By Joe Gudenrath
El 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.
This 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.
The 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?
The 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.
More jobs, more housing, more opportunity
While 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.
The 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.
This 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.
As 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.
Investing in our community’s health and well-being
Though 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.
“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.”
The 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.
El 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.
Restoring our past by reconnecting neighborhoods
Perhaps 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.
While 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.
Now 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.
Whether 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.
This 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.
To view the full report, visit downtowndeckplaza.org/impactstudy.
Joe Gudenrath is executive director of the El Paso Downtown Management District and board member of the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation
The post A new study shows how the deck plaza could transform El Paso’s future through a $1 billion economic boost. appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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