In a recent City Council meeting, Mia Romero, Director of Advocacy representing the El Paso Chamber and its members, voiced concerns over the proposed introduction of new impact fees outlined in Ordinance Number 017113. Romero highlighted several key points during her address to the council.
Firstly, she emphasized the importance of a thorough evaluation process before such matters reach the City Council. Romero expressed concern over the lack of clear recommendations from entities like the Impact Fee Committee, the Planning Commission, and external consultants, underscoring the need for accountability in providing detailed assessments.
Additionally, Romero questioned the assumption that imposing impact fees would automatically lead to infill development within the city, noting the absence of supporting data. She suggested that if promoting infill development is a goal, direct policies should be considered instead of penalizing expansion.
The El Paso Chamber’s stance was reiterated in opposition to the proposed ordinance amendment, citing the need for sufficient analysis of economic consequences. The Chamber advocated for more measured approaches, such as incremental increases or adjustments aligned with inflation, and urged the City Council to engage in discussions with the business community to understand the impacts on builders, potential homeowners, and stakeholders.
Ultimately, the City Council voted to adopt a 28% cost of living increase to El Paso Water Impact Fees, despite these concerns raised by the El Paso Chamber and other stakeholders. The decision reflects a balancing act between infrastructure needs and economic considerations, with ongoing discussions expected to address the broader implications of the fee increase on the local economy.
Read MoreFollowing the success of the recent Border Trade & Economic Forum hosted by the El Paso Chamber, the event has been lauded as a significant milestone in fostering discussions around the future of border trade and economic collaboration. The event, focused on enhancing cross-border cooperation and addressing the challenges faced by the region’s businesses and supply chains, brought together a diverse group of subject matter experts from the US and Mexico.
Read MoreThe El Paso Chamber is proud to present the second Armed Forces Day Community Ball. Celebrate with us on May 18th at the El Paso Convention Center, where community meets military in a unique festivity that underscores our unity: El Paso and Fort Bliss are one.
Read MoreThe El Paso Chamber’s Mobility Coalition, in collaboration with El Paso County, the City of El Paso, Union Pacific, the El Paso Community Foundation, Borderplex Alliance, and HNTB, hosted a welcome reception for the Border Trade Advisory Committee (BTAC) who will be convening a committee meeting in El Paso this week.
Read MoreThe El Paso Chamber and MexicoNOW are thrilled to announce a landmark partnership aimed at strengthening economic and trade opportunities in the Borderplex region. This collaboration signifies a major step forward in fostering cross-border relations and capitalizing on the unique economic dynamics of the area.
Read MoreAs we close another successful year, we’re excited to share the El Paso Chamber’s Annual Report, a testament to our collaborative journey in 2023. Inside, you’ll find highlights of our diverse programs and committees, showcasing our milestones in healthcare, military support, small business, government affairs, and workforce and education, amongst other advocacy issues. This report is more than just a summary of achievements; it’s a reflection of our unwavering commitment to each member and every facet of our thriving community. We invite you to explore these pages and join us in 2024 as we continue to shape a prosperous future for El Paso.
To become a part of one of the El Paso Chamber’s committees, please contact us at epc@elpaso.org.
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