City of El Paso Named Finalist for National Multi-Million Dollar Economic Development Grant

El Paso Herald-Post
EPHP Promotions
December 20, 2023

The City of El Paso has been selected as one of 22 finalists out of a nationwide pool of more than 500 applicants for Phase 1 of the Economic Development Administration’s FY23 of the Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program (Recompete), which aims to transform communities by connecting workers to quality jobs.

As part of Phase 1, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) approved a comprehensive regional strategy (EDA Recompete Plan) for El Paso to address high prime-age (25-54) underemployment by:

• Strengthening partnerships with economic, education, healthcare, information technology, and community entities and businesses
• Engaging underserved communities through community partners
• Implementing workforce and business development programs during Phase II of Recompete

“We are grateful to be given the opportunity to further advance our community’s transformation to make us globally competitive while keeping our talent in El Paso by creating high-paying jobs,” said Mayor Oscar Leeser. “This is only the first step in strengthening our long-term economic growth; but more importantly we know our community and our people deserve the opportunity to find good-paying jobs that transform their family’s trajectory and revolutionizes our community.”

“The City of El Paso is thrilled to be named a finalist for this highly competitive grant. This achievement underscores our commitment to driving economic development and creating positive change in El Paso,” said Interim City Manager Cary Westin. “We look forward to being successful in the next phase and continuing our impactful journey toward revitalizing communities and fostering sustainable growth.”

As a Phase 1 finalist, the City has been invited to compete in Phase 2 of the Department of Commerce’s Recompete Pilot Program. Successful Phase 2 awardees will be eligible for investments ranging from $20-$50 million that can be used to support a wide range of implementation activities across workforce development, business and entrepreneur development, infrastructure, and additional planning, predevelopment, or technical assistance.