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People, jobs, and commerce cross borders every day. How can local governments build lasting partnerships that keep pace with community needs?
In El Paso, Texas, close ties with neighboring Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, make cross-border collaboration essential. Through the Economic Recovery Corps (ERC), the city is turning individual relationships into a coordinated approach to trade, infrastructure, and regional economic development.
In this episode of Voices in Local Government, Economic Recovery Corps Fellow Leonie Zapata and Adriana Pulecio, International Programs Administrator for the City of El Paso, join ICMA’s Gabe Daugherty to discuss how trust becomes the foundation for lasting cooperation. You’ll also hear why these lessons matter even for communities far from an international border.
In This Interview:
- How El Paso is turning cross-border relationships into shared priorities and action.
- How trust and an embedded ERC fellow helped the city expand its capacity and pursue new ideas.
- How policies, committees, and working groups can sustain collaboration through staff turnover and political change.
Featured Guests:
- Leonie Zapata, Fellow, Economic Recovery Corps, serving the City of El Paso, Texas
- Adriana Pulecio, International Programs Administrator, City of El Paso, Texas
Episode Host:
- Gabe Daugherty, Assistant Program Manager, Innovation & Research, ICMA
For local government and economic development professionals, this conversation offers practical lessons on building partnerships that help communities thrive.
Show Producers:
- Angelica Wedell, Sr. Manager of Engagement and Digital Marketing, ICMA
- Tina Hamilton, Strategic Communications Manager, ICMA
Learn More:
- Economic Recovery Corps: https://economicrecoverycorps.org/
- El Paso Economic & International Development: https://elpasoeid.com/
- National League of Cities: https://www.nlc.org/article/2026/06/02/how-el-paso-is-advancing-cross-border-coordination-and-growth/
