This week's edition of your District 8
Newsletter is here! 
Check out everything you need to know below! 
Upcoming Meetings
Next City Council Meeting: 


When: Thursday, February 16, 2017
Time: 8:00 AM
Where: El Paso Zoo Event Pavilion, 4001 East Paisano

Your Weekly News & Updates

Thursday, February 9, 2017
"Why Downtown?"

Please  click here for more information about the Multipurpose Cultural & Performing Arts Center.

* Please Note: We are consistently updating the website, and will continue to do so to keep information flowing to the public.  
Your C ity in 5!
 
 
 
Community Meeting 
City to unveil near final design plans for  Sun City Lights Project at Kern Place

WHO : City of El Paso

WHAT: Open  house

WHEN : 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Monday, February 13, 2017

WHERE : Mesita Elementary, 3307 N. Stanto

WHY: The design for the Sun City Lights Project at Kern Place is nearly complete. The City of El Paso is hosting an open house style meeting to show off its progress on design plans for the signature archway for this Sun City Lights project. 
The project aims to define and highlight entrances to the City's iconic corridors and neighborhoods to create new economic development opportunities by combining public art, urban design, and neighborhood revitalization strategies.
Sun Metro Reminds Veterans of Discounted and Free Bus Rides 

EL PASO, Texas - Sun Metro reminds the public that it provides a free 90-day bus pass and a one month discounted rate through nonprofit agencies to qualified veterans. Veterans requiring transit services will have access to fixed-route service free up to 90 consecutive days. "Sun Metro is proud to honor veterans who have faithfully served our country," said Sun Metro Director Jay Banasiak. "We recognize the need for our veterans to have transportation and it is our honor to help our veterans where we can." 

To participate in the 90-day pass program or to obtain a 30-day discounted rate pass, interested veterans can visit their service agency for an application or call Sun Metro for a list of current participating agencies. Riders will be asked to show their Sun Metro issued Veteran ID and display their pass when boarding any Sun Metro fixed route bus. These programs will increase access to our high quality bus system throughout the service areas and assist veterans who seek new employment opportunities or have any other transit needs. This is a small way the City of El Paso thanks veterans for their dedication to our country. 

** For more information on the program, or currently participating agencies, please contact (915) 212-3338 or (915) 212-3340. For more information about Sun Metro, visit sunmetro.net or call (915)212-3333. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sunmetro or follow us on Twitter @SunMetro
City Council Approves Several Resolutions of Support for Low Income Housing Tax Credit Developments
One Resolution of No Objection also Approved

EL PASO, Texas - On Tuesday, the El Paso City Council approved Resolutions of Support for seven Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) developments. The City also approved a Resolution of No Objection for one development at the request of the developer. These projects will now continue in the process in which the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) will evaluate each development for tax credit awards. 

The tax credits being sought, subsidize 70 percent of the low income unit costs in a project; since this supports a significant portion of the cost of development, it is highly competitive. A Resolution of Support gives a proposal 17 points on their evaluation by TDHCA for final tax credit awards. A Resolution of No Objection provides 14 points for a proposal. Those points can be vital to a proposal as a total of approximately 170 points are available when TDHCA scores proposals.

Resolutions of Support
- Ardelle (185 affordable units)
Housing Authority of the City of El Paso

-Blue Flame Apartments (165 affordable units)
Housing Authority of the City of El Paso

- Medano Heights (185 affordable units)
Housing Authority of the City of El Paso

- Pellicano Place (185 affordable units)
Housing Authority of the City of El Paso

- Alameda Palms (116 affordable units)
Tropicana

- Ridgestone Estates (146 affordable units)
Investment Builders

- Villas at Sandstone (150 affordable units)
Investment Builders

Resolution of No Objection
- Caribe Palms (116 affordable units)

Tropicana About Low Income Housing Tax Credits: 
The Low Income Housing Tax Credit program is the country's most extensive affordable housing program. The LIHTC program gives State and local LIHTC-allocating agencies the budget authority to issue tax credits for the acquisition, rehabilitation, or new construction of rental housing targeted to lower-income households. At the State level, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) changed the rules and laws several years ago to allow municipalities to provide Resolutions of Support or Resolutions of No Objection for local LIHTC proposals. Developers, including private developers and the Housing Authority of the City of El Paso, now submit requests for Resolutions of Support to the City of El Paso. 
3 - 1 - 1 

For issues pertaining to the city that are not an emergency, please feel free to dial 311. The operators are more than qualified to assist you in matters such as overgrown weeds, pot holes, street lights, traffic lights, etc.
 
City Launches New Website Featuring Veteran Resources and Services 


EL PASO, Texas - The City of El Paso is proud to announce that a new veteran specific website is now up and ready to serve the veteran and military community in the borderland :


The informative website, hosted by the City, provides valuable information in a centralized location to help veterans and their families better find resources and services. The website features information on education, training, employment, childcare, healthcare, food assistance, transportation, and housing. Rather than searching for each of these resources individually, users can now visit one website to find all this information in a simple to use format. The City in recent years has focused its efforts on our veteran community by creating new initiatives in honor of our city's heroes. 

In addition to the new website, the City has also brought on other veteran specific initiatives. Military Affairs Liaison - This newly created position is currently in the interview process and is expected to be filled in the coming weeks. This employee will serve as the liaison between the City organization and Fort Bliss, and will also be involved in the development of special interest programs for veterans and dependents. The Military Affairs Liaison will be under the direction Deputy City Manager Cary Westin who oversees the Economic Development and Tourism portfolio. Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee - This committee was formed to serve as a source of information related to the status, resources and services available within the El Paso community to the City's large veteran population. 

In addition, the committee is asked to evaluate and recommend programs, policies and practices designed to alleviate veterans' difficulties in meeting basic needs related to transportation, housing, employment and other areas affecting veterans in the city. Annual Veteran City Employee Luncheon - Knowing that veterans are living and working all around us, the City of El Paso has started a new tradition, a Veterans Day Luncheon for its more than 600 employees who are proud veterans. This luncheon allows City leaders to thank our veterans not only for their service to the City of El Paso, but also for their service to our Country. Veteran Employment Incentive - In 2015, City Council approved an update to its economic development incentive policy which includes a bonus rebate (property or sales tax) for companies that actively employ veterans (15% of their workforce) and establish a formal veteran hiring program.
El Paso City Council Meeting Rescheduled
City leaders to travel to State Capitol

El PASO, Texas - Today, El Paso City Council approved to reschedule the city council meeting from February 21 to February 28.
 
The date change will allow for several members of City Council to attend El Paso Days in the State Capital that begins the week of February 20.
 
Each legislative session, City leaders meet with state legislators and representatives from state agencies to discuss the city's needs for the legislative session.
Hands-Only CPR can Save Lives
El Paso Fire Department Encourages the Public to Learn Hands-Only CPR

EL PASO, Texas - Heart disease is the number 1 killer of Texans, with four out of five cardiac arrests occurring at home. Often times, friends, family or colleagues are the first by-standers when these medical emergencies occur. By having the majority of the populace trained in hands-only CPR, important medical intervention can occur while first-responders arrive.
Every year, the El Paso Fire Department conducts several events to teach hands-only CPR to the public. For the second year, EPFD will join the Texas Two Step statewide campaign. Training teams representing all 11 Texas medical schools will conduct this statewide hands-only CPR training to raise public awareness and train as many people as possible to save lives.
Training teams representing all eleven Texas medical schools will conduct this statewide hands-only CPR training to raise public awareness of hands-only CPR and train as many people as possible to save lives.
The El Paso Fire Department will be offering the public FREE lessons on basic, hands-only CPR on Saturday Feb. 11 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sun Metro Terminal on 601 S. Santa Fe St.  "The emphasis is to teach people to get involved when they see an emergency by first calling 9-1-1 and then doing hands-only CPR until help arrives," said Fire Paramedic Martin Dominguez. "It just takes 5 minutes to learn Citizen CPR, but hopefully those who take this class will want to take a full CPR class in the future."

Smell gas, now what?
EPFD and Texas Gas remind the public what to do during gas leaks

El Paso, Texas  -The El Paso Fire Department and Texas Gas Service would like to remind the public that if you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately and call 9-1-1. Natural gas piping can be above and below ground, adjacent to structures or above buildings. Therefore, be alert for odors, sounds or visual signs that may indicate a possible leak.
Remember, in its natural state, you cannot smell natural gas. So Texas Gas Service adds a chemical called
mercaptan which has a strong pungent sulfur-like or rotten eggs odor to warn you if a natural gas leak is present. You may also hear a loud roaring or high-pitched hissing sound. You may also have a natural gas leak if you see any of the following: (a) dirt or water blowing into the air (b) standing water continuously bubbling (c) unexplained dead or discolored vegetation/grass or (d) dry spots in a moist field.

* If you smell, hear or see a possible gas leak, leave the area immediately and notify others to do so as well. Notify others in person, not by phone or text. Do not ring the doorbell; knock instead. Abandon any equipment being used in or near the area. Move in an upwind direction away from the leak and maintain a safe distance.

* Do not operate appliances, lights, phones (landlines or cell), garage doors or any other electrical equipment if you smell natural gas. Electrical currents from these devices can spark an explosion.

* After you leave the potentially affected area, call 9-1-1 to report a natural gas leak. Please do NOT use email, our website or social media to report a natural gas emergency.

* Stay away from the building until an official familiar with the situation tells you it is safe to return.

* Once your natural gas has been shut off, do not try to turn it back on. For your safety, only a qualified technician may perform this task.
Remember, the El Paso Firefighters and Texas Gas employees know what to do in these situations. But it is important you first find safety, then call 911.
Traffic Updates 
You are not in traffic, you are traffic. Stay updated on closures and delays to make sure you are always on time! 
 Stay Informed! 

Check out these links for updates on traffic in El Paso 



El Paso Streetcar Project






Happenings & Events in El Paso! 
Check out the events below! There is always something to do in El Paso!
AARP Providing Free Income Tax Preparation  at Parks and Recreation Locations

EL PASO, Texas - The AARP Foundation is offering free income tax preparation for low to moderate-income taxpayers at various City of El Paso Parks and Recreation senior centers through April 17.
Any person, of any age, may use this service and does not need to be an AARP member. Each individual tax return usually takes volunteer tax preparers about half an hour to complete. The free service is on a first come, first served basis so early arrival is encouraged.
"Last year AARP did more than 7,000 tax returns through the various locations," said AARP Foundation Coordinator Carol Baker. The following senior center locations offer the tax preparation service:

Tax Preparation Locations
- Memorial Senior Center 1800 Byron St.
(Mondays and Wednesdays) 562-4260

- Polly Harris Senior Center 650 Wallenberg Dr.
(Tuesdays and Thursdays) 581-9525

- Eastside Senior Center 3200 Fierro Dr.
(Wednesdays and Fridays) 591-4292

- Hilos de Plata Senior Center 4451 Delta Dr.
(Fridays) 533-3207.

** For more information, call (915) 544-0753.
El Paso Public Library Opens
Poetry Contest for Students

EL PASO, Texas - The El Paso Public Library is now accepting entries for its annual Youth Poetry Contest open to area students.
The 27th annual contest requires students from 1st to 12th grade to submit original poems that will be judged separately in each grade level and language. The poems will be judged on originality, creativity, clarity, and spelling.  Three winners from each grade level will be selected, along with two honorable mentions from each library branch. Winners and honorable mentions will be invited to an awards ceremony with an opportunity to read their poems to an audience. All selected poems will be published in an official poetry contest booklet.  The deadline for entries is Saturday, April 22. For more information, including rules, visit the El Paso Public Library at www.elpasolibrary.org
Museums and Cultural Affairs Department S eeks Artists for "My City, My Home" Project

EL PASO, Texas - The City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department (MCAD) is seeking artists or artist teams for "My City, My Home," an aesthetic improvement project.  The artwork will be used throughout downtown and reproduced for application on utility boxes and other structures. Submissions should reflect the vibrancy of the El Paso arts and cultural heritages and be suitable for viewing by all ages. A design stipend of $250 will be offered to the chosen artworks.  Applications must be submitted by February 16. For more information and to download applications, visit the Museums and Cultural Affairs website at www.elpasoartsandculture.org
El Paso Senior Games Opening Ceremonies
9:00 a.m. on February 25, 2017 at Polly Harris Senior Center

The City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department will host the El Paso Senior Games Opening Ceremonies at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2017, at the Polly Harris Senior Center, 650 Wallenberg Dr. The Games are being sponsored by United Healthcare and Urgent Care Home Heath Inc.
The Senior Games will have a variety of competitive sporting events on an individual and team basis during February, March, April and May; culminating with an awards banquet at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at Hilos de Plata Senior Center, 4451 Delta St. with a separate fee of $8. Participants in the El Paso Senior Games must be 50 years of age or older to compete and for more information call (915) 544-0753.

Registration fee :
$15 Includes 2 events and an official Senior Games T-Shirt
$5 Cost of each additional event
$45 Includes cost to participate in all events

Event
Date
Time
Location
Basketball Skills
Saturday, February 25th
10:30am
Galatzan Recreation Center, 650 Wallenberg Dr.
Swimming
Saturday, March 4th
8am
Memorial Aquatic Center, 3251 Copper Ave.
Table Tennis
Tuesday, March 7th
1pm
Table Tennis Club, 2727 Wyoming St.
Huachas (Washers)
Tuesday, March 14th
9am
Memorial Senior Center, 1800 Byron St.
Pickle Ball
Saturday, March 18th
9am
Gary del Palacio Recreation Ctr., 3001 Parkwood St.
Horseshoes
Tuesday, March 21st
8am
Eastside Senior Center, 3200 Fierro St.
Volleyball
Saturday, March 25th
9am
Marty Robbins Recreation Center, 11620 Vista Del Sol Dr.
Golf
Wednesday, March 29th
8am
Ascarate Park Golf Course, 6900 Delta Dr.
Basketball
Saturday, April 1st
9am
Don Haskins Recreation Center, 7400 High Ridge St.
Bowling
Monday, April 3rd
9am
Bowl El Paso, 11144 Pellicano Dr.
Tennis
Saturday, April 8th
8am
Memorial Park Tennis Courts, 3251 Copper Ave.
Cycling
Saturday, April 22nd
7am
Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Dr.
Road Race/Race Walk
Saturday, April 29th
7:30am
Cohen Stadium, 9700 Gateway North Blvd.
Track and Field
Saturday, May 6th
8am
Montwood High School, 12000 Montwood Dr.
Banquet
Wednesday, May 17th
6pm
Hilos de Plata Senior Center, 4451 Delta Dr.
 
 

El Paso Parks and Recreation Events
February 14, 2017 

Tuesday, February 14
Monthly Rummage Sale - Hilos de Plata Senior Center, 4451 Delta Dr.
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Information (915)533-3207

Queen Coronation & Dance - Wellington Chew Senior Center, 4430 Maxwell Ave. 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - $3.00 entrance fee - Angel's Disco -Information (915)757-2523

Valentine's Day Dance - South El Paso Senior Center, 600 S. Ochoa
12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. - FREE - Manny Montanez Band - Information (915)577-9870

Valentine's Dance & Coronation - Wellington Chew Senior Center, 4430 Maxwell Coronation 10:00 am - Dance 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. - $5.00 - Angel's Disco - Information (915)757-2523

Valentine's Day and Queen Coronation - Polly Harris Senior Center, 650 Wallenberg Dr. Information (915)581-9525

Animal Services Partners with EPFD for "Firefighters and Furry Friends" Calendar
Free Pet Adoption Voucher with Purchase of Calendar
 
EL PASO, Texas - The Department of Animal Services and the El Paso Fire Department have come together to bring you a unique calendar that pairs loveable shelter pets with the brave men and women of EPFD. The "Firefighters and Furry Friends" calendar is on sale now at the Animal Services Shelter located at 5001 Fred Wilson Avenue, and is only $15. The calendar also includes a special voucher for a free pet adoption at Animal Services.  The calendar was made possible through a partnership between the City of El Paso Public Affairs Office, Department of Animal Services, the El Paso Fire Department, the International Association of Fire Fighters-Local 51, the City Manager's Office and the Snaps for Shelters organization.

The City Manager and the Mayor and City Council thought this was a unique way to get the community excited about adoption, and our partners were thrilled to make the calendar happen.  The goal of the Firefighters and Furry Friends calendar is to create awareness for the thousands of homeless pets that come into the Animal Services Shelter each year that are in need of a loving forever home.  To view a sample of the calendar, visit Animal Services' Facebook page, just search for "El Paso Animal Services." The Firefighters and Furry Friends calendar is available on a first come, first serve basis. Proceeds from the calendar will help Animal Services with reduced fee adoption events throughout the year.
Environmental Services Department Announces  Earth Day 2017 
"Trash Bin Art Contest"
 
El PASO, Texas - The City of El Paso Environmental Services Department (ESD) announces the return of the "Trash Bin Art Contest" that is open to adults as part of "El Paso's Earth Day Celebration."
 
The unique contest encourages residents to create an Earth Day themed art masterpiece on an unexpected surface - a trash bin! The contest is free and open to all El Paso-area adults who are 18 and older. Interested candidates must submit artwork renderings and registration packet by Friday, March 3.
 
The Environmental Services Department will select the top five contestants. The selected candidates will be given paint and supplies as well as a trash bin. All five contestants will be recognized and the top three contestants will receive trophies at the ESD Earth Day Celebration that is scheduled for Saturday, April 22, at the Municipal Services Center located at 7969 San Paulo.
 
*** More information on the Trash Bin Art Contest, including rules and guidelines, is available on the ESD website http://www.elpasotexas.gov/environmental-services
or by calling (915) 212-6058.
Vaccinations for Health
El Paso Fire and Health Departments announce February dates for free
flu vaccines to uninsured and those on Medicaid

EL PASO, Texas - The program "Vaccinations for Health" that teams up the El Paso Fire Department with the El Paso Health Department to provide free influenza, blood pressure and glucose screenings to patients 18 and older, colorectal screening kits to patients 50 and over and pneumonia vaccines to those 65 and older, will start again in February at the following locations and times:

 Thursday Feb. 9: Health Dept. Health Fair, 9031 Viscount Blvd., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Wednesday Feb. 15: EPFD Safety, Health Outreach Center, 5415 Trowbridge Dr., 1-5:30 p.m.

 Wednesday Feb. 22: EPFD Safety, Health Outreach Center, 5415 Trowbridge Dr., 1-5:30 p.m.

"There's no question that firefighters are some of the most respected members of our community," said Bruce Parsons, Assistant Health Director. "They assist those in need and have a rapport with those they serve. Those qualities, coupled with life-saving vaccines and screening tools will help us advance the health of Vaccinations for Health participants and the community."

Remember that the service is FREE to residents of El Paso and Hudspeth County who are 18 and over and DO NOT have medical insurance or are on Medicaid. We are encouraging residents who meet these guidelines to take advantage of the program. The goal of the program is to increase the wellness of our community who do not have access to these services.

*** For more information, residents are encouraged to call 3-1-1 or visit www.ephealth.com
Environmental Services Department Announces  2017  "Recycle Right,  El Paso"
 Video Contest
Open to area high school and middle school students

El PASO, Texas - The City of El Paso Environmental Services Department (ESD) is proud to announce the opening of its annual video contest for area students.

The "Recycle Right, El Paso" public service announcement (PSA) video contest is open to area high school students, and this year, area middle school students are also invited to participate.
The contest requires interested students to create a 30-second video PSA that focuses on the importance of recycling and how to "Recycle Right, El Paso." The video contest is free, and entries must be submitted by Friday, March 3.

The Environmental Services Department will select first, second and third place winners from middle school and high school student entries, with all winners receiving trophies. Winning students will be awarded during a regular El Paso City Council in the spring of 2017. The winning PSAs will be televised on City TV, the City's government channel, and showcased on the City's YouTube and other social media pages.

The Environmental Services Department Recycle Right El Paso division educates resident on recycling correctly by reminding residents that plastic, cardboard, paper and aluminum should be put in the blue recycling bin. Items that should never be placed in recycle bins include pizza boxes, yard waste, electronics and clothing.

***A complete list of contest rules and requirements is available on the "Recycle Right El Paso" webpage www.recyclerightEP.com 
City Council A pproves 20 Neighborhood Improvement Program Projects 
City-Wide
 
EL PASO, Texas  - On Tuesday, the El Paso City Council approved staff recommendations for 20 Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) projects. These projects were submitted by various neighborhood associations throughout the city and recommended by the Department of Community and Human Development - Neighborhood Services Division.
 
The purpose of the NIP is to provide recognized neighborhood associations and civic associations with the opportunity to request small-scale permanent physical improvement projects to enhance the quality of life in their neighborhoods. The process allows for residents to have direct input on physical improvements in their area. Funds for the current round are distributed equally throughout each District at an amount of $100,000. If a District has remaining funds from a previous round, those funds then rollover to the following round. During this current round of the program more than $977,000 will be invested in these communities. 
 
District
Neighborhood 
Association Project
1
Mountain Arroyos 
Sidewalk Gaps- Escondido, Robles & Espada
1 Borderland Borderland Park- Trees, bench & trash receptacle
1 Montoya Heights  Ruby Coates Park- Picnic table(s) & trash receptacle(s)
2 Central Summit Filmore Park- Playground canopy 
2 Mountain View Mountain View Park- Park lights*
3 El Paso Lower Valley  Sidewalk Gaps- Balsam & Mimosa 
3 Valley View/Crest Hills Sidewalk Gaps- Aztec & Navajo
3
Rosedale
Wayne Retention Pond- Rockwall
3
Cielo Vista
Edgemere Park- Bench *
4 Castner Heights
Curb Cut- Rutherford
4 Shearman Park
Median Landscaping- Angora Loop
5 Coyote Park 
Coyote Park- Park lights, picnic tables w/ metal canopies & trash receptacles
6 Pueblo Viejo 
Pueblo Viejo Park- Metal canopies for picnic tables
6 Valle de las Misiones
Socorro Rd. Landscaping- Salamanca & Vallarta
6 Eastide
Residential Streetlights- James Grant
7 YTP
Shawver Park- Benches, trees & trash receptacles
7 Save the Valley 21
Clifford Retention Pond- Rockwall
7 Santa Lucia Speed Indicators Signs- N. Carolina Dr.
8
Zach White
Jack D. Quarles Park- Grass seeding & irrigation, trees
8

Houston Park
Houston Park- Shaded picnic unit, benches and trash receptacles

( *Quantities dependent on savings from other District projects )


Benefits of Pneumonia Vaccine
Firefighters Encourage People over 65 to take the free pneumonia vaccine
 
EL PASO, Texas -The El Paso Fire Department would like to encourage citizens over 65, the people who are at a higher risk of getting ill, to take the pneumonia vaccine to help boost their immune system. Pneumococcal disease is an illness that can be serious, and can lead to death. Symptoms like fatigue, chest pain and difficulty breathing can appear without warning, and can be severe.  The pneumococcal vaccine prevents serious blood, brain and lung bacterial infections. Such infections include pneumonia, meningitis and septicemia. Many strains of pneumococcal disease are resistant to antibiotics. Bacterial infection is a leading cause of serious illness in adults and children worldwide. According to the C.D.C., in the U.S. alone, more people die from pneumococcal disease each year than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined.  Vaccination is the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease. There are two different types of pneumococcal vaccines. 

The El Paso Fire Department, in conjunction with the El Paso Health Department, offers eligible adults the one that protects against 23 strains of bacteria, commonly known as PPSV23. The vaccine is made using dead bacteria. Dead germs cannot make you sick.  Individuals over 65 who do not have insurance or have Medicaid can receive it from the El Paso Fire Department completely free. Additionally, adult individuals under 65 who have certain medical conditions like kidney disease, asthma, chronic heart or lung disease and other conditions that weaken the immune system should consult their primary health physician to discuss if the vaccine is right for them. With a physician prescription, the Fire Department will administer the vaccine to uninsured people ages 18-64.

* To find out the dates, locations and times for the next vaccine clinic, citizens can call 3-1-1.
Did you know...  
Facts about our Great City! 
Bond Refinancing Saves Almost $11 Million  Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Projections Add Another $6 Million

EL PASO, Texas - Today, the El Paso Downtown Development Corporation received a stadium financing update showing the refinancing of bonds approved by City Council in the summer of 2016 will save the taxpayers almost $11 million compared to projections made at the time the bonds were originally issued in 2013.
In addition, the 2% Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) revenue has increased faster than original projections, adding another $6 million dollars to the improved stadium financing projections.

"Before refinancing in 2016, the total excess of revenue over debt service expenditures was projected to be $1,046,000 by the year 2043. With the refinancing of the bonds and the newly projected HOT revenue, the estimated excess of revenue over debt service is now $18,022,000," said Chief Financial Officer Dr. Mark Sutter.
The other benefit of refinancing and revised HOT figures is that the new projections show the last annual general fund subsidy to the debt service should occur in 2022 instead of 2024.
El Paso Recognized Among the Top 3 for
Most Recession-Recovered Large Cities

EL PASO, Texas - A recent study from personal finance website www.WalletHub.com has ranked El Paso 3rd in its list of 2017's Most Recession-Recovered Large Cities. The Sun City also ranked among the best when looking at cities of all sizes, coming in at 13th.
According to the website, the purpose of the study is "to measure the progress of local economies since the financial crisis." WalletHub did this by comparing 505 U.S. cities of varying sizes across 18 key economic indicators, which include unemployment rate, homeownership rate, poverty rate, number of businesses, and gross metropolitan product (GMP) to name a few.
The study also revealed that El Paso ranked 3rd in its list of cities with the highest decrease in poverty rate.
"The results of this study shows that El Paso continues to move in the right direction," said Mayor Oscar Leeser. "We've worked hard to address issues like unemployment and business growth, which is exactly what this study analyzed to determine which economies have grown in strength. It is reassuring to see an outside entity recognize the outcome of our efforts and hard work."

2017's Most Recession-Recovered Large Cities (WalletHub.com)
Overall Rank City

1 Austin, TX
2 Denver, CO
3 El Paso, TX
4 Fort Worth, TX
5 Corpus Christi, TX

To view full study, please  visit here 

City of El Paso | District 8  | 915-212-0008 | district8@elpasotexas.gov | elpasotexas.gov/district8

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