Council directs staff to design an Adopt-a-Street program; staff to return in 60 days

El Paso City Council on Tuesday directed the city manager and city attorney to return within 60 days with recommendations for an Adopt-a-Street program that would allow neighborhood groups, schools, businesses and other organizations to partner with the city on litter control and beautification.

The resolution, submitted by Representative Nino and enacted unanimously, asks staff to review model programs from TxDOT and other Texas cities and to propose program rules, safety guidelines, signage, supply support and estimated costs and funding options.

Representative Nino said the program is intended to promote civic pride and provide short-term, community-driven solutions for cleaning medians and other public spaces. “I will challenge each one of our district offices to adopt maybe a median or a portion of our district to help our community get cleaned up,” she told colleagues.

Representative Canales raised cost and safety concerns, referencing a recent work-session briefing from the city’s environmental services director: “It actually costs multiples of, having civilians working in the roadway,” he said, noting the need for barricades, closures and other protective measures that can raise program costs.

An environmental services official responded that staff would present a range of options, not just median cleanups. “We thought this was an opportunity for us to look at all the ways we might be able to engage,” the official said. Staff described potential alternatives such as off-arterial cleanups, business-led median adoptions, or third-party contracts that can extend hours and achieve similar results.

Council members also discussed whether the city’s environmental fee should be revisited to provide funding. Staff said a broader review of fees is already underway through the Office of Management and Budget and that the timing should allow fee recommendations to be considered as part of the budget process.

The motion directs staff to examine successful municipal models, identify eligible adoptable segments of city-maintained streets, propose city support (litter bags, safety vests, recognition signage and waste collection), and present cost estimates and potential funding sources.

The council approved the direction unanimously and asked staff to return with multiple policy options that balance volunteer engagement with public-safety and budget constraints.

Outcome: Council approved direction to prepare a program recommendation and return in 60 days.