Between Two Worlds: The Unique Challenges and Opportunities of Planning in Border Cities

Attendees will gain insight into the challenges and opportunities connected to border cities and planning within them. They will leave with a deeper understanding of the complexities of planning in border cities and innovative strategies to address these challenges.

Topic Summary: How do you develop and redevelop communities that cross international borders? Located at the intersection of two countries, border cities in Texas face unique challenges and opportunities in urban planning. There are numerous social and cultural dynamics to consider, including language, identity, and community cohesion.

Several unique characteristics of border cities include:
• Mobility
• Economic Development
• Infrastructure
• Health
• Trade
• Community Engagement

This session will showcase case studies from El Paso, Laredo, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and RVG, highlighting diverse approaches and solutions to a range of issues such as transportation infrastructure, land use, and environmental planning. The panel discussion will feature experts in border city planning, offering insights into successful strategies for planning in these complex environments. The role of community engagement and public participation in shaping planning decisions in border cities will also be discussed.

Lessons Learned: Attendees will gain insight into the challenges and opportunities connected to border cities and planning within them. They will leave with a deeper understanding of the complexities of planning in border cities and innovative strategies to address these challenges.

Who Should attend: 
• Planners and implementors interested in entering and/or developing relationships with border municipalities and markets. 
• Municipal staff and leaders interested in gaining more insight on the planning process and factors of consideration related to border cities.
• Anyone wanting to understand border cities or cities with multiple ethnicities.


Session Facilitator: Peer Chacko, AICP (Stantec) – Leader of Stantec’s Planning & Urban Design Group for the Texas region, and a former Director of Planning with the City of Dallas, Peer leads several major planning initiatives across the state. He is passionate about working at the intersection of land use, mobility, and economic development to promote placemaking. 

Panel Members:
Mark Maldonado, PLA (Stantec) – Discipline Lead for Stantec’s Texas Landscape Architecture and Planning practice, Mark offers extensive experience in the fields of planning, landscape architecture, parks and recreation, and public participation. He has been involved in multiple planning projects within border cities, including the City of Del Rio Comprehensive Plan. 

Paola Fernandez, NCI, CNU-A (Able City) – Senior Planner for Able City Architecture, Paola is a border child of Ciudad Juárez and El Paso and has a unique perception and understanding of multiple cultures. Bringing her knowledge of architecture and urbanism, Paola strives to create a more inclusive, equitable world through the built environment.

Janice Pokrant (City of Del Rio) – Planning Director for the City of Del Rio, Janice has been guiding the planning process in her border city for numerous years and projects.

Arturo Marquez, CecD, Ms Econ (City of Eagle Pass) – Economic Development Director for the City of Eagle Pass, Arturo is closely involved with community planning and engagement in his border city. 

Orlando Navarro (City of Laredo) – Planning Department Director for the City of Laredo, Orlando is invested in the growth of his border city and oversees its planning.