Work Session 8/31/2026

The City of El Paso, Texas City Council held a work session on August 31, 2026, focusing primarily on housing market challenges and legislative agenda preparations. A detailed presentation by the Concord Group highlighted a significant shortfall in market rate and affordable rental housing units, projecting a deficit of approximately 5,600 market rate and 2,100 affordable rental units by 2030. The discussion emphasized rising rents, underbuilding, and the displacement of lower-income residents due to gentrification and increased demand from higher-income renters. The council also reviewed amendments to the city's state legislative agenda, including new priorities on data center impacts, utility ratepayer protections, behavioral health funding, and support for people with disabilities. Motions were passed to adopt these legislative agenda amendments. Additionally, the council authorized the city attorney and city manager to negotiate a counteroffer with El Paso Electric Company regarding a natural gas generation facility and approved continued economic development negotiations on two projects. No direct contract awards or RFPs were reported during this session, but the discussions and actions taken have implications for future procurement and development activities in the city.