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County proposes permanent binational policy roundtable to coordinate cross‑border infrastructure and trade
Summary
El Paso County staff proposed creating a binational policy roundtable with commissions on infrastructure, economic development, tourism, environment and public health to coordinate projects and priorities with Mexican counterparts; commissioners supported the concept and discussed staffing and partner contributions.
County binational-affairs staff presented a proposal on Nov. 20 to create a permanent binational policy roundtable to coordinate El Paso County's engagement with Mexican counterparts on infrastructure, mobility, trade, tourism, environment and public health.
Proposal overview: Mariano Araza (Binational Affairs) described a governance framework that would include plenary sessions, a technical secretariat (coordinated by the county's international-affairs function), and permanent commissions focused on infrastructure/port-of-entry coordination, economic development and near-shoring, tourism and culture, environment/water resources, and public health/emergency management. The roadmap proposes an eight-month, six‑quarter set of milestones leading from charter ratification to annual progress reports and a signature plenary.
Staffing and sustainability: Commissioners asked about staffing and long-term sustainability. Roberto Ransom, director of economic development, said comparable models often include at least one funded FTE and partner contributions; county staff said the initial phase will leverage existing synergies and that further staffing would depend on appetite and partner buy-in. "Several other models... do have a full FTE... and it really depends on the appetite not only on the agency that has that FTE, but with other entities," Ransom said.
Why it matters: Presenters said a permanent forum would streamline cross-border coordination on projects that affect both sides (ports of entry, international water and environmental issues, coordinated public-health responses) and could strengthen economic and tourism initiatives.
Next steps: Staff will refine the structure, work with county administration to appoint commissioners to permanent seats, and continue outreach to Mexican technical secretariats and potential partners. Commissioners volunteered resources and expressed support for institutionalizing the effort if the county can show sustained value and partner commitments.
Ending: The court offered direction and support; staff will bring back a refined plan and proposed appointment process.
