Almost everybody waves the “Shop Local” banner but not everybody actually does it. The city of El Paso and YISD just got called out for their spending habits.

The city of El Paso and the Ysleta Independent School District, (YISD), may shop locally here and there but, when it comes to everyday products and common supplies, Amazon is getting a BIG chunk of their money.

Almost $2 million bucks worth.

According to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance … a “watchdog” I guess you could say, group that promotes local powers and businesses while fighting corporate involvement … El Paso and the YISD spent a lot of money online instead of in the 915.

A recently published report by a national non-profit organization — the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) — argues that many local government entities and school districts across the country have become increasingly dependent on Amazon to supply them with basic supplies and routine goods over local suppliers. – ktsm

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The report drew from purchasing records of 128 cities, counties, and school districts in 2023. Among those entities were the City of El Paso and the Ysleta Independent School District, which according to the report spent almost a combined $2 million in purchases with Amazon. – ktsm

To be exact, the city of El Paso spent $758,314 on stuff while YISD went bigger, spending over $1 million dollars. In addition to not supporting local businesses, the ILSR says using Amazon is “wasteful and risky”.

The article doesn’t mention how much EPISD or any other districts or cities are spending outside El Paso but it does say the ILSR posted data from 128 cities, counties, and school districts.

Their figures are from 2023 but, as you can see in the video, they have been serving as a voice of support for local vs. big time corporate businesses and entities for 50 years.

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There are so many places throughout the Borderland that as you look around you just know you’re here. Just for sharing your interpretation of “You know you’re in El Paso when you see…” you could win $1,000.

Share your vision, your humor, your admiration for what makes us unique. It could even end up in one of our “You Know you’re in El Paso when you see…” galleries.

Here are a few example of the sort of things we’re looking for, but you should definitely get creative and try to find those iconic, weird, or wonderful things that are distinctly El Paso.

Gallery Credit: KLAQ

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