EL PASO, Texas (Oct. 14, 2025) ― The El Paso City Council approved a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an Interlocal Agreement with The University of Texas at El Paso to jointly advance the region’s aerospace and defense manufacturing capabilities as part of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC).

The El Paso City Council approved a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an Interlocal Agreement with The University of Texas at El Paso to jointly advance the region’s aerospace and defense manufacturing capabilities as part of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC).

The El Paso City Council approved a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an Interlocal Agreement with The University of Texas at El Paso to jointly advance the region’s aerospace and defense manufacturing capabilities as part of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC).

The action positions the City and UTEP as co-applicants in the federally funded initiative and allows them to jointly implement the BBBRC Award’s scope of work and administer $10 million in federal program funds.

“This is a major step toward shaping El Paso’s future as a hub for advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation,” said Mayor Renard U. Johnson. “By investing in our workforce and strengthening local supply chains, we’re opening doors to high-quality jobs, helping our small and medium-sized manufacturers grow, and positioning El Paso as a key player in industries that will define the next generation of economic opportunity.”

“We have been working closely with the City on this project since 2023. This change deepens our partnership so that we leverage our strengths for the long term ― even after this grant is complete. UTEP’s cutting-edge advanced manufacturing knowhow and aerospace research will continue to advance discovery, spin out companies and educate students ― all of which are important for economic impact,” said UTEP President Heather Wilson. “The City of El Paso will focus on working with companies and providing technical assistance as they develop. We are grateful to be leading this effort with El Paso.”

The agreement builds on significant federal investment and a highly competitive national award that set the foundation for El Paso’s advanced manufacturing strategy.

In 2023, El Paso’s West Texas Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Coalition, led by the City and UTEP, secured a $40 million award to strengthen aerospace and defense manufacturing and better integrate local small and medium-sized manufacturers into national supply chains.

As part of this award, the City received $25 million to establish the Advanced Manufacturing District at the El Paso International Airport, creating space for aerospace and defense companies, suppliers and support services. UTEP received $15 million to provide programming, supplier readiness and technical assistance to help local manufacturers compete for advanced industry contracts.

The City and UTEP will now move forward with program administration and oversight required by the BBBRC grant to strengthen regional manufacturing networks and deliver measurable economic outcomes for El Paso.

For more information about the City’s Economic & International Development, visit ElPasoEID.com.

Last Updated on October 14, 2025 at 12:00 AM | Originally published October 14, 2025

By MC Staff
UTEP Marketing and Communications