A recently published economic impact analysis reveals that the proposed Downtown Deck Plaza in El Paso could generate close to $1 billion in long-term economic value, positioning the project as a catalyst for urban revitalization. The 6.5-acre public park, designed to cover a segment of Interstate 10, aims to reconnect divided neighborhoods while stimulating development across the city center. According to the report by the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation, construction activities alone are expected to contribute $310 million to the local economy, support 1,850 jobs, and produce $98 million in wages. Additionally, municipal and county governments could gain over $1.6 million in tax revenue during the development phase. n nBeyond immediate construction benefits, the long-term outlook is promising. Over three decades, the park is projected to add $660 million in economic output, including $203 million in labor income and the creation of 300 permanent positions. The development is also expected to encourage the construction of more than 1,700 new housing units within a half-mile radius, helping meet rising demand for urban living. Property values in adjacent areas may increase by 5 to 10 percent, supporting a shift in tax revenue from residential to commercial properties. n nEnvironmental and public health improvements are also anticipated. By introducing green space into a densely paved area, the plaza could lower local temperatures by up to 8 degrees Fahrenheit and reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by over 280 tons. It may also promote active lifestyles, with an estimated 1.4 million additional pedestrian and cycling trips expected by 2040. The site is projected to attract between 1 million and 1.5 million visitors each year, enhancing tourism and supporting local businesses. n nTracy Yellen, CEO of the Paso del Norte Community Foundation, emphasized that such infrastructure delivers wide-ranging advantages, including better access to recreation, improved community cohesion, and enhanced public well-being. Community engagement remains central to the planning process, with the foundation inviting public input on design and programming. This initiative is seen not only as a physical transformation but as an opportunity to restore historical connections disrupted by highway construction decades ago. n nFor Joe Gudenrath, executive director of the El Paso Downtown Management District and board member of the foundation, the project represents a pivotal moment for regional growth and quality of life. He views the plaza as a space that can host cultural events, strengthen civic pride, and serve as a unifying landmark for future generations. n nMore details about the study are available at downtowndeckplaza.org/impactstudy. n
— news from El Paso Matters
— News Original —
A new study shows how the deck plaza could transform El Paso’s future through a $1 billion economic boost.
By Joe Gudenrath n nEl Paso is on the cusp of a transformative investment that promises to reshape downtown, reconnect neighborhoods, and generate nearly $1 billion in long-term economic output, according to a new economic impact report released by the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation. n nThis new study highlights how the proposed 6.5-acre Deck Plaza, a public park that would cap a section of Interstate 10 in the city’s core, will drive economic growth, spur housing development, create jobs, and deliver environmental and health benefits that will last for decades. n nThe report provides answers to the questions El Pasoans are asking about the once-in-a-generation project. Why now? And how does this benefit the entire El Paso community? n nThe answer lies in both the timing and the impact. The study estimates that construction alone will inject $310 million into the local economy, creating 1,850 jobs and generating $98 million in wages. The City of El Paso and El Paso County are also projected to collect more than $1.6 million in new tax revenue during the buildout phase. n nMore jobs, more housing, more opportunity n nWhile the immediate economic benefits of this investment are substantial, the long-term projections are even more striking. Over the next 30 years, the park is expected to generate an additional $660 million in output, including $203 million in wages and 300 permanent jobs. The park will also be a quality-of-life destination that showcases the vibrancy of our community, enhances the recruitment of new businesses and their families and helps retain local workforce talent. n nThe study anticipates that more than 1,700 new residential units could be built within a half mile of the site, spurred by increased demand for housing near the park. Property values in the surrounding area are projected to rise by 5 to 10 percent, while new development opportunities nearby could also be catalyzed by the park. This opportunity would support community goals to shift the tax burden from residential to commercial properties. n nThis means that the benefits will not be confined to a single block or neighborhood, but rather they will ripple outward, strengthening housing options, supporting local businesses, and creating new opportunities across the region. n nAs someone who has worked for years to see downtown develop into an economic engine, hub for our community and welcoming center for all, I know how vital these kinds of catalytic projects and strategic investments are for the future development and growth of our community and economy. n nInvesting in our community’s health and well-being n nThough the report emphasizes economic impacts, it also highlights significant environmental and health benefits. By introducing expansive green space in a concrete-heavy downtown, the Deck Plaza could reduce temperatures in surrounding neighborhoods by as much as 8 degrees, mitigate more than 280 tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year, and encourage healthier lifestyles with an additional 1.4 million bike and pedestrian trips annually by 2040. n n“These benefits go beyond economics,” said Tracy Yellen, CEO of the Paso del Norte Community Foundation. “Deck parks deliver real, tangible results. They increase access to housing and recreational amenities, improve public health, and foster stronger communities.” n nThe report also estimates that the Deck Plaza could attract 1 to 1.5 million visitors annually, cementing its role as a regional destination for residents and visitors, and supporting our economy and tourism. n nEl Pasoans want and value a good quality of life. We are committed to improving our city and creating more public spaces to gather and celebrate is what our region needs. From festivals, mercados, concerts, and quinceaneras, the park will provide opportunities to bring people together while driving sustained economic benefits. It’s a win-win for our community. n nRestoring our past by reconnecting neighborhoods n nPerhaps the most transformative aspect of the project is its potential to reconnect communities that were divided when I-10 was constructed. For decades, the freeway has served as both a physical and psychological barrier between neighborhoods. By creating a park that spans the highway, the Deck Plaza aims to bridge those divides. n nWhile the report’s projections are based on a conservative vision for the site including amenities like an amphitheater, field house, playgrounds, and dog parks, the potential for even greater impact exists. Revenue from ticketed events, festivals, and special programming was not included in the study but could further boost the park’s long-term returns and sustainability. n nNow is the time for El Pasoans to help shape the future of this transformational space. The Deck Plaza Foundation is committed to ensuring the community has input in the park’s final design and programming. This is more than a public project — it’s a chance for residents from across the region to come together and share their voices. n nWhether it’s about how the space is used, which amenities matter most, or how it reflects El Paso’s unique culture, your ideas can directly influence what gets built. This is your park, your community, and your moment to make an impact. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of shaping something truly lasting for generations to come. n nThis report shows that projects like this are about more than numbers. They are about vision, about reclaiming what was lost, and about giving future generations a downtown that inspires pride and community. El Paso deserves this project, not just for downtown, but for everyone. n nTo view the full report, visit downtowndeckplaza.org/impactstudy. n nJoe Gudenrath is executive director of the El Paso Downtown Management District and board member of the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation n nLISTEN: EL PASO MATTERS PODCAST