El Paso Pursues Nomination for Next Great American Base
City Council voted to pursue hosting the Department of War's first new U.S. military base in 40 years.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Military
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Should El Paso pursue hosting the new military base for its economic benefits?
The El Paso City Council approved pursuing the nomination to host the U.S. Department of War's Next Great American Base on Monday. The nomination will move through a state and federal review process, with federal selection anticipated in June 2027.
Why it matters
The base could bring $4 billion to $7 billion in annual economic activity and 26,000 to 44,000 jobs to the Borderland, according to projections cited by the City. Pursuing the nomination does not require a direct financial commitment from El Paso, though any future city funding or land agreements would need separate Council approval.
The City cites projections of $4 billion to $7 billion in annual economic activity and 26,000 to 44,000 jobs, but these are forward-looking estimates tied to a base that has not yet been selected. Federal selection is anticipated in June 2027, and the proposed project would require 100,000 to 250,000 acres.
The players
Fort Bliss
A major U.S. Army installation in El Paso that the City cites as a key military asset supporting the nomination.
Texas Military Preparedness Commission
A Texas state body that coordinates military-related economic development and is working with El Paso on the nomination.
The details
The City is coordinating with the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, state and federal representatives, and regional partners to advance the nomination. The effort cites El Paso's proximity to Fort Bliss, White Sands Missile Range, and Holloman Air Force Base, along with its transportation networks, educational institutions, and skilled workforce.
Timeline
Monday: El Paso City Council approved pursuing the nomination.
June 2027: Federal selection of the base site is anticipated.
Roadmap
The Next Great American Base program marks the first new U.S. military base construction in 40 years, and El Paso is competing to host it. The city is positioning its existing installations, including Fort Bliss, White Sands Missile Range, and Holloman Air Force Base, as the foundation for its bid.
Pursuing the nomination itself carries no direct financial cost to El Paso residents. Any future city funding, land agreements, or infrastructure investments would require separate City Council approval, which would be the point where local taxpayers and property owners would be directly affected.
The takeaway
The base proposal is still at the nomination stage, so residents should watch for the state and federal review process and any future City Council votes on funding or land. Those decisions will determine whether the projected economic and job gains materialize for the Borderland.
What happens next
The nomination will move through a state and federal review process, with federal selection of the base site anticipated in June 2027.
Further reading
For more on regional defense and base developments, see the Military section.
Live Poll
Should El Paso pursue hosting the new military base for its economic benefits?
