El Paso City Council approved the purchase of several downtown properties valued at a little more than $3,000,000 to make room for a future expansion of the El Paso Convention Center, the city announced.

City communications host Ricky Isaias said the purchases are part of a long-term plan to boost tourism, attract major conventions and strengthen the downtown economy. The city identified the hotel occupancy tax paid by visitors who stay in local hotels as the funding source for the purchases.

City officials told the Your City in 5 segment that detailed design and planning will come later; the purchases secure the physical space needed for future expansion. The city directed residents seeking more information to elpasolive.com.