Special Joint Binational City Council Meeting - June 10, 2026
Special Joint Binational City Council Meeting - June 10, 2026
Note: The transcript indicates the meeting occurred on June 3, 2026, but the official date provided is June 10, 2026. This summary uses the official date.
This was a historic joint meeting of the El Paso City Council and the Ciudad Juarez City Council, the first such gathering since November 13, 2019. The meeting focused on strengthening binational ties, including the adoption of a renewed Sister Cities agreement and a proclamation recognizing a strategic partnership with Concanaco Servitur Mexico.
Proclamation: El Paso Canaco Servitú Binational Partnership Day
- Senior Business Analyst Israel Alvarado presented a proclamation recognizing the strategic partnership between the City of El Paso and Concanaco Servitur Mexico, which represents over 5.2 million businesses across 258 chambers in Mexico and covers about 60% of Mexico's formal employment and 64% of its GDP.
- The proclamation declared June 3, 2026 (the date of the meeting per the transcript) as "El Paso Canaco Servitú Binational Partnership Day."
- Maestra Daniela Martinez Rodriguez, Vice President of Foreign Trade for Concanaco Servitur Mexico, delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of the MOU signed in December 2025 and the economic integration of the region.
Public Comments & Testimony
- John Beckham (NADBank): Spoke in support of the binational relationship, highlighting NADBank's role in financing 31 projects in the region totaling over $240 million, catalyzing $640 million in investment. He noted that NADBank has trained 430 employees for El Paso Water and the Junta Municipal de Juarez. He congratulated the signing of the Sister Cities agreement.
Discussion Items
- Introduction of Council Members: Mayor Renard Johnson introduced El Paso City Council members (Diana Maldonado Rocha, Cynthia Willard Trejo, Ivan Nino, Art Fiero, Lily Limon, Chris Canales). Mayor Cruz Pérez Cuellar introduced Juarez City Council members (Syndica Ana Carmen Estrada, Regidor Alejandro Daniel Acosta Abina, Mayra Karina Castillo Tapia, Luz Clara Cristo Sosa, Mireya Porras Armendaris, Dina Salgado Sotero, Jose Eduardo Valenzuela Martinez, Sandra Valenzuela Martinez).
- Presentation on 2026 International Policy Agenda: A representative from Economic and International Development outlined three objectives: strengthening relationships with Mexico's three levels of government, improving border infrastructure, and facilitating trade and foreign direct investment. The agenda has been elevated to the same priority level as the state and federal legislative agenda.
- Council Member Remarks: Several council members expressed support for the binational relationship. Representative Chris Canales emphasized that the border is a connection, not a divide, and that the relationship between El Paso and Juarez is resilient despite political challenges.
- Sister Cities Agreement Presentation: Adriana Pulesio (International Business and Trade Development Manager) and Martha Vela (Sister Cities International board member) presented the updated Sister Cities agreement. Vela highlighted the history of Sister Cities International (founded 1956) and the importance of citizen diplomacy. The agreement was described as a renewed commitment to economic development, cultural exchange, education, tourism, and mutual understanding.
Key Outcomes
- Unanimous Approval of Sister Cities Agreement: The El Paso City Council voted unanimously (all ayes) to approve the updated Sister Cities agreement between El Paso and Ciudad Juarez. Motion by Representative Lily Limon, seconded by Representative Ivan Nino.
- Signing Ceremony: Mayor Renard Johnson and President Municipal Cruz Pérez Cuellar signed the Sister Cities agreement, witnessed by council members from both cities.
- Proclamation Adopted: The proclamation recognizing the partnership with Concanaco Servitur Mexico was adopted.
- Adjournment: The special meeting was adjourned at 4:00 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Well, I'm not sure. Hello, hello. Good afternoon. If you'll please take your seats. The meeting can be convened. Good afternoon. This is a special meeting of the Al Pasco City Council for Wednesday, June third, twenty twenty six. Representative Rocha. Represent Trah. Representative. Represent Canales. I don't know what we're going to do. Liberty and Justice Crawl. Mayor Johnson. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. Well, good afternoon. Bienvenidos, amigos a El Paso. It is my honor to call to order the special joint meeting of the El Paso City Council and to welcome Mayor Cruz Fedesquear, members of the Ciudad Juarez City Council, and all of our distinguished guests. Today is a special day because it marks the first time since November 13th, 2019, that elected members of our two communities have come together in this setting. It has been over six years. While much has changed over the years, the connection between El Paso and Juarez has remained as strong as ever. Our communities are united by more than just geography. We are connected to family, friendship, commerce, culture, and a shared future. Every day our residents demonstrate that what happens on one side of the border affects the other, and that our greatest success are achieved when we work together. Recognizing the importance of this relationship, the city of El Paso took a significant step forward on April 14, 2025, when City Council approved the International Policy Agenda. This action established a framework for how El Paso engages with partners across the border and around the world. While remaining focused on the relationships that matter most to our region, today's meeting is a reflection of that commitment. Thank you for being here. We look forward to a productive and meaningful discussion. Thank you. Thank you. That brings us to item number three, and this is the introduction of members of the El Paso City Council by Mayor Renard Johnson. Can you hear me now? There you go. Hi, good afternoon. My name is Diana Maldonado Rocha, and I am the District Three Representative for the City of El Paso. Good afternoon, I'm Cynthia Willard Trejo, City Representative for District 4 in Northeast El Paso. Thank you, Mayor. My name is Ivan Ino. I am the District Five Council Member. Representative Fiero. Thank you, Mayor. Good afternoon. My name is Art Fiero, City Representative for District 6 and proud to be here. Representative Limon. Thank you, Mayor. Lily Limon, City Representative for District 7. Representative Canales. Thank you, Mayor.
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