March/April 2025

Collaborating for Regional Solutions at SBC’s Stakeholder Meeting

The Smart Border Coalition held its latest Stakeholder Working Group meeting on March 19th, bringing together leaders from both sides of the border to discuss current initiatives and challenges shaping our region.

• Joel Pilco, Southwestern College – Provided an update on AB-91, highlighting its impact on expanding access to higher education for binational students and the continued collaboration needed to support cross-border academic pathways.

• Zach Hernandez, SANDAG – Presented on the San Ysidro Mobility Hub and the Blue Line Transit-Oriented Development Study, focusing on efforts to enhance regional connectivity and sustainable transit solutions at one of the world’s busiest land ports.

• Richard Gomes, Border Transportation Council (BTC) – Shared insights into the operational and regulatory challenges faced by cross-border passenger transportation providers, emphasizing the need for coordinated solutions to improve service efficiency and traveler experience.

We thank Ambassador Alicia Kerber, U.S. Consul General in Tijuana Chris Teal, and Nick Pierce from U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their presence and support at our meeting.

Smart Border Joins SD Chamber's 17th Annual Delegation in Federal Advocacy Efforts

The Smart Border Coalition proudly took part in the 17th Annual Mission to Washington, D.C., led by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. This valuable advocacy and relationship-building event allowed us to engage directly with key federal agencies and decision-makers on the most pressing issues impacting the CaliBaja region.

This year's delegation included meetings with:

• U.S. Department of State – We discussed the major role diplomacy is playing in the current political landscape, along with the economic uncertainty and market volatility resulting from the implementation of tariffs. The conversation also focused on improving Trusted Traveler Programs like SENTRI and Global Entry, and identifying strategies to increase staffing levels to enhance both border security and efficiency.

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – Discussions centered on enhancing border security while facilitating legitimate trade and travel for the over 200,000 daily crossings in our region. We also explored strategies to improve operational efficiency through smart technologies and the critical need for additional personnel and infrastructure investments.

• Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma Barragán – We exchanged perspectives on the current political landscape, shared relevant trade data and cross-border trends, and emphasized the value of strong U.S.-Mexico collaboration in facing shared challenges and unlocking joint opportunities for economic growth and regional resilience.

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security – In a forward-looking meeting with the Office of Partnership and Engagement, and the teams focused on trade and artificial intelligence, we explored innovative pathways to create a safer, more dynamic, and tech-enabled border experience.

Delegates also connected with key members of our congressional delegation, including Representatives Sara Jacobs, Scott Peters, and Juan Vargas—who, true to tradition, led another memorable late-night tour of the Capitol—as well as Senator Adam Schiff.

Harvard University Panel Highlights Cali-Baja’s Role in U.S.-Mexico Relations

Border Dynamics Panel Presentation

SBC Executive Director Joaquin Luken participated in the Border Dynamics panel as part of the Distant Neighbors or Regional Partners? symposium organized by the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies at Harvard University. The panel, moderated by Rafael Fernández de Castro, brought together CaliBaja voices including Teddy Cruz, Fonna Forman, Megan Zavala, and Flavio Olivieri to discuss the complex realities of cross-border life, infrastructure, and collaboration.

The event explored the evolving U.S.-Mexico relationship under newly elected administrations in both countries, touching on critical issues such as trade, migration, and regional cooperation.

Smart Border Insights at the Tijuana EDC Promotion Committee

The Smart Border Coalition thanks the Tijuana EDC for the invitation to present at their latest Investment Promotion Committee meeting, a forum where members receive updates on potential business opportunities and investment leads. We appreciated the opportunity to share our work on border infrastructure, policy, and regional competitiveness with this dynamic group of binational stakeholders.

April 29th

South County EDC - 2025 Binational Summit

Liberty Station Conference Center

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM