El Paso, Texas – On Wednesday, Nov. 11, several faith‑based and community organizations will gather at Café Mayapán for a public forum titled “A Pivotal Choice.” The event brings together leaders from the Hope Border Institute, Estrella del Paso, La Mujer Obrera and the Catholic Diocese of El Paso to discuss the major issues shaping the city’s future.
Who’s speaking
Speakers include Bishop Anthony Celino, auxiliary bishop of the Catholic Diocese of El Paso; Melissa Lopez, executive director of Estrella del Paso; Lorena Andrade, executive director of La Mujer Obrera; and Dylan Corbett, executive director of the Hope Border Institute. Each will share perspectives rooted in faith and community experience.
Topics on the agenda
The conversation will focus on four key areas:
- Economic development – exploring how El Paso can attract and retain businesses while preserving local character.
- Immigration enforcement – examining the impact of federal policies on families and workers along the border.
- Taxes – discussing how tax policy affects households, small businesses and the city’s ability to fund essential services.
- Data‑center impact – assessing how the growing presence of data centers influences the local economy, environment and job market.
Organizers say the forum is inspired by the teachings of Pope Leo XIV on human dignity and economic justice, and they hope the discussion will translate those principles into practical solutions for Borderland residents.
Why the forum matters
El Paso stands at a crossroads, according to the organizers. Decisions made today about infrastructure, workforce development and regulatory enforcement could shape the region for years to come. By inviting community members to voice concerns and ideas, the event aims to foster civic engagement and ensure that policy choices reflect both faith‑based values and pragmatic economic considerations.
How to participate
The forum begins at 6 p.m. on Nov. 11 at Café Mayapán, a local gathering spot known for its welcoming atmosphere. Attendance is free, and residents are encouraged to ask questions and share their perspectives during the open‑forum portion.
Community leaders emphasize that the discussion is not a partisan rally but a collaborative effort to address real‑world challenges through the lens of faith, family and individual liberty. They hope the dialogue will lead to actionable recommendations for city officials and state representatives.
For more information, contact the Hope Border Institute or the Catholic Diocese of El Paso.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
