strategic plan updatelegacy.elpasotexas.gov/muni_clerk/_documents/sccm... · transportation policy...

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Strategic Plan Update

January 27

2011 City Council Strategic Planning Session City of El Paso

Transportation Policy Statement

Become the lowest car dependent city in the southwest.

The City is looking towards every form of alternative transportation to reduce car dependencies.

Topics range from increased bus service, downtown circulator, to increase the availability of bike and

hike paths.

Projects Completed

Objectives Comments

Bus Bench Program Completed, a new standard has been approved and an implementation plan will be devised in Feb 2011.

Terminals Westside and Mission Valley complete. Glory Road grand opening January 13, 2011.

Accessibility Project Create database with all bus stops identifying sidewalk needs and 40’ landings.

Tasks Ongoing

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Development

o Alternative Analysis for all four corridors completed by Dec 2010

o All four corridors will run the TSM BRT design

o Mesa BRT will incorporate Oregon Street, which is planned to start operations in early 2014

o TXDOT has indicated they will revisit this request after construction is completed on SPUR 601

o Dover Kohl will report in early 2011 on 3 TOD areas on Mesa corridor

Sun Metro Stimulus Money RFP for bus shelters

o A total of 163 shelters will be installed by early 2011

Adopt a Shelter Program

o The shelter program Sun Metro implemented was funded in part by ARRA funding from the federal

government and local Cos, and the new city billboard ordinance put the idea of corporations helping

to fund shelters on hold.

Pre-emption for buses

o The new pre-emption capabilities will be introduced with the implementation of the BRT routes.


Mitigate traffic congestion

The Mayor’s Transportation Cabinet brought forward the concept of a Regional Transit Authority.

Design and planning work has been accomplished for Intelligent Transportation Systems and Citywide

Interconnect Systems.

Projects Completed

Objectives Comments

Create Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines and Policy

Implementation of plan ongoing.

Implement Neighborhood Traffic Management Program

Non-physical (striping) complete 16 physical projects designed and bid awarded April 2010. Additional funding approved by Council in February 2010 Program policies and procedures complete. First two programs designed and in construction, third program pending funding allocation approval.

Work with TXDOT to designate the lanes that can be used by large trucks on the Interstate during certain hours of the day

Project complete.

Tasks Ongoing

Update the City’s Thoroughfare Plan

o Included in scope of Comprehensive Plan update

o Comprehensive Plan in progress

Develop policy and procedures for public outreach on traffic engineering projects

o Following the NMTP procedures and in the public outreach

Continue development and revision of Bike Plan

o Included in scope of Comprehensive Plan update

o Comprehensive Plan in progress

Design and begin implementation of City-wide Interconnect System for all traffic signals

o Expansion of program due to growth within the Northwest, Northeast and Eastside areas with

concentration levels within voluntary annexation area

Update Congestion Index for El Paso to identify congested arterials and choking points to develop

alternatives for mitigation.

o Travel Demand Model complete as of third quarter 2010

o Applications and alternatives on-going


Enhance the street network

Enhance all aspects of the City’s street network.

Projects Completed

Objectives Comments

Utilize planning tools to ensure high quality street infrastructure

Complete

Develop new street cross sections Complete

Tasks Ongoing

Utilization of different street restoration techniques to extend the pavement life

o Operational treatments such as patching and crack sealing are ongoing as part of the departments

maintenance operations

o 2011 street resurfacing, micro surfacing, and unpaved row projects will be programmed after CIP

allocations determined

Develop street infrastructure capital program

o CIP funding for street projects is ongoing

o Street department has prepared resurfacing, micro surfacing and reconstruction candidate lists

Identify CIP funding sources

o Search for funding sources in an on-going activity


Improve International mobility

Improve all aspects of international mobility.

Projects Completed

Objectives Comments

Establish a Department of International Bridges to oversee all international bridge operations.

Completed September 2008

Create an International Bridges Infrastructure Plan

Bridges five year plan approved by City Management. Applications for State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) funding submitted for two projects; SIB funding granted for Paso del Norte and Stanton Bridge projects; MPO seed funding committed for two feasibility studies.

Tasks Ongoing

Complete capital project at Paso del Norte Bridge

o Construction contract awarded to Urban Contractors

o Project completion date September 1, 2011

Complete capital project at Stanton (Friendship) bridge

o Construction contract awarded to Urban Contractors

o Project completion date September 1, 2011

Investigate and develop new ports of entry between BOTA and Zaragoza

o Feasibility study suspended last summer pending completion of the El Paso Regional Ports of Entry

Operations Plan which is funded by TXDOT.

o The City is an active participant in the Plan development.

Expansion of Ysleta/Zaragoza Ports of Entry and creation of new DCL’s.

o A/E selection process put on hold pending completion of the El Paso Regional Ports of Entry

Operations Plan.


Establish El Paso as an International transportation system hub

The Airport has 3 functions to be the core products for which it is responsible for. These functions are

commercial passenger service, air cargo and business and general aviation services. Our mission is

to provide the best air transportation services and facilities possible for the City of El Paso and

surrounding region.

Projects Completed

Objectives Comments

Roadway-TXDOT Loop Global Reach Extension

Construct extension, portion from Global Reach/Walter Jones to Loop 375

Tasks Ongoing

CIP – Federal Aviation Administration approved 10 year Capital Plan

o Projects ongoing

Resort hotel

o Marketing efforts ongoing to attract high-end hotel adjacent to BTGC

Foreign Trade Zone

o Operations ongoing-FTZ conference held in April 2010, ranked #4 in fDi Magazine “Top 10 Best

Airport Zone”

Marketing and advertising projects

o Four Art Windows exhibits, including Da Vinci and Bedazzled exhibits and Sun Bowl, held at airport.

o Ongoing ads for EPIA, Air Cargo Ctr, BTGC, and 150-acre park in local, regional and national

publications, to include online advertising

o Economic impact study complete, as well as Airport strategic and marketing plans and 2009 annual

report-commencing work on 2010 annual report

Terminal Expansion – addition of 20,000 sq ft of concession, hold room, wi-fi space to terminal

o City contractor scheduled to be complete with restaurant/bar concept (last phase) January 30-HMS

Host will complete tenant improvements within 90 days, for tentative final completion late Spring

2010.

Air cargo facilities

o Marketing efforts ongoing-cargo freight up 45.2% YTD

Defense Industrial Park – commercial development

o Marketing efforts ongoing to attract master developer

Citizen Involvement Policy Statement

To facilitate opportunities for citizens to be involved in local government

Projects Completed

Objectives Comments

Implement 3rd round NIP-Neighborhood Improvement Program

NIP v 3.0 = 12 projects: Dist 1: 3, Dist 2: 2, Dist 3:1, Dist 4: 2, Dist 5:1, Dist 6:1, Dist 7:1, Dist 8:1; NIP v 3.5 = 4 projects: Dist 3:1, Dist 6: 1, Dist 7:2 46 participants in current class.

Establish a Neighborhood Leadership Academy and youth engagement

128 total graduates from 2007-2010

Submit for All-America City Award City of El Paso named 2010 All-America City!

Tasks Ongoing

Continue to support and evolve the Neighborhood Services Program (all elements) with a focus on

traditionally underserved areas of the City

o Neighborhood revitalization strategies are in place for the Lower Dyer and Chamizal

neighborhoods.

o City Manager has authorized $500,000 for capital improvement projects in these two areas.

o Areas have seen increased funding from DOJ for safety and security enforcement and HUD for

increase in non-profit services.

o Neighborhood Services purchased St. Anne’s facility in Chamizal neighborhood for community

facility; however, funds are necessary for redevelopment.

o Revitalization strategy in place for Segundo Barrio.

o El Paso Housing Authority is also completing $22 million Alamito housing project.

o Other activity in this focus include: new computer lab at Armijo Library branch, hand ball court for

Boys Club Park, resurfacing track at Guillen Middle School, two intensive neighborhood clean-ups

costing $12,000, one full-time code enforcement officers dedicated to area, rehab of abandoned

multi-million dollar housing project w/ federal funds.

Community Development Policy Statement

To become the most livable city in the United States and be recognized as an international city

Develop and implement a city-wide Neighborhood Program (Neighborhood – El Paso) to systematically

preserve and renew el Paso’s neighborhoods.

Projects Completed

Objectives Comments

Adopt and implement Sustainability Plan Adopted City’s first Sustainability Plan on September 15, 2009.

Tasks Ongoing

Continue to advance goals in designated redevelopment zones. Identify specific windows of opportunity

and costs/funding.

o We are purchasing the Saddleblanket building in downtown and will find a developer to participate

on this project once we own it

o We are working with ArtSpace to identify a building downtown for an art loft project

o The redesign of Mills Plaza and San Jacinto Plaza will both be completed by June

Make redevelopment of Northgate Mall site a top priority

o The City has acquired the Northgate site and it will be demolished after the last tenants leave in

June

o The terminal will be sited and preliminary plans will be done by June and an RFP will be issued

Promote sustainable quality development

Tasks Ongoing

Develop strategy to plan and build 1st smart growth master plan

o We have acquired the Northgate property and plan to work with a developer on the first SmartCode

TOD project in El Paso

o We are currently analyzing three potential SmartCode projects that total 750 acres

Enhance efforts towards community cleanliness, landscaping and other green/beautification efforts

o Launched “Let’s Get to Work” clean-up campaign, doing outreach at local schools and City 15

o Created Anti-Graffiti campaign with spots rolling on City 15

Give priority to green development initiatives-public and private sectors

o Efforts ongoing

Community Development Policy Statement (cont’d)


To position Museums and Cultural Affairs Department (MCAD) in a leadership role, building

partnerships in planning for El Paso’s cultural prosperity.

Projects Completed

Objectives Comments

Exploring avenues to activate the Arts Festival Plaza during warm weather months.

Dancing in the City established in July of 2010 and will continue as an 8 week program during the summer of 2011

Determine best methodology to encourage individual artists in the community by reevaluating the cultural funding program for FY2011

AIP program currently ongoing with 8 applicants funded in FY11

Restructure MCAD to provide operational support across all three entities-Art, History and Archeology, with goal of achieving accreditation as a museum system.

During the budget process the department reorganized the museums division. The Art Museum completed its accreditation renewal process. Dr. Julia Bussinger, the director of the History Museum, assumed leadership of the Archaeology Museum, and has developed a task force to assist in moving both of the institutions toward accreditation.

Pursue funding through Economic Impact of the Arts Summit.

El Paso Arts Economic Impact Study was completed. Printed copies were available for the arts & culture organizations that are currently receiving funding. The report was presented to City Council on February 2, 2010.

Continue pursuing Cultural Funding Program to fund 58 agencies that will serve the community.

FY2010 Cultural Funding Programs awarded 50 grants. Cultural Funding Guidelines for FY2011 were revised and taken to City Council on February 16, 2010.

Tasks Ongoing

Continue the El Paso Public Art Program that enhances quality of life by adding value to municipal facilities

and creating ongoing opportunities for artists and artisans to enhance the visitor experience.

Completed Projects Location District

Westside TT Remcon and Mesa 1

Upper Valley Traffic Circle Upper Valley & Country Club Rd 1

Open Space Alabama 2

El Paso International Airport 6701 Convair Rd 3

Alberta Way Mural Alberta Way 3

Cielo Vista Library 1300 Hawkins 3

Mission Valley 9065 Alameda 6,7

Victims Memorial Reading Garden 600 Yarbrough 7

Municipal Service Center San Paulo Dr. 7

Civic Center Plaza 1 Civic Center Plaza 8

Downtown TT Santa Fe St. 8

Glory Road TT Glory Rd. & Mesa 8

The Men of Company E 4321 Delta Dr. 8

Pat O'Rourke Recreation Center 701 Montana 8



Create a nationally recognized library system.

Tasks Ongoing

Identified the 10 best library systems in the nation and selected six for benchmarking purposes to compare

vs. El Paso Public Library. Benchmarking continues; benchmarking continued through fourth quarter 2009;

benchmarks were adjusted to reflect the Library’s situation during a tight budget year. Library staff

administration will update benchmarks as needed. Library staff and administration are working to extend

benchmarks through 2018 so that we can project our progress for the next ten years.

o Waiting arrival of new director to re-evaluate the benchmarks

Five years of milestone and targets were initially selected ending 2012 for the EPPL. In 2009 milestones

and targets will be extended through FY2019.

o Facilities improvement milestone was advanced with the opening of the new Jose Cisneros Cielo

Vista Branch Library, the first green building.

o Other milestones will be re-evaluated to create a more achievable set.

Make the El Paso Public Library system among the best in the nation.

o New director hired January 2011

Increase the visibility of the El Paso Public Library system on the local, state and national levels.

o No further update to 2008-2011 Strategic Plan Progress Report

o In September 15, 2010, the City of El Paso was awarded the BTOP Grant or 8.4 million dollars for

Public Computer Centers (PCC). The grant has brought 12 partners in the City and County and

proposed to service 98 PCCs throughout the area of El Paso with a total of 1687 computing

stations. The Public Computer Center key indicators are number of new computer workstations,

average number of customers per week, number of training participants, number of training hours,

number of public computer centers improved and newly established.

o Working on John Cotton Dana Award for Dia de los Ninos 2011

Explore future of library system vis-à-vis technology, longer-term issue

o New services implemented include:

Downloadable books and resources and other material made available beginning Sept.

2010;

Telemessaging system started August 5, 2010. This notifies patrons the status of book

requests and overdue material

Wireless internet is now available at Main Library, Richard Burges Regional Branch, Dorris

Van Doren Regional Branch, Esperanza Acosta Moreno Regional Branch, Memorial Park,

Judge Marquez, and the Jose Cisneros Cielo Vista Branch (JCCV)

Thirty ((30) wireless laptops made available for loan in the building at the JCCV. This is the

first library to offer the use of wireless laptops to the public to access the Internet eliminating

the need for dedicated computer lab space.



Commit to a world-class Parks and Recreation Program

Projects Completed

Objectives Comments

Evaluate merits of a regional park system. Blue Ribbon Committee met for 8+ months and provided recommendations to City Council in September 2010. Council accepted recommendations to add item to State Legislative Agenda to provide authority to City/County to establish a park district and with taxing authority, City/County to negotiate system development, staff to promote among neighborhood/civic associations and garner input and feedback on development of Regional Park Authority.

Tasks Ongoing

Aggressively implement Parks and Recreation Master Plan new and mid-term objectives

o The five year update to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan is due fall 20 11.

o Staff has requested a scope of work and cost estimate from Halff Associates.

Advance an eco-tourism/outdoor, extreme sports tourism strategy (want evaluation and marketing

package)

o Parks staff submitted a grant application to TPWD for further trail development at Westside

Community Park

o Grant was tentatively approved pending environmental assessment

Economic Development Policy Statement

Help businesses create quality jobs in El Paso and revitalize targeted areas of town, thereby adding to the tax base and fostering a healthy economy.

Create new job opportunities in El Paso by helping existing businesses maintain and/or expand their

operations and by encouraging new companies to relocate or begin new businesses in El Paso.

Tasks Ongoing

Business Retention & Expansion – help existing businesses keep and/or expand their operations in El

Paso.

o 138 local business visits

Business Recruitment – attract new jobs in targeted industries

o 0 new jobs

Entrepreneurship – develop a world class entrepreneurship program

o We have led a process to build a richer environment for high tech entrepreneurs that included over

a dozen of our economic development partners, all of whom have reached agreement on a plan.

o Entrepreneur Guide has been updated for 2011

o Online mentoring website is under construction

Procurement – increase sales made by local suppliers to maquilas and manufacturers

o 171 companies in database

o Working with Associacion de Maquiladoras de Juarez (AMAC) to visit maquilas as ED staff no

longer travels to Juarez

o 1 Supplier Development Day

Loan – Loan small businesses money through the Revolving Loan Fund and Empowerment Zone Loan

programs

o 0 loans processed this fiscal year

o We are currently filling two board vacancies

Business Assistance – Help local businesses with permitting, planning and other city-related issues

o 33 company assists

Business Information – maintain and distribute business and economic data in print and online

o Newsletters and indicators ongoing

o 769 assists to date

Economic Development Policy Statement (cont’d)

Help businesses create quality jobs in El Paso and revitalize targeted areas of town, thereby adding to the tax base and fostering a healthy economy.

Revitalize underperforming areas in El Paso to enhance the tax base and quality of life.

Tasks Ongoing

Downtown Plan – Implement the 2015 Downtown Plan

o Way finding project funded for first two corridors, coordinating with DMD on program expansion

o DMD contract with city to City Council on 1/25

o Working with Mobility Portfolio on public outreach regarding parking/loading zone issues

o First downtown housing application submitted to TIRZ

Medical Center of the Americas (MCA) – work with the MCA foundation and partners to redevelop this area

into a healthcare and biomed center

o MCA SmartCode overlay will be submitted to planning within 60 days; working with MCA on a

business plan for a research facility

Tax Credits – explore the benefits of commercial tax credit program

o Application for tax credits submitted to federal government; Mills Building first NMTC recipient in El

Paso (they received Restoration Tax Credits as well)

Multifamily – work to increase the number of multifamily units in El Paso

o 2,905 united applied for grant

Airport – assist airport with development projects

o Meeting with potential master developers and hotel developers; will begin marketing Butterfield and

Global Research to area manufacturers

Leadership – Lead city-wide and regional economic development efforts in order to strategically improve El

Paso’s economy for the long run

o DOL study complete, follow-up in hand of Workforce Board

Sustainability – assist in the implementation of the Sustainability Plan

o Supported adoption of 2009 energy codes for new construction

o Supported construction of City’s three new LEED projects

o Collaborated with Paso del Norte foundation on Renewable Energy Testing Laboratory proposal

o Led El Paso team to D.C. for green job training academy

Infill – work with the planning department to create a strategy for infill development

o Infill Policy under review

Smart growth – develop a pilot project that will help us meet multifamily needs and be a model for smart

growth and sustainability

o We have acquired the Northgate property and plan to work with a developer on the first SmartCode

TOD project in EL Paso

o We are currently analyzing three potential SmartCode projects that total 750 acres

Aggressively explore renewable energy projects for the greater El Paso area as a sustainability and

economic development priority

o Implemented Solar PV Rebate program with El Paso Electric

o Finalized renewable energy economic development incentive policy for franchise fee funds

o Participated in El Paso Electric’s technical advisory committee for implementation of $10M solar

project

o Allocated DOE grant funding for three City solar projects (Animal Shelter, Library + Calendar Park)

o Submitted proposal for state grant funding for large solar systems on Airport Terminal and MSC

Operations Buildings.

Fiscal Policy Statement

To ensure long-term financial stability and sustainability of the City government

Projects Completed

Objectives Comments

Debt Management Policy Adopted November 2006, revised by Council on November 2007 and October 2009.

Budget Policy adopted by council April 2006.

Standard and Poor’s bond rating for the City of El Paso is AA. Fitch’s bond rating for the City of El Paso is AA.

Obtained rating of AAA by Fitch 2010

Revenue Diversification policy, Fees and Charges Policy, annual review of General Revenues Policy and Review of Revenues by revenue initiating department policies were all approved by Council on April 10, 2006.

The procurement card (p-card) is fully implemented.

Internal Audit function established and functioning.

Current systems ensure that assets are adequately safeguarded.

Enhanced payroll auditing and quality control capability by creating a single biweekly pay period for all employees in August 2007.

IT shared services strategies implemented. City and County entered into agreement to have joint IT department in December 2009

Tasks Ongoing

Continue to look for ways to reduce costs and enhance efficient through consolidation, outsourcing, inter-

agency partnerships and technology investments.

o Additional departments are working with various agencies or have entered into agreements for

shared-services, such as Procurement and Fleet Services

Prepare and implement Capital Improvement Plan per the final directives of City Council

Advance concepts of

1) Regional Parks system

2) Law enforcement consolidation possibilities

3) IT shared services strategies

o Council accepted recommendations to move forward with Regional Park System via authority by

state legislature

o Staff working on public outreach and input

o IT shared services agreement in place and successful

Monitor local economy and revenue performance. Act quickly to adjust budget expenses were warranted

Customer Service Policy Statement

To be a high performance, customer focused organization

Tasks Ongoing

Continue to monitor and evaluate customer service levels using tested tools and measures

Better utilize interactive technology tools to improve responsiveness and overall customer service

Implement 311 City-wide call center by end of FY2010 o Non-emergency call operations will be managed by an outsource contractor to be selected January

2011. 311 Call center will officially launch March 2011.

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