Senator César J. Blanco Elected Chair of El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

Press Release Contact: Taylor Sanchez
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Taylor.sanchez@senate.texas.gov
January 24, 2024
Senator César J. Blanco Elected Chair of El Paso Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO)
El Paso, Texas – Today, Senator César J. Blanco, was elected as Chair of the El Paso
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Senator Blanco has served on the MPO for 10 years
and served as the Vice-Chair in 2024.
Established in 1988, the MPO is tasked with transportation planning and decision-making for the
El Paso region. Federally mandated for urbanized areas with populations exceeding 50,000,
MPOs play a crucial role in coordinating transportation projects and funding across local, state,
and federal agencies to support infrastructure and mobility improvements.
“I am deeply honored to be elected Chair of the MPO by my colleagues,” said Senator Blanco.
“Our region’s transportation challenges and opportunities are unique, shaped by our binational
and tri-state identity.”
The El Paso MPO’s planning area is El Paso County, Texas, southern Dona Ana County, New
Mexico, and a small portion of Otero County, New Mexico.
“Transportation and infrastructure are lifelines for our region. I-10, for instance, supports over
$737 billion in freight, 3 million jobs, and $325 billion in Gross State Product. Yet, it is outdated
and urgently requires modernization. As Chair, I am eager to work with local, state, and federal
partners to address these challenges and advance other key projects that will enhance safety,
improve mobility, and ensure our region remains competitive in the years ahead.”
For inquiries or requests, please contact Taylor Sanchez at Taylor.Sanchez@senate.texas.gov.