El Paso City Council Work Session – August 31, 2026

The El Paso City Council convened a work session on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 9:02 a.m. in Council Chambers, with Mayor Renard U. Johnson presiding. The meeting included a detailed housing market analysis presentation by the Concord Group (prepared for Housing Opportunity Management Enterprises – HOME) and discussion and approval of amendments to the city’s State Legislative Agenda for the 90th Texas Legislative Session. The council also recessed into executive session to discuss six items, returning at 4:45 p.m. to take action on several. The work session adjourned at 4:49 p.m.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ms. Osman criticized the housing analysis as skewed, arguing it ignores the need for higher-wage permanent jobs and the impact of a $7.25 minimum wage. She stated that multi-generational households skew income data and that the focus on building does not address the root cause of poverty.
• Ms. Turner, a resident with a disability, testified that her rent increased 10% this year (not the 7% cited in the report) and that she faces additional fees for amenities she cannot use. She expressed frustration with inaccessible apartment design, rising utility costs, and the requirement to use third-party payment services, stating, “I can’t afford to live here anymore.”

Discussion Items

Item 1: Housing Market Analysis by the Concord Group (26-0986)

• Tim Cornwall (Concord Group) and Jerry Sishon (HOME CEO) presented a 2026 report on market-rate rental, affordable rental, and for-sale housing in the El Paso MSA.
• Key findings:
  • El Paso’s population is nearly flat (0.1% growth over five years), but household formation is increasing (0.7% growth) as households shrink (fewer children, more singles).
  • Net new households per year (≈1,700) are predominantly high-income (almost 3,000 households earning >$100k) while low-income households are displaced (≈1,300 lost annually).
  • Rents have risen 32% since 2019, with a 7% increase in the last 12 months; stabilized occupancy is 96%.
  • The number of renter households earning over $150,000 has doubled in five years; those earning $75,000–$100,000 increased 75%.
  • Supply is critically constrained: only 540 market-rate units are in the pipeline through 2030, while annual need is ~1,300 (a shortfall of 5,600 units). Affordable rental is 2,100 units short.
  • Entry-level homes (under $200,000) have nearly disappeared—now just 17% of sales vs. the pre-COVID majority.
  • Jerry Sishon noted that rising construction costs and interest rates (up 80 basis points in six months) are limiting new development, and families are being pushed to outskirts (Anthony, Las Cruces, Socorro) or into severe cost burden (>50% of income on rent).
• Council questions: Councilmember Canales linked the findings to failed zoning reforms from a year ago and stressed the need for production-enhancing policies. Councilmember Maldonado-Rocha asked about stalled projects in Central and Northeast El Paso; Cornwall cited financing and cost challenges. Councilmember Boyar Trejo noted the omission of Ysleta ISD from the major employers list.
• City Manager’s Office update: A comprehensive housing strategy, including policy implications, will be brought back in late October/November. The Housing Finance Corporation has secured ~$25 million for first-time homebuyer assistance.

Item 2: Amendments to the State Legislative Agenda (26-0982)

• Alejandra Gorski (Strategic and Legislative Affairs) presented four amendments to the agenda adopted in February 2026, reflecting council directives and emerging issues:
  1. Data center policy framework – Supports legislation that requires clear public benefits, environmental considerations, transparency, and prevents preemption of local incentive regulation. Includes ratepayer protections for utility cost impacts, and coordination with the Texas Municipal League (TML).
  2. Impaired driving prevention – Seeks funding and partnerships for education, roadway safety improvements, and alternative transportation to reduce DWI-related crashes.
  3. Ratepayer protections from data center utility costs – Ensures protections extend to El Paso Electric (non-ERCOT region) and safeguard small businesses and residents.
  4. Behavioral health facility support – Broadens advocacy for state funding for community-based behavioral health services and crisis care.
• Councilmember Canales moved an additional amendment: “Support statewide policies and legislation that enhance support for people with disabilities, bolster long-term services and supports (LTSS), improve employment and economic opportunities, and strengthen physical accessibility infrastructure.” The amendment was seconded and passed unanimously.
• Council discussed ongoing coordination with TML, deadlines for further amendments (staff recommended providing at least a week’s notice for any future additions), and the process for letters of support/opposition. Councilmember Limón requested future collaboration on homelessness and affordable housing.
• Public comment: Ms. Osman questioned the need for contracted lobbyists given the city’s existing legislative team and local delegation, and criticized the cost.
• The amended legislative agenda was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Item 1 (Housing Analysis): Received as information. Staff will bring a comprehensive housing strategy in late October/November.
• Item 2 (Legislative Agenda): Resolution to adopt amended State Legislative Agenda passed unanimously (including the disability-support amendment).
• Executive Session Actions:
  • EX1 (Joseph Pickett v. City of El Paso): No action.
  • EX2 (State of Texas v. City of McAllen et al.): No action.
  • EX3 (El Paso Electric Company natural gas facility – PUC docket): A motion to authorize the city attorney to send a counter offer was made but lacked a second, so no action taken.
  • EX4 (Economic development opportunity HQ#25-5205): Motion to continue negotiations passed 5-2 (Acevedo and Limon voting nay; Councilmember Acevedo expressed concern over project credibility after years of back-and-forth).
  • EX5 (Economic development opportunity HQ#26-ECON-1245): Motion to continue negotiations passed 6-1 (Limon voting nay).
  • EX6 (Legal consultation on appointed employees): No action.