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El Paso, Texas – The City of El Paso, El Paso County, and the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation (DDPF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a collaborative framework to advance the Downtown Deck Plaza project - a transformational 6.5-acre public park planned above I-10 in the heart of El Paso. The agreement outlines how the three partners will coordinate planning, design, funding, and long-term operations of the proposed Deck Plaza spanning I-10 between Kansas Street and Santa Fe Street downtown.

“This Memorandum of Understanding marks an important step in advancing the Deck Plaza,” said Tracy Yellen, President of the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation and CEO of the Paso Del Norte Community Foundation. “Through this partnership with the City and County, we can begin building the philanthropic and community support needed to create a once-in-a-generation civic space that reflects the culture, energy, and pride of El Paso.”

• Under the agreement, the City of El Paso will coordinate with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), execute agreements necessary for future-proofing structural elements in the I-10 enhancement project, and ultimately serve as the owner of the Deck Plaza infrastructure.
• El Paso County will participate in planning and design leadership and oversight for the plaza’s public spaces and amenities.
• The Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation will lead private fundraising for plaza amenities, help guide community-focused design and programming, and serve as the long-term operator responsible for the activation and maintenance of the public space.

“The Deck Plaza is a significant project for our city and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for El Paso,” said Mayor Renard Johnson. “Our responsibility is to give this project the chance to succeed in a way that benefits El Paso families, both now and for generations to come.”

The project is expected to advance in phases, beginning with design and incorporation of structural “future proofing” elements into the I-10 enhancement project, followed by construction of the deck infrastructure and eventual development of park amenities and public spaces. Once complete, the Deck Plaza is estimated to attract over 1 million visitors annually and provide over $1 billion to the El Paso economy.

The MOU establishes a cooperative structure for the partners to coordinate these efforts while recognizing that future construction, funding, and operational commitments will be finalized through subsequent agreements approved by the respective governing bodies.

“The success of the Deck Plaza depends on strong partnerships, and this is the first step,” said El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego. “El Paso County is proud to stand alongside the City and the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation in supporting this effort to create a landmark public space that reflects the spirit of collaboration and shared investment in our community’s future. This generational initiative will support long-term economic vitality and help position our community for continued growth and opportunity for many decades.”

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 (with a $584K City match), $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.

Elevate the 10, the recently launched community engagement campaign, will serve as a platform for transparency, accountability, and shared ownership; keeping the community informed, engaged, and connected every step of the way. Broad and sustained public support, along with active community input, will be essential to advancing future phases of the project and securing the remaining funding needed to bring the Deck Plaza to fruition. 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.