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El Paso, Texas – El Paso Community leaders, led by the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation, today launched Elevate the 10, a bold community-driven campaign to transform Interstate 10 (I-10) in the downtown corridor into a new signature public space – a multi-purpose Deck Plaza that will reconnect neighborhoods and generate lasting economic, environmental, and community benefits for the region.

Elevate the 10 is a multi-year community engagement campaign designed to invite El Pasoans into the process, highlight progress, and strengthen alignment around a shared vision for the city’s future. Through community meetings, neighborhood events, videos, and digital outreach, the campaign underscores that the Deck Plaza is not just a downtown project, but a regional investment with lasting benefits for generations.

“Elevate the 10 is about inviting every El Pasoan into this moment,” said Tracy Yellen, President of the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation and CEO of the Paso Del Norte Community Foundation. “It asks us to imagine what’s possible when you cap a highway and it becomes a main gathering space for the entire community – providing green space, culture, and connections. This campaign is about pride, progress, and building something that will shape the future of El Paso.”

The Deck Plaza, a 6.5-acre park and destination, is projected to be a major economic engine for El Paso. During construction alone, the Deck Plaza project is expected to generate approximately $310 million in economic activity, including $100 million in wages and new local and county sales tax revenue. Over the long term, the project could generate an additional $660 million in economic activity while supporting sustained job growth, business development, and increased property values.

“The Deck Plaza represents a transformative opportunity for downtown El Paso and the entire region," said Joe Gudenrath, Executive Director of the Downtown Management District. "We're already seeing momentum with new businesses, residents, and investments choosing downtown. The Deck Plaza will accelerate that growth while creating the kind of vibrant public space that makes cities truly great places to live, work, and gather. This is how El Paso competes for talent and investment in the 21st century."

An economic impact analysis by HR&A Advisors estimates that the Deck Plaza could increase nearby property values by 5 to 10 percent and generate nearly $1 billion in economic activity over 30 years - helping shift the tax base toward commercial growth and reducing pressure on residential taxpayers.

The Deck Plaza is supported by a broad public-private partnership—including the City of El Paso, El Paso County, TxDOT, regional and federal agencies, philanthropy, business leaders, and community advocates. The project has secured significant funding commitments of $74.5 million, including $10M from the Texas Legislature, $25M from the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization, $3.15M in Federal Community Project Funding, $1M from the County of El Paso, and $35M in private philanthropy.

As the project advances, Elevate the 10 will serve as a platform for transparency, accountability, and shared ownership; keeping the community informed, engaged, and connected every step of the way.

As a community-driven campaign, there are several ways to show support for the Deck Plaza. Visit Downtowndeckplaza.org/getinvolved to receive updates and join the growing list of deck plaza supporters, see a calendar of pop-up events near you, and provide input on the activities and events you want to see at the park.

To learn more, visit our website at DowntownDeckPlaza.org. And, to stay updated on social media, follow the Downtown Deck Plaza on Facebook and Instagram.