El Paso Earns Three 2026 Economic Development Awards

The City of El Paso has received three 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council, recognizing initiatives focused on economic resilience, entrepreneurship and workforce development.

El Paso received honors in the category for communities with populations greater than 500,000 residents:

– Gold Award: Building Long-Term Economic Resilience Through ARPA Investment. The award recognizes the city’s use of American Rescue Plan Act resources to address community priorities, strengthen economic resilience and support long-term growth.

– Silver Award: Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator. The program connects women entrepreneurs and small business owners with resources, guidance and support to help them launch, strengthen and grow their businesses.

– Bronze Award: Borderplex Workforce & Digital Transformation Initiative. The initiative expands workforce development and digital skills, supports talent retention and helps workers and businesses remain competitive in a technology-driven economy.

“These awards affirm that El Paso is transforming strategic investments into lasting economic opportunity,” said Economic and International Development Assistant Director Mirella Tamayo. “The recognition of our Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator is especially meaningful because investing in women entrepreneurs helps create jobs, strengthen local businesses and expand opportunity throughout our community. Together, these initiatives are building a more competitive, inclusive and resilient economy for El Paso.”

The International Economic Development Council is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization representing the economic development profession. It is based in Washington, D.C., and provides professional development, research, policy advocacy and other resources for economic development professionals.