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Early Voting, City Budget Woes, and Arts District Acclaim: El Paso Local Pulse
Published 11 months, 3 weeks ago
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Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Thursday, May 1st, 2025.
We start the day with the latest on the May 2025 Uniform Election. Early voting is underway across El Paso County, with 25 sites open through Saturday and Sunday. If you have not voted yet, you still have time before early voting ends next Tuesday. Remember, this election is not countywide, so ballots will vary by district and may include local measures or school issues depending on where you live. If you need to find your early voting site, check the El Paso County Elections Department online or give them a call. Also, for anyone with a mail ballot who decides to vote in person, make sure to bring that mail ballot with you to the polls to avoid complications. Saturday, May 3rd, is Election Day itself, so plan ahead if you want your voice heard this spring.
Turning to our local government and budgets, El Paso city and county leaders are deep into discussions about finances for the coming year. There is some uncertainty about possible tax increases or cuts to services, as both governments adopted no-new-revenue tax rates last year. City Council and the County Commissioners Court are expected to finalize budgets later this summer. The ongoing challenge is balancing public safety contracts and slower property value growth with the push to maintain vital services, which could affect everything from parks to street repairs.
On the real estate front, El Paso’s housing market growth is still steady, but much slower than in years past. The typical homeowner pays about $960 a year on county property taxes for an average-valued home. While that is a slight increase, the overall trend is toward moderation in both sales and prices.
For those on the job hunt, be aware that the city and county are each monitoring employment closely, especially as layoffs at local schools and federal contractors could slow job growth. Community leaders are encouraging everyone to stay alert for city job openings as retirements and turnover continue to create opportunities.
A major highlight for our arts and culture scene, the El Paso Downtown Arts District has just been ranked among the top arts districts nationwide according to USA Today. That is a big boost for the area and reflects a growing energy downtown. Also, today brings the annual Biotech Poster Showcase at the Cardwell Collaborative from 3 to 6 p.m. Stop by to see local research and connect with innovators in health tech.
On the business side, a few Gold’s Gym locations have closed abruptly. Members have reported confusion and are waiting for details about refunds or transfers to other branches. Meanwhile, voting is also now open for Best of El Paso 2025—so it is time to show some love for your favorite restaurants, shops, and venues.
Weather today looks warm and breezy, with highs near 86. No storms expected, but keep an eye out for those late afternoon winds kicking up dust, especially along I-10 and the East Side. Tomorrow will be much the same, with temperatures holding in the mid-80s.
In El Paso schools, congratulations go to several high school academic teams who took home top honors at last weekend’s regional competitions—further proof of our kids’ dedication and talent.
Now for your public safety update. El Paso police have identified a suspect in a recent drive-by shooting spree and made an arrest. No serious injuries reported, but police urge everyone to be vigilant and report suspicious activity. In a separate case, an El Paso man has had his charge upgraded to capital murder in a domestic violence investigation. Our thoughts are with all those affected.
Finally, a feel-good story for your morning. The Sunland Park Raising Cane’s campaign just donated thousands to the Humane Society, helping more pets find new homes and providing vital supplies. A small gesture, but it means a lot for our four-legged neighbor
We start the day with the latest on the May 2025 Uniform Election. Early voting is underway across El Paso County, with 25 sites open through Saturday and Sunday. If you have not voted yet, you still have time before early voting ends next Tuesday. Remember, this election is not countywide, so ballots will vary by district and may include local measures or school issues depending on where you live. If you need to find your early voting site, check the El Paso County Elections Department online or give them a call. Also, for anyone with a mail ballot who decides to vote in person, make sure to bring that mail ballot with you to the polls to avoid complications. Saturday, May 3rd, is Election Day itself, so plan ahead if you want your voice heard this spring.
Turning to our local government and budgets, El Paso city and county leaders are deep into discussions about finances for the coming year. There is some uncertainty about possible tax increases or cuts to services, as both governments adopted no-new-revenue tax rates last year. City Council and the County Commissioners Court are expected to finalize budgets later this summer. The ongoing challenge is balancing public safety contracts and slower property value growth with the push to maintain vital services, which could affect everything from parks to street repairs.
On the real estate front, El Paso’s housing market growth is still steady, but much slower than in years past. The typical homeowner pays about $960 a year on county property taxes for an average-valued home. While that is a slight increase, the overall trend is toward moderation in both sales and prices.
For those on the job hunt, be aware that the city and county are each monitoring employment closely, especially as layoffs at local schools and federal contractors could slow job growth. Community leaders are encouraging everyone to stay alert for city job openings as retirements and turnover continue to create opportunities.
A major highlight for our arts and culture scene, the El Paso Downtown Arts District has just been ranked among the top arts districts nationwide according to USA Today. That is a big boost for the area and reflects a growing energy downtown. Also, today brings the annual Biotech Poster Showcase at the Cardwell Collaborative from 3 to 6 p.m. Stop by to see local research and connect with innovators in health tech.
On the business side, a few Gold’s Gym locations have closed abruptly. Members have reported confusion and are waiting for details about refunds or transfers to other branches. Meanwhile, voting is also now open for Best of El Paso 2025—so it is time to show some love for your favorite restaurants, shops, and venues.
Weather today looks warm and breezy, with highs near 86. No storms expected, but keep an eye out for those late afternoon winds kicking up dust, especially along I-10 and the East Side. Tomorrow will be much the same, with temperatures holding in the mid-80s.
In El Paso schools, congratulations go to several high school academic teams who took home top honors at last weekend’s regional competitions—further proof of our kids’ dedication and talent.
Now for your public safety update. El Paso police have identified a suspect in a recent drive-by shooting spree and made an arrest. No serious injuries reported, but police urge everyone to be vigilant and report suspicious activity. In a separate case, an El Paso man has had his charge upgraded to capital murder in a domestic violence investigation. Our thoughts are with all those affected.
Finally, a feel-good story for your morning. The Sunland Park Raising Cane’s campaign just donated thousands to the Humane Society, helping more pets find new homes and providing vital supplies. A small gesture, but it means a lot for our four-legged neighbor