El Paso Days in Austin delegation trip, the Deck Plaza was highlighted as a top regional priority in our legislative agenda, underscoring its role as a catalyst for economic growth and quality of life in the Borderplex region. We most recently partnered with the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation and the El Paso Downtown Management District to host an information session that shared key project updates, clarified facts, and helped build community excitement and support. Looking ahead to 2026, the Chamber plans to host similar engagements with partners such as TxDOT and others to further advance this transformative project.
As part of the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to addressing local issues that shape our region’s quality of life, the El Paso Chamber convened policymakers, education leaders, private sector developers, nonprofit organizations, and public administrators for the Second Annual Summit on Building a Child-Friendly El Paso.
The session provided a focused briefing on the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) El Paso, exploring how a child-centered approach can strengthen education outcomes, neighborhood safety, health, mobility, and youth opportunity across the region. It also introduced the initiative’s framework, highlighted early priorities, and outlined how organizations and residents can take part in shaping next steps.
This engagement underscores the Chamber’s role as a regional convener—bringing together diverse voices to collaborate on solutions that enhance the economic vitality, livability, and long-term resilience of the Borderplex community. The event drew over 100 El Pasoans, all united by a shared commitment to collaboration and to moving our region forward.
Earlier this year, the El Paso Chamber announced a $150 million state allocation for Phase 3 of the Borderland Expressway—a major milestone in advancing this transformative regional mobility project.
In April, the Chamber led a delegation of regional leaders before the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) to advocate for the project’s inclusion in the state’s transportation funding plan. Once complete, the Borderland Expressway will reduce congestion, enhance trade efficiency, and provide a new route for commercial and passenger vehicles traveling around El Paso, strengthening the region’s position as a key logistics and trade corridor.
This year, the El Paso Chamber strengthened its role as a leading voice for pragmatic, pro-business immigration reform. Working alongside the Comité de 100, a national advocacy committee advancing bipartisan immigration solutions, the Chamber helped elevate the Borderplex region’s perspective in national policy discussions and connected local employers to reform efforts that support workforce stability and economic growth.
With support from a grant by FWD.us, the Chamber expanded its outreach and facilitated community conversations focused on modernizing immigration policy to reflect the realities of our border economy. As part of this effort, the Chamber partnered with the Office of Congresswoman Veronica Escobar to host the 2025 Dignity Act Town Hall, providing a platform for the community to engage directly with policy proposals aimed at advancing a balanced and business-friendly approach to immigration.