OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

El Paso City Council Meeting June 23, 2026: Proclamations, Meta Data Center, Audits & More

City Council — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
BodyEl Paso, Texas
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, June 23, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 6:26:14
Transcript — Verbatim
0:22

Well good morning, everyone.

0:23

We are going to get started.

0:25

Miss Bryan.

0:28

Good morning, Mayor, and welcome to the presentation of the mayor's proclamations.

0:32

We begin this morning with a pledge of allegiance.

0:35

And to lead us, we have Madison Olivia Flores from Paso Dale Elementary School at the invitation of City Representative Lily Limo.

3:01

Okay, Miss Bryan.

3:03

Yes, sir.

3:03

That brings us to the proclamations.

3:05

For those of you receiving a proclamation, your group will have up to four minutes collectively to speak at the podium and receive the proclamation.

3:13

The first one today is Pride Month.

3:17

Thanks, Mayor.

3:18

Um, have the honor of reading this proclamation.

3:21

I think there's a few people in the audience.

3:23

Um, I'll read the proclamation and then you can speak.

3:25

Proclamation City of El Paso, Texas.

3:28

Whereas every June, communities across the nation celebrate LGBTQIA plus Pride Month, honoring the history, resilience, and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual to spirit, and allied individuals.

3:43

And whereas Pride Month began in remembrance of the Stonewall Uprising of June 1969, a pivotal moment of resistance led by trans women of color, including Marcia P.

3:53

Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, that ignited the modern LGBTQIA plus rights movement.

3:59

And whereas the LGBTQIA plus community in El Paso has enriched our city through their activism, leadership, um, caregiving service, and everyday presence, shaping a borderland that is more inclusive, compassionate, and vibrant.

4:15

And whereas, despite decades of progress, LGBTQIA plus individuals, especially Black, Indigenous, and Latinx transgender people continue to face systemic discrimination, violence, and erasure in health care, education, housing, and public policy.

4:31

And whereas El Paso recognizes the urgent need to confront these injustices and remains committed to cultivating a community where every person, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, can live safely, authentically, and with dignity.

4:46

And whereas we affirm that LGBTQIA plus rights are human rights, and that true liberation must center those most impacted by oppression, including queer youth, transgender individuals, and LGBTQIA plus people of color.

5:01

And whereas this year's Pride Month will be celebrated across the city of El Paso through multiple events, including the Pride Market at Artavino's Desert Crossing that occurred on May 30th, Pride Night, and light up the star at the El Paso Museum of Art that occurred on May 30th as well.

5:17

Pride night at the El Paso Locomotive game at that occurred on June 13th.

5:21

Pride night at the El Paso Chihuahua's game on June 18th, which was last week.

5:26

A 5K Pride Run on June 20th this past weekend.

5:30

Pride night at Belon Wine Bar on June 24th.

5:34

Pride night at La Nuve on June 25th.

5:38

A Pride Parade on June 27th this Saturday, coupled with the Pride Festival, this June 27th as well in downtown El Paso.

5:47

And finally a Pride Splash event at Wet and Wild Water World on July 5th.

5:52

And whereas the city of El Paso honors the LGBTQIA plus community, not only in June, but every day, and expresses gratitude to the organization's families, leaders, and everyday people who continue to advance justice, visibility, healing, and joy for all.

6:08

Now therefore be a proclaim by the mayor and council of the city of El Paso, urging all to reflect on the ongoing struggle for LGBTQIA plus rights and to celebrate the spirit of love, authenticity, and collective liberation that defines pride.

6:23

June 2026 shall be known as Pride Month.

6:26

Signed the Honorable Mayor Renard Johnson.

6:33

Good morning.

6:34

Good morning.

6:36

Good morning, Council.

6:37

Good morning, Mayor.

6:38

We are super excited for this proclamation, the Pride Month Proclamation of 2026.

6:45

One of the things that's been going on is obviously that we've had a very difficult time with the administration, with Texas ledge as well.

6:52

And moments like this are incredibly important to our community, specifically those most marginalized and under attack.

6:59

Speaking specifically of our transgender, non-binary and gender expansive community members.

7:04

Uh this type of recognition, this type of visibility is so incredibly important because when we sit and we think of the young queer kids who have never experienced a time where being queer was wrong, and realizing that under this administration, we are seeing those times come back.

7:21

These moments coming from people who they look up to, people that they see on TV, people that they see have true power, is incredibly important to them.

7:31

Um so thank you for what you are doing.

7:33

Um, and uh it it is just really a testament of all the amazing things that have been going on for Pride.

7:39

When you see that giant list of things that have already occurred, um, and then you see the the few uh events that are still to come, and hopefully we will see you all at them specifically the Pride Parade.

7:49

Um, and with that, I would like to introduce uh Javier from El Paso Sun City Pride.

7:55

Good morning, Javier.

7:56

Morning, morning.

7:57

Uh thank you, uh City Council mayor.

7:59

Uh I really appreciated the support.

8:01

Uh the city of El Paso is uh giving us to El Paso San City Pride and also to the Borderland Rainbow Center.

8:08

Um, thank you for your leadership.

8:09

I know that it's on not only for uh Paso San City Pride and BRC in our community, but also to the community of El Paso, making the best decisions, always been uh supportive for everybody.

8:20

Uh I really appreciate uh thank you so much.

8:23

I it's really nice uh to be here uh to be recognized uh that the month of you, uh Salad.

8:30

Uh it's 18 events that we we put together.

8:33

Uh technically we have like five, six more, and then we're done.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Community Engagement████████████████16%
Miscellaneous██████████████14%
Water And Wastewater Management█████████████13%
Engineering And Infrastructure████████████12%
Economic Development███████████11%
Procedural███████7%
Youth Programs█████5%
Fiscal Sustainability████4%
Public Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

El Paso City Council Meeting - June 23, 2026

The El Paso City Council met on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 10:03 AM in Council Chambers, with Mayor Renard Johnson presiding. The meeting included proclamations, public hearings, discussions on a Meta data center community agreement, water main break after-action report, audit results, and numerous zoning and contract approvals. The regular meeting adjourned at 6:58 PM, with a special session scheduled later.

Proclamations

  • Pride Month: Mayor and Council proclaimed June 2026 as Pride Month, recognizing LGBTQIA+ contributions and listing 18 events. Speakers from El Paso Sun City Pride and Borderland Rainbow Center expressed gratitude and stressed visibility and support for marginalized community members.
  • El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame Week: Proclaimed the week of June 21, 2026, as Hall of Fame Week, honoring the 71st year and 2026 inductees. Speakers noted the 421 inductees to date and the sold-out banquet.
  • SGI USA World Peace Day: June 29, 2026, recognized as World Peace Day, commemorating the 30th anniversary of Daisaku Ikeda's 1996 visit to El Paso. Speakers highlighted the organization's 12 million members in 192 countries.
  • Cisneros Family Day: June 23, 2026, named Cisneros Family Day in recognition of their 18+ years of volunteering with Creative Kids after losing their son Alex to cancer. The family was selected as Volunteer Family of the Year in the 42nd Annual Governor's Volunteer Awards.
  • Saul Nunez Day: June 23, 2026, proclaimed Saul Nunez Day, honoring a 16-year-old who turned his life around through Reconnecting with the Disconnected and now mentors other youth.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda was approved unanimously with revisions: items 4 and 5 moved to regular agenda per Representative Chavez; item 11 deleted per Environmental Services; item 35 revised per Representative Trejo (striking "negotiate" and "benefits").

Public Comments & Testimony

  • On Consent/Regular Agenda Items:
    • Amber Betis spoke in favor of item 32 and 34 (discretionary funds for El Paso Sun City Pride), emphasizing the importance of financial support for LGBTQIA+ community infrastructure.
    • Several speakers addressed item 35 (Meta data center community agreement): Marco Sanchez (El Paso Youth Alliance) urged real policy and criticized past delays; Andrés Avalos Martinez supported a middle-ground community benefit agreement; Veronica Carvajal (Sembrando Esperanza) opposed Meta, calling for no AI data centers and demanding legally binding protections; Saul Gonzalez reiterated opposition and questioned enforceability; Cindy Krause (Vista del Norte Estates) detailed impacts on her neighborhood (noise, pollution, traffic) and requested meta meet with residents; Vianney Alderete Contreras supported the item but criticized past city actions and unethical media exclusion.
  • Call to the Public (non-agenda items):
    • Elizabeth Crawford spoke against abortion, referencing the Satanic Temple and Roe v. Wade anniversary.
    • Claudia Contreras Siller advocated for animal cruelty prevention, trap-neuter-return programs, and preserving the duck pond at Ascarate Park.
    • Victoria Quiñola requested regulatory reform for independent livestock producers, citing cost disparities in meat processing.
    • Rico Velez, Leticia Diamond, Maria Asael, and Fred Evans opposed the Piedras Street Reconstruction Project, citing poor communication, threat to businesses, and lack of accountability.

Discussion Items

  • Zoning Changes (Items 21-27): Council approved several rezoning and special permit requests, including:
    • Item 21: Rezoning at 7912 North Loop Drive from R3 to SD for a restaurant (unanimous, after public comment in support from property seller and applicant).
    • Item 22: Rezoning east of Desert North Boulevard and north of Trans Mountain from R5C to C3C for commercial use (unanimous).
    • Items 23-24: Future land use map amendment and rezoning near America's Avenue and North Loop from AO to C4 and O3 to G7 for logistics/warehouse (unanimous).
    • Item 25: Rezoning near Vista del Sol and Joe Battle from R3 to C1 for a doctor's office (unanimous).
    • Item 26: Special permit for 67% parking reduction at 2928 Pershing Drive for a restaurant (unanimous).
    • Item 27: Rezoning at 7321 North Loop Drive from RF to C2 for office/warehouse (unanimous).
  • Meta Data Center Community Agreement (Item 35): Council extensively debated an item directing the city manager and attorney to coordinate with Meta Platforms on a community agreement. The original language was revised to remove "benefits" and "negotiate." Council approved three amendments: (1) to explore a community investment fund (Rep. Chavez), (2) to request eight community meetings across council districts within 120 days (Rep. Acevedo), and (3) to ensure the agreement is legally enforceable with performance standards (Rep. Nino). The motion passed unanimously after discussion, with some members expressing skepticism about Meta's commitment.
  • Water Main Break After-Action Report (Item 30): El Paso Water presented on the January 10-15 break of a 36-inch pre-stressed concrete cylinder pipe, which affected an estimated 100,000 residents. The cause was external corrosion; a corroded valve exacerbated the situation. Actions already taken include: replacing that pipe segment with inert HDPE pipe (expected completion by end of 2026), expanding valve maintenance contracts, forming a leak repair team (repaired over 1,000 leaks), and developing an El Paso Water app for targeted alerts. The presentation highlighted that only 10,000 customers actually lost water (not 38,000), and the digital meter rollout (88% complete) will provide real-time outage data. Customer satisfaction survey: 80% rated response fair to excellent; key complaints were vague communications and elderly support.
  • Executive Session Items: Council authorized intervention in El Paso Electric's CCN cases (item EX1) and discussed legal and real property matters (no action on others).
  • Contract Terminations (Items 4-5): Council approved termination of two armored car service contracts with Trans America Protection Corporation for default due to mishandling of funds (missing $12,654 from municipal court, delayed deposits). The company was disqualified from city contracts for three years. A new short-term contract is in place.
  • Audit Results:
    • Item 40 (Sun Metro Accounts Payable): Found 11 invoices paid late (33-74 days), but overall compliance with policies; recommendations accepted.
    • Item 41 (Hotel Occupancy Tax Audit, Round 10): Identified $1.13 million in initial deficiencies across 19 of 20 hotels; after redeterminations, $1.02 million remains; $186,000 already collected. Audit recognized by Institute of Internal Auditors.
    • Item 42 (Code Enforcement Division Audit): Found department met 80% KPI for case resolution within 30 days (93.8%), but initial and follow-up inspection timelines were not consistently met; department is developing a comprehensive SOP and hiring a quality assurance specialist.
  • Other Items:
    • Item 31: Council directed the city manager to amend the state legislative agenda to advocate for protecting residential ratepayers from data center utility costs, and to determine if El Paso's grid is included in Governor Abbott's directive. Passed unanimously.
    • Items 32 and 34: Approved $6,500 (District 2) and $1,000 (District 7) in discretionary funds for El Paso Sun City Pride to use city hall parking lot for a pride event. Passed unanimously.
    • Item 33: Approved $2,500 from District 8 discretionary funds for a scholarship fund for youth to attend city-run camps. Passed unanimously.
    • Items 36-39: Approved various sole-source contracts for software, pothole patcher parts, sweeper parts, and metal recycling services (revenue contract). All passed unanimously.
    • Items 43-52: Council rescinded prior authority to use capital asset sales for federal match and approved state infrastructure bank (SIB) loans totaling $14.8 million at 3.44% interest over 25 years for five transportation projects (Playa Drain Shared Use Path, Sunland Park Shared Use Path, Railroad Drive Reconstruction, Sun Valley Street Improvements, Traffic Management Center Upgrades). All passed unanimously.
    • Items 54-56: Approved FY2026-2027 annual action plan for federal and state housing/homelessness grants (CDBG, HOME, HOPWA, ESG, HHSP) totaling approximately $10.86 million in federal funds and $480,471 in state funds, with emphasis on homelessness services, affordable housing, and neighborhood improvements. Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • All proclamations adopted.
  • All zoning changes (items 21-27) approved unanimously.
  • Meta data center community agreement (item 35) approved with three amendments, directing staff to negotiate a legally enforceable community agreement, explore a community investment fund, and request eight public meetings.
  • Water main break after-action report accepted; El Paso Water committed to ongoing improvements.
  • Trans America Protection Corporation contracts terminated for default; company disqualified for three years.
  • Audit results accepted for Sun Metro AP, HOT, and Code Enforcement.
  • $14.8 million in SIB loans approved for transportation projects.
  • Federal and state housing/homelessness plans approved.
  • Numerous other contracts and expenditures approved unanimously.

Meeting Transcript

Well good morning, everyone. We are going to get started. Miss Bryan. Good morning, Mayor, and welcome to the presentation of the mayor's proclamations. We begin this morning with a pledge of allegiance. And to lead us, we have Madison Olivia Flores from Paso Dale Elementary School at the invitation of City Representative Lily Limo. Okay, Miss Bryan. Yes, sir. That brings us to the proclamations. For those of you receiving a proclamation, your group will have up to four minutes collectively to speak at the podium and receive the proclamation. The first one today is Pride Month. Thanks, Mayor. Um, have the honor of reading this proclamation. I think there's a few people in the audience. Um, I'll read the proclamation and then you can speak. Proclamation City of El Paso, Texas. Whereas every June, communities across the nation celebrate LGBTQIA plus Pride Month, honoring the history, resilience, and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual to spirit, and allied individuals. And whereas Pride Month began in remembrance of the Stonewall Uprising of June 1969, a pivotal moment of resistance led by trans women of color, including Marcia P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, that ignited the modern LGBTQIA plus rights movement. And whereas the LGBTQIA plus community in El Paso has enriched our city through their activism, leadership, um, caregiving service, and everyday presence, shaping a borderland that is more inclusive, compassionate, and vibrant. And whereas, despite decades of progress, LGBTQIA plus individuals, especially Black, Indigenous, and Latinx transgender people continue to face systemic discrimination, violence, and erasure in health care, education, housing, and public policy. And whereas El Paso recognizes the urgent need to confront these injustices and remains committed to cultivating a community where every person, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, can live safely, authentically, and with dignity. And whereas we affirm that LGBTQIA plus rights are human rights, and that true liberation must center those most impacted by oppression, including queer youth, transgender individuals, and LGBTQIA plus people of color. And whereas this year's Pride Month will be celebrated across the city of El Paso through multiple events, including the Pride Market at Artavino's Desert Crossing that occurred on May 30th, Pride Night, and light up the star at the El Paso Museum of Art that occurred on May 30th as well. Pride night at the El Paso Locomotive game at that occurred on June 13th. Pride night at the El Paso Chihuahua's game on June 18th, which was last week. A 5K Pride Run on June 20th this past weekend. Pride night at Belon Wine Bar on June 24th. Pride night at La Nuve on June 25th. A Pride Parade on June 27th this Saturday, coupled with the Pride Festival, this June 27th as well in downtown El Paso. And finally a Pride Splash event at Wet and Wild Water World on July 5th. And whereas the city of El Paso honors the LGBTQIA plus community, not only in June, but every day, and expresses gratitude to the organization's families, leaders, and everyday people who continue to advance justice, visibility, healing, and joy for all. Now therefore be a proclaim by the mayor and council of the city of El Paso, urging all to reflect on the ongoing struggle for LGBTQIA plus rights and to celebrate the spirit of love, authenticity, and collective liberation that defines pride. June 2026 shall be known as Pride Month. Signed the Honorable Mayor Renard Johnson. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning, Council. Good morning, Mayor. We are super excited for this proclamation, the Pride Month Proclamation of 2026. One of the things that's been going on is obviously that we've had a very difficult time with the administration, with Texas ledge as well. And moments like this are incredibly important to our community, specifically those most marginalized and under attack. Speaking specifically of our transgender, non-binary and gender expansive community members. Uh this type of recognition, this type of visibility is so incredibly important because when we sit and we think of the young queer kids who have never experienced a time where being queer was wrong, and realizing that under this administration, we are seeing those times come back. These moments coming from people who they look up to, people that they see on TV, people that they see have true power, is incredibly important to them. Um so thank you for what you are doing. Um, and uh it it is just really a testament of all the amazing things that have been going on for Pride. When you see that giant list of things that have already occurred, um, and then you see the the few uh events that are still to come, and hopefully we will see you all at them specifically the Pride Parade. Um, and with that, I would like to introduce uh Javier from El Paso Sun City Pride. Good morning, Javier.

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