September 12- 14, 2024

COMMUNITY SYMPOSIUM

El Paso Museum of Art, downtown El Paso

Presentations | Networking | Refreshments | Music

Three days of collaboration between residents, business owners, and families where we all came together to plan the future of El Paso!

Let’s shape the future of El Paso!

Symposium Program

Day 1:

Keynote Speaker & Mingle

Day 2:

Panels & Group Discussions

Fred Lopez leading the panel discussion for City Planning to Implementation

Day 3:

Tours & Discussions

Click on program images to expand

Keynote Speaker

Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, Hon. ASLA 

Meet Mitchell Silver, principal with McAdams, a land planning and design company. He is responsible for providing advisory services in urban planning, parks and public space planning. He is an award-winning planner with more than 39 years of experience and is internationally recognized for his leadership and contributions to contemporary planning issues.

He is a prolific public speaker and specializes in urban planning, placemaking and implementation strategies. Prior to joining McAdams, Mitchell served as the commissioner for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation; Chief Planning Officer in Raleigh, NC and served as president of the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Mitchell is one of the nation’s most celebrated urban thinkers. He was selected to Planetizen’s list of the 100 Most Influential Urbanists in the world. In addition, he has been honored as one of the top 100 City Innovators in the world by UBM Future Cities, and the Urban Times named him one of the top international thought leaders of the built environment.

* Planetizen - pronounced (plan-net-ti-zen) 

With a Very Special Introduction by:

El Paso’s New City Manager

Dionne Mack

Dionne Mack was appointed El Paso’s third City Manager on August 19, 2024. Ms. Mack has spent nearly 30 years in public sector service, 14 of those have been spent in El Paso.

Prior to taking the role of City Manager, Ms. Mack served as Deputy City Manager for Quality of Life and Public Safety. She has been a driving force in advancing initiatives that improve the lives of El Paso residents. Her leadership has been instrumental in expanding access to parks, enhancing cultural services, and improving community programs.

Meet the Panelists & Presenters

  • Marcella Attolini, M.Arch

    Urban Design Manager at The City of El Paso Texas

  • Fernando Liaño Berjano

    Senior Climate Program Manager - The City of El Paso Texas

  • Alexandra Cortez

    Architectural Associate - Exigo Architecture

  • Carlos Gallinar, AICP, CNU-a

    Principal & Planning Director - Able City

  • Miguel Juárez, Ph.D., M.A., MLS

    The University of Texas at El Paso

  • Ersela Kripa

    Associate Vice Provost for Outreach and Engagement; Director, Huckabee College of Architecture El Paso; Professor and Licensed Architect.

  • Craig Lewis

    Principal, Architecture + Urbanism Services Director, Placemaking Design - Arcadis

  • Natalie Littlefield, JD

    Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Development - The Borderplex Alliance

  • Fred Lopez, FAICP CTP, CNU-A

    Practice Leader - LOI ENGINEERS

  • Carlos Menchaca

    Former New York City Council Member

  • Elizabeth O'Hara

    Regional Manager Community Relations - Texas Gas Service

  • Stephanie Otero

    Vice President of Operations for the El Paso Community Foundation and Interim CEO for La Nube Museum

  • Laura Ponce

    Executive Director - Project BRAVO

  • Progress 321

    Collaboration with P321

    Non-profit & Supporting organization of the El Paso Community Foundation

  • Janae Reneaud Field

    Executive Director - The Frontera Land Alliance

  • Louie Salazar

    Nutrition Initiatives Manager - El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank & Member of City of El Paso Mobility Advisory Committee

  • Peter Svarzbein

    Community Engagement Manager - Anti-Defamation League

  • Tracy Yellen

    CEO - Paso del Norte Health Foundation

A Community Symposium

Thank you for joining us to share your vision and connect with citizens, policymakers, stakeholders, professionals, and academics!

Attendees learned about the process and importance of creating a new comprehensive plan for the City of El Paso. 

Participants engaged in breakout groups, panel discussions, and keynote sessions in the planning industry, providing comments, suggestions, and asking key questions. 

The event featured interactive panels, engaging breakout sessions, giveaways, music, refreshments, vendors, and more!

  • Economic development

  • Mobility & transportation

  • Equity

  • And more.

Topics of Discussion

  • Policy making

  • Future land use

  • Housing affordability

  • Fiscal responsibility

The Comprehensive Plan

What is it & why does it matter?

A comprehensive plan for city planning is a long-term framework that guides the development, growth, and management of a city.

It typically covers a period of 10 to 20 years and addresses various aspects of urban life, including land use, transportation, housing, economic development, environmental sustainability, and community services.

We invite you to further explore our website to learn more about this important task and to get involved!

Have Questions?

Email us at:

EnvisionEP@elpasotexas.gov

Stay Engaged

Visit our engagement site to provide your input on policy reports and summaries.