December 2024

WORLD DESIGN POLICY CONFERENCE

BEYOND BORDERS TRACK

World Design Capital 2024 – Beyond Boundaries Design Policy Conference: The Smart Border Coalition participated as moderator for the Borders Track panel on Cross-Border Housing, Urban Mobility, and Workforce Development.


Insightful Conversations with Key Experts: Panelists included Carlos Jaramillo (Tijuana CCE), Dr. Larry Herzog (UCSD Dept. of Urban Studies and Planning), and Kenia Zamarripa (VP of International and Public Affairs, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce).


Key Themes Explored:


  • The growing need for affordable housing solutions in Tijuana for San Diegans priced out of the local market.
  • Strategies to enhance urban mobility and infrastructure for seamless cross-border travel.
  • Promoting workforce development through binational collaboration and retaining regional talent by boosting emerging industries.


Innovative Ideas for a Competitive Region: The panel highlighted actionable solutions to address housing affordability, urban design, and workforce sustainability to strengthen the San Diego-Tijuana region.

Joaquin Luken, Smart Border Coalition, Larry Herzog, Professor UCSD, Kenia Zamarripa, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and Carlos Jaramillo, CCE Tijuana

SMART BORDER COALITION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

The Smart Border Coalition held its recent Board of Directors Meeting at the El Trompo Museo Interactivo, generously sponsored by Board Member Jorge Kuri.


Special Guests and Key Discussions:


  • Pedro Montejo Peterson, Tijuana's Secretary of Economic Development, shared key strategic actions and collaborative efforts with CBP to enhance border crossing efficiency. These partnerships aim to streamline processes and improve traveler experiences.


  • Mariza Marin, CBP San Ysidro Port Director, discussed the main challenges facing our border and emphasized that technology will be a major player in making border crossings more efficient. From automation to real-time data sharing, technological advancements are expected to transform border operations.


  • Kurt Honold Morales, Secretary of Economy and Innovation for the State of Baja California, outlined the state’s priority projects for the border, highlighting initiatives to strengthen the CaliBaja region’s competitiveness.


  • Christopher Teal, Consul General of the USA in Tijuana, and Barbara Encinas, representing Ambassador Alicia Kerber Palma, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego, contributed to the discussion, reinforcing binational cooperation as a cornerstone of our shared border priorities.


The meeting underscored the importance of cross-sector and binational partnerships in addressing border challenges, fostering innovation, and advancing economic development in the region.

A conversation with members of the select committee on California - Mexico Binational Affairs - CA State Assembly

The Border Group, in collaboration with the California Assembly Select Committee on Mexico-California Binational Affairs, hosted a dynamic roundtable on the Challenges and Opportunities of the CaliBaja Binational Region at Southwestern College in National City.


Assemblymembers Darshana Patel, David Alvarez, and Eduardo Garcia, along with Christopher Teal, Consul General of the United States in Tijuana, and other community leaders gathered to address critical issues, including cross-border mobility, education, sustainability, and energy transition. The Smart Border Coalition moderated the Cross-Border Mobility and Infrastructure panel, where stakeholders shared key insights on improving regional connectivity and advancing border infrastructure to support trade and travel.


The event underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration to tackle shared challenges and seize opportunities for binational growth. Meaningful discussions reaffirmed the CaliBaja region’s pivotal role in driving economic and social progress while exploring innovative solutions for a more connected and sustainable future.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently released its trade and travel data for Fiscal Year 2024, which concluded on September 30. Check out this infographic highlighting key trade & crossing statistics for our CaliBaja region.

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