El Paso County launches inaugural Black History Tour Guide celebrating local heritage

The El Paso County Commissioners Court meeting on June 16, 2025, focused on significant legislative efforts and community initiatives aimed at enhancing local governance and public health. Key discussions highlighted the county's proactive approach in legislative advocacy and the launch of a historic Black history tour guide.

During the meeting, officials praised the efforts of the county's lobby team, particularly Alisa, for their successful engagement with state legislators. They emphasized the importance of informing lawmakers about local priorities and the need for continued advocacy to prevent harmful legislation. The commissioners expressed gratitude for the teamwork displayed by various departments and the county attorneys who contributed to these efforts.

Commissioner Butler proposed the need to start building a legislative agenda for the next session, suggesting early meetings with stakeholders to address land use issues and other legislative priorities. This proactive approach aims to ensure that the county is prepared to tackle upcoming challenges and capitalize on opportunities for legislative wins.

In a notable presentation, Mike Davis from the East Central Coalition introduced the inaugural Black El Paso History Tour Guide, which aims to celebrate and educate the community about the contributions of Black residents in El Paso. The guide, set to be released on June 21, is part of a broader initiative to highlight the area's rich cultural history and promote tourism. Davis emphasized the collaborative efforts that made this project possible, including partnerships with local organizations and community members.

Additionally, the meeting included updates on a community-centered environmental health risk assessment being conducted in collaboration with the University of Texas at El Paso. This project aims to address public health concerns in South Central El Paso through community engagement and participatory research. The assessment will involve collecting data on environmental hazards and health impacts, with the goal of providing actionable recommendations to improve community health.

Overall, the meeting underscored El Paso County's commitment to legislative advocacy, cultural recognition, and public health initiatives, setting a foundation for future community development and engagement.