CFC addresses affordable housing
July 2026
The Community First Coalition is calling for stronger action to address El Paso’s affordable housing shortage. The resolution supports expanding affordable rentals and homeownership through home repair assistance, first-time buyer programs, redevelopment of vacant properties, rental assistance, and low-interest housing loans, with a focus on helping low-income and working families.
CFC Affordable Housing Group Meets with Texas Housers
July 2026
CFC Affordable Housing Group meets with TEXAS HOUSERS to discuss municipal strategies to address local housing needs.
Border Communities Raise Their Voices on the Future of USMCA
June 2026
Community leaders, scholars, labor advocates, environmental organizations, and residents gathered at Café Mayapan for a “Breakfast of Champions” discussion focused on the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), formerly NAFTA. The event was part of the Cross-Border Days of Solidarity and highlighted how international trade policies directly affect border communities like El Paso and Ciudad Juárez. Panelists discussed the history of NAFTA and USMCA, environmental and public health concerns, and the importance of community involvement in shaping policies that affect the border region. Following the discussion, participants marched from Café Mayapan to the Bridge of the Americas (Puente Libre) for a binational gathering calling for trade policies that prioritize workers, communities, public health, and environmental sustainability. The event emphasized the power of grassroots involvement and cross-border cooperation in ensuring border communities have a voice in decisions that directly affect their future.
El Paso’s Housing Challenges: Working Together for Affordable Housing
September 2025
Community First Coalition El Paso recently brought together local leaders and housing advocates for an informative discussion on the challenges surrounding affordable housing in El Paso. Panelists discussed opportunities to make better use of vacant lots, encourage infill development, rehabilitate existing homes, support smaller developers and nonprofit organizations, and expand access to low-interest loans and down payment assistance. The discussion also highlighted the need for greater community involvement as the City considers new approaches to address substandard housing and create more opportunities for working families to achieve safe, stable, and affordable housing. Community members are encouraged to stay informed and support efforts that can improve housing opportunities and quality of life throughout El Paso.
CFC’S Strategic Planning for Growth and Action
January 2025
Community First Coalition steering committee members participated in the second CFC Strategic Planning session, led by steering committee member Carol Brey. We clarified goals, prioritizing climate change action and affordable housing, and developed strategies for expansion, including the revised and streamlined website. Members took the lead in establishing several task forces. Thanks also to Carol Brey who facilitated CFC’s first Strategic Plan in 2024.
CFC’s Push to Limit Big Donors in Local Elections
October 2024
Before the election, CFC leaders held a press conference on big money in local elections, gaining local TV coverage. CFC and Justicia Fronteriza PAC advocate for $1,000 caps on campaign contributions to prevent large donors from influencing council decisions. Despite collecting over 11,000 petition signatures and meeting with council representatives, their efforts to pass an ordinance have failed. This remains an issue.
El Paso Mayor and City Council Candidate Forum
October 2024
On October 5th, the CFC, the El Paso League of Women Voters, and the El Paso Community College Government Discipline co-hosted the largest and most comprehensive city candidate forum for 23 candidates running for seven seats: 270 attended the EPCC Valle Verde campus. See the many pictures on the CFC Facebook PAGE on that date. League leaders also registered voters at the event.
Duranguito – The Documentary
August 2024
CFC sponsored an ~hour-long film Duranguito at the International Museum of Art auditorium to a large crowd followed by a reception. (Some of us wondered if ANY local city council representatives or administrators have seen this film about the many people and groups who worked to preserve an historic neighborhood and prevent even more displacement of people from affordable housing.)
Protecting the air we breathe and places we love
May 2024
CFC organized a panel over concerns with excessive pollution and its health effects from Marathon Refinery, plus the concrete plant near the precious Rio Bosque Wetlands Park along the Rio Grande. CFC leaders also testified at the TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) and EPA public hearings around Marathon’s permit to emit more pollution that already damages health in the south-central part of El Paso. See the CFC Facebook PAGE for pictures of both events.
Drew from Rep. Ro Khanna’s Office Visits Café Mayapán
September 2023
Drew, from Cong Rep Khanna’s staff, meeting with community activists! From left: Drew, Ben, Josh, Carlos, Amy, VeroAnn, Ivonne, Naomi, Vero, me, and Jesus. (Rep Khanna was stuck in DC when the speaker called congress back over the 9/30 shutdown and continuing resolution votes)
Community First Coalition 