The El Paso City Council met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10:01 AM in Council Chambers, with Mayor Bernard Johnson presiding. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, and discussion and action on 15 agenda items, including a data center policy framework, pothole repair practices, a charter amendment special election, and several economic development and infrastructure items. The meeting recessed at 1:36 PM and reconvened at 2:38 PM, adjourning at 6:15 PM.
Well, good morning, everyone, and welcome to City Council Chambers. Uh Ms. Pryne, I think we're ready to get started. Yes, sir. Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the presentation of the mayor's proclamations. We began this morning with a pledge of allegiance led by Del Valle High School at the invitation of City Representative Lili Limon. We have Leonardo Gomez, Cindy Hernandez, Eva Villarrial, Jaden Jimenez, and Rocío Miranda. All right. Thank you, Mayor. The marathon folks can come on up. Proclamation, City of El Paso, Texas. Whereas the El Paso Runners Foundation was established in two thousand six and has served as a venue to promulgate physical activity, health, and fitness among the El Paso community. And whereas the El Paso Runners Foundation mission is to organize a first class marathon that promotes health and fitness in the community, brings tourism to the region of El Paso, and provides support to local and national nonprofit organizations. And whereas the Miclobe Ultra Al Paso Marathon, an annual event held since two thousand seven, is a Boston Marathon qualifier and a highlight for the El Paso running community and beyond, attracting thousands of participants from across the United States and other countries. And whereas this year's El Paso Marathon route begins and ends at historic San Jacinto Plaza in downtown El Paso, with runners taking a scenic loop course through central El Paso, going as far east as Wedgwood Drive. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Mayor and Council of the City of El Paso that February twenty twenty six February twenty-two, twenty twenty-six shall be known as El Paso Marathon Runners Day, signed by our honorable mayor Bernard Johnson. Welcome runners. It's an old joke, but I'll say it again. We'll be brief because we got to run. Your consistent partnership has been instrumental in transforming this event from its modest beginnings with approximately 900 participants into the significant community pillar it is today. Now attracting nearly 7,000 athletes. So from its inception, the El Paso Marathon has been dedicated to a triparate mission, fostering health and wellness within our community, stimulating stimulating local tourism by drawing participants to our vibrant city and providing substantial financial support to local nonprofit organizations. This mission continues to drive our efforts and define our success. The event's growing prestige is evident in its expanding reach with athletes from 46 states. And this year we've got uh eight different countries represented. We're also proud to note that the engagement of over 190 participating teams underscores the collaborative spirit of the marathon. To date, our collective endeavors have enabled us to donate close to 450,000 to various local charities. The El Paso Marathon represents far more than a single athletic competition. It's a powerful demonstration of community, unity, and collective action toward a greater good. Such an ambition, ambitious undertaking would not be achievable without the steadfast backing of the city. The generous contributions of our sponsors, and the tireless dedication of over 300 volunteers who contribute their time and effort throughout race weekend. We particularly wish to acknowledge, and I've got two of them here, the exceptional commitment of our ambassadors. The dedicated group of two 20 individuals has worked diligently for months, actively recruiting participants and passionately advocating for the event. Their efforts alone have inspired over 600 people to register. On behalf of the entire El Paso Runners Foundation, our generous sponsors, LNF Distributors, Raies Federal Credit Union, Mikel Obultra, Spine and Rehab Specialist, visit El Paso. Sarah Fresh, thank you once again, Mayor and Council, for your invaluable support. We look forward to seeing you on race day or at least at the Kids Dash. So thank you once again. Thank you guys so much. Well, well, like you, I'm gonna keep my remarks brief because I know you guys have to run. So um thank you guys for putting on this event for the past 20 years, and this is a significant event for the the city of El Paso, and you touched on it, and we know that it takes a big team to pull this off, and it includes all the volunteers you talked about, all the sponsors, so we want to thank them, thank them as well. And again, you guys are doing more than just a race, you're contributing back to this economy. 450,000 you just mentioned to local charities. So thank you guys for what you're doing. And I have one quick question. Um does the uh race start in what can you give us a little bit more on the event, when it is the times? Well, race weekend starts out with Saturday. We'll be at the El Paso Convention Center for the Sarafresh Health and Fitness Expo, which of course is open to everybody. We expect at least 7,000 people to pass through the hall.