Smart Border Coalition - Insights Newsletter January 2026

JANUARY 2026

CaliBaja Higher Education Consortium Launch

UC San Diego Park and Market

Last december, the CaliBaja Higher Education Consortium (CHEC) officially launched at UC San Diego Park & Market, marking an important milestone for binational collaboration in higher education, research, and workforce development across the CaliBaja region.

CHEC brings together universities, research centers, diplomatic partners, business leaders, and community organizations from both California and Baja California to strengthen academic collaboration, increase student and faculty mobility, promote joint research, and foster innovation.

The Smart Border Coalition is proud to be part of this effort, supporting the consortium through logistics coordination and interagency facilitation. SBC serves as a bridge between universities and public agencies—working closely with local authorities, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection—to help reduce friction at the border and facilitate the safe, efficient movement of students across the region.

During the same launch event, CBP announced the rollout of a student mobility pilot program at the San Ysidro Port of Entry and Otay Mesa Port of Entry, leveraging a biometric-based approach to improve the student crossing experience. This pilot represents a meaningful step toward aligning border operations with the region’s growing binational education and workforce needs.

CBX Celebrates 10 Years of Binational Innovation

25 million passengers strong!

December 9, 2025 marked the 10th anniversary of the Cross Border Xpress (CBX), a landmark project that has redefined cross-border travel between San Diego and Tijuana. The celebration brought together key partners, including shareholders from Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), along with state, local, and federal representatives from both sides of the border.

Over the past decade, CBX has served more than 25 million passengers, demonstrating how smart infrastructure, binational coordination, and technology can enhance security while significantly improving the traveler experience. CBX has become a global reference for efficient cross-border mobility and a powerful example of what regional collaboration can achieve.

Looking ahead, CBX continues to evolve, with new operational improvements, technological upgrades, and expansion efforts underway that will further strengthen its role as a critical gateway for travel, tourism, and economic integration in the CaliBaja region.

The Smart Border Coalition recognizes CEO Jorge Goytortúa for his leadership and collaborative approach in positioning CBX as a leading model for cross-border innovation.

Select Committee on California-Mexico

Bi-National Affairs

City of Chula Vista City Council

The Smart Border Coalition was honored to testify before the Assembly Select Committee on California-Mexico Bi-National Affairs during a joint public hearing convened by Assemblymember David Alvarez (Chair), alongside Assemblymembers José Luis Solache Jr. and Anamarie Ávila Farías, held at the City of Chula Vista City Council Chambers.

SBC joined other distinguished partner organizations and regional stakeholders in providing testimony on policy, regulatory, and operational considerations related to the 2026 USMCA review, underscoring the importance of cross-border trade, workforce mobility, and binational economic collaboration for California and the CaliBaja region.

SBC appreciates Assemblymember David Alvarez’s invitation to participate in this timely and important hearing.

Sedeti anuncia horarios y precios del Programa de Cruce Ágil para Trabajadores Transfronterizos
Please find more information on the Tijuana Fast Lane click here
To apply for FAST LANE click here