NEWSLETTER

May 13 , 2024

May 6th - May 10th

El Paso marks a successful Economic Development Week with a burst of activities highlighting our city's growth and potential.

Throughout the week, we showcased our commitment to fostering economic prosperity, innovation, and community development. From Chapter 380 agreements approved, an Open House to meet the team, to supporting collaborative initiatives like Walk About Wednesday with the El Paso Chamber to mention a few.

We celebrate the expansion of key industries like Advanced Manufacturing, Intelligent Infrastructure, Logistics, and Healthcare. Our team is currently representing us at the Defense Industrial Base Conference (DIBCON) to cultivate further growth that is essential for enhancing El Paso's diverse economic landscape.

The week's success is a testament to our collective efforts in promoting economic resilience and opportunity for all. We anticipate building on this momentum and continuing to drive sustainable growth and prosperity across our vibrant city.

Recompete Pilot Program Update

We’re thrilled to announce that the City of El Paso has submitted its Phase 2 grant application for the Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program. Our partners invaluable support has been instrumental in shaping our application, and we are confident in our submission. 

In our application, we have requested $50 million in federal funding to create and support quality jobs, fostering a more equitable workforce ecosystem for over 5,000 families. This initiative includes three key projects focused on sector-based workforce training, job placement, wraparound services, and supporting local small- and medium-sized enterprises in high-growth industries such as Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, Intelligent Infrastructure, Logistics, and Healthcare.

Over the next five years, our efforts aim to:

• Provide case management services to 5,000 prime-age residents of El Paso County
• Train approximately 3,500 individuals and place ~2,580 into quality jobs
• Support ~2,300 individuals with wraparound services
• Offer business development support to 3,000 local businesses annually

We are proud to have applied as the lead applicant, with support from 110 organizations spanning public, education, faith-based, philanthropic, and industry sectors. Our industry partners have committed to hiring approximately 2,400 Recompete participants in priority industries.

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) will conduct reviews and site visits through June 5th. For questions, inquiries, or to host a site visit at your business, please reach out to Adriana Pulecio at pulecioam@elpasotexas.gov.

We anticipate hearing about the grant decision in late summer and will provide updates. 

City-County Partnership Boosts

Chapter 381 Compliance for Economic Growth

We are excited to share news of a collaborative effort between our City's Compliance Team and the County's Economic Development Team to support Chapter 381 compliance initiatives.

Our City's Compliance Team works closely with the County's Economic Development Team to ensure the successful implementation and adherence to Chapter 381 agreement compliance. This collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering economic growth and development within our community.

Chapter 380 and Chapter 381 of the Local Government Code enables municipalities and counties to provide various incentives to encourage economic development, including grants, loans, and other financial assistance to promote job creation and stimulate business activity.

By supporting the County's Economic Development Team, our City Compliance Team aims to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and maximize the impact of Chapter 380 and Chapter 381 agreements.

Together, we are dedicated to fostering a business-friendly environment that attracts investment, promotes innovation, and supports sustainable economic growth. We expect to continue this collaborative effort and achieving positive outcomes for our community.

Fab Lab El Paso: Empowering Innovation

Fab Lab El Paso has partnered with the City's Economic & International Development on technical training programs in computing and engineering to upskill incumbent workers and exiting soldiers to future proof their work as well as with opportunity youth and transitioning populations to help reskill them onto a path towards family-sustaining wage.

Fab Lab connects early STEM engagement, especially with young women of color and economically disadvantaged youth, with certification-based innovation skills training to strengthen and diversify the tech talent pipeline for our region.

Over the past ten years, Fab Lab forged partnerships with industry leaders like Microsoft, NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Autodesk to help close the skills, employability, diversity, and equity gaps for cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, software development, space sciences, and advanced manufacturing. Fab Lab keeps working to train and assist the most vulnerable members of our community who may not be able to attend 2-year or 4-year colleges right now.

Lets celebrate the relationship between Fort Bliss and the El Paso Community.

This Inaugural Armed Forces Day event is open to active-duty military, veterans, and community members. As the saying goes – El Paso is

Fort Bliss and Fort Bliss is El Paso.

Join the 20th Annual International Women’s Business Symposium!

Elevate your knowledge, and inspire others in our dynamic learning forum composed of many strong and wise women from our community.

This dynamic event is tailored for small business owners and leaders in El Paso, offering morning and afternoon sessions both in-person and virtually.

Delve into cultural dynamics, network with diverse entrepreneurs, and gain strategic insights to grow your business.

Maximize your company's potential with Workforce Business Solutions' "TRAIN TO GAIN" program!

It encompasses tuition, curriculum, instructor fees, and materials, providing a comprehensive 12-months boost to employee skills and productivity.

MED Week 2024 Awards Ceremony & Grand Finale Reception, celebrates the achievements of standout businesses in our community!

It's an opportunity to network, celebrate diversity, and recognize excellence.

Free SizeUp Demos (April 28-May 4): Spread awareness in your community with our free Economic Development Week demos.

Open Office Hours: Replacing webinars, we'll be hosting live Q&A sessions for your businesses - Share the link sizeup.info/openhouse

Check out Project Vida's Economic Development Program, fostering small businesses offering tailored business solutions, enriching seminars, and vital support services for entrepreneurial growth and prosperity.