Downtown El Paso Special Privilege Permitting Process

The process to permit events on the public right- of-way was unnecessarily difficult to navigate. It discouraged events from occurring in Downtown El Paso. The result was an underutilized public landscape home to the region’s premier venues and historical architecture.

The City of El Paso and the Downtown Management District entered into an agreement that allowed the DMD to administer the special privilege permitting process. It took nine months for the DMD to re- configure the application process and convert into an on-line, simplified method.

Old Permitting Process

Collaboration Over a period of 9 months, the DMD and various departments at the City of El Paso collaborated in order to transform a difficult process into a simpler, streamlined application.

The old process represented mounds of paper and obstacles at every step of the way.

New Process

New on-line permitting process

New Downtown Landscape Downtown became the home of the City’s most vibrant, unique events. Art festivals, music festivals, community congregations and holiday celebrations began to take place downtown.

Results

Downtown Today Still sought as the first option for outdoor festivals and celebrations by many production companies. Provides the space and amenities found in venues specifically built to host large events Continues to be an easily accessible and recognizable public space.

Continued Success The program continues to draw new and recurring events to Downtown. Event organizers have never before been so informed about upcoming construction projects and funding resources. The DMD is proud to continue working with event organizers by providing individualized help, advice and support.