El Paso District 5 Council Race: Niño vs. Genera on Meta Deal
El Paso District 5 candidates Ivan Niño and Richard Genera both criticize the city’s $10 billion Meta data center agreement, though they disagree over whether the deal can still be challenged. The project includes major tax incentives, city-funded road improvements and potential water use of up to 1.5 million gallons per day; the City Council recently voted against a proposal that could have led to terminating the agreement.
The El Paso District 5 council race is being shaped by debate over Meta’s $10 billion data center in northeast El Paso. Incumbent Ivan Niño and challenger Richard Genera both say the agreement was unfavorable to the city, citing tax incentives, infrastructure costs and the project’s potential water consumption. Meta is expected to employ about 300 permanent workers and 4,000 temporary construction workers, with full completion anticipated in 2028.
The El Paso City Council approved the agreement in 2023 and voted 5-3 on June 9 against a proposal that could have led to its termination. Niño supported keeping the agreement, arguing that the city could not halt construction, while Genera said officials should have pursued court discussions and organized residents to oppose the project. Niño is also advocating protections for residential utility customers and wants changes to a proposed U.S. Army data center near Fort Bliss, while both candidates oppose placing hyperscale facilities near neighborhoods.