Community Progress

FAQs

  1. What is the 2022 Community Progress Bond?
    The 2022 Community Progress Bond is a proposal that will place three propositions on the November 8 ballot to fund municipal improvements and new projects for the El Paso community.
  1. Why is the Bond being proposed?
    The Bond is being proposed to provide members of the community the opportunity to cast their ballot on three proposals that would allocate funding for future streets, parks, and climate action plan projects.
  1. What are the focus areas for the Bond?
    The Bond is focusing on providing funding for streets infrastructure, parks and recreation, and a Climate Action Plan.
  1. Why were these focus areas chosen?
    Streets, parks, and the climate were the three areas of greatest concern to El Pasoans who participated in our citywide survey process. Citizens voiced that they want more safe, high-quality streets; improved parks and recreation facilities; and move forward on climate-positive projects, including the use of more solar energy.
  1. When will work begin on the Community Progress Bond projects?
    If voters approve the November 8 bond propositions, some projects can begin as soon as early 2023.
  1. What is the anticipated timeline for the completion of Community Progress Bond projects?
    The Community Bond projects are expected to be completed within a 10-year timeframe, barring any supply chain issues or other unanticipated disruptions to work.
  1. What will be the tax impact for the individual taxpayer of the Community Progress Bond?
    Though the financial impact on taxpayers can fluctuate, the anticipated tax impact on the individual taxpayer is approximately $5 per month.
  1. What criteria is used to select street projects?
    The City maintains approximately 6,117 streets.  Since 2013, over 479 have resurfaced. Pavement Condition Index (PCI) analysis is used to determine the level of degradation of a street and the degree of need for repair. This process rates each street, with the worst needing immediate repair.
  1. Are specific streets already selected?
    The Streets and Maintenance Department conducted PCI grading for all El Paso city-owned streets. Those with the worst grades and the highest volume of traffic have been prioritized for repair. The Bond will utilize this data to create project plans for which streets will be selected for the program.
  1. Are street safety initiatives planned?
    Street safety initiatives planned include lane configuration, signal changes, signage updates, lighting improvements, and lane striping. These initiatives will improve both traffic and pedestrian safety.
  1. How are park improvement projects prioritized?
    Park improvement projects are prioritized based on equity, facility-use data, existing service gaps, and areas with high population densities. Parks with damaged or dated equipment and areas of the community with service gaps will be areas of central focus.
  1. Are streets and park improvement projects divided equally among all parts of the city?
    Streets and park improvement projects are planned based on need. Equity among all parts of the city is always considered, but areas with the highest need are of high priority.
  1. Where will the All-Abilities Playground be located?
    There are currently three all-abilities playgrounds under construction at Shawver Park in the Mission Valley, Joey Barraza, and Vino Memorial Park in the Northeast and Eastside Sports Phase II.

    If the Community Progress Bond is approved, one mega-regional All-Abilities Playground will be built. The location for this site has not been selected, but the final location will need to be a strategically accessible location for a large cross-section of the community.
  1. Where will the shade structures be built?
    If approved, eight shade structures (one or more per district) will be built over playgrounds, picnic areas, benches, or bleachers.
  1. Will the Community Progress Bond include funding for the Neighborhood Improvement Program?
    If approved, yes, $5 million will be earmarked for the Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) for small-scale neighborhood park projects.
  1. What will be the community impact of the Climate Action Plan?
    The Climate Action Plan will be developed to serve as the road map for a variety of projects and programs to proactively address climate issues in our community, which may include: more electric vehicle charging stations installed throughout the City; assistance with the conversion of buildings to be more energy efficient; financial incentives for homes adopting solar energy; development of more green spaces, tree canopies, and bike paths and pedestrian walkways throughout the community.
  1. Can voters vote on each focus area (streets infrastructure, parks and recreation, and a Climate Action Plan) separately?
    Yes, each focus area (streets infrastructure, parks and recreation, and a Climate Action Plan) will appear separately on the ballot, so that voters may vote on each separately.