September 2024

A "Borderside Chat": NADBANK's Role in Sustainable

Border Development.

Jessee Hereford, the Head of Strategic Partnerships for NADBANK leaded the presentation, which covered the following topics:

  • Bank Overview: Explained how NADBANK operates, providing loans and grants for critical border projects.
  • Renewable Energy Focus: Since 2009 it has financed over 42 projects with a strong emphasis on renewable energy, and more than $1.8 billion in loans.
  • eMobility Leader: Recent partnership with BALI EXPRESS to provide loans for electric trailers, supporting sustainable transportation.
  • NADBANK’s role in the Otay Mesa East Project where it will act as custodian of the tolls collected and responsible for sharing between the two countries.
  • Anzalduas International Bridge: Collaborating on its expansion, including a $63 million loan to the City of McAllen.
  • The Smart Border Coalition thanks Jessee Hereford for participating in this important conversation with our Stakeholders.

South County EDC's Binational Forum Recap.

The South County EDC Binational Forum, held on August 16th, featured a series of timely binational presentations addressing cross-border infrastructure and environmental challenges.


A key panel, featured State Senator Steve Padilla and Consular Chief William Sweeney, they highlighted major projects such as the completion of Otay Mesa East and ongoing efforts to resolve the Tijuana River Valley sewage issue.


Additionally, Mario Orso, CEO of SANDAG, along with his team Andrea Hoff and Naomi Young, presented on the economic impacts and opportunities of the Otay Mesa East/SR-11 project, underscoring its importance for regional growth and development. They emphasized how Otay Mesa East will significantly contribute to the much-needed border infrastructure along the entire U.S.-Mexico border, enhancing connectivity and facilitating smoother trade and travel, borderwide.

SMART BORDER COALITION Stakeholder Working Group Meeting.


During our August 28th Stakeholder Working Group meeting, we were pleased to welcome Christopher Teal, the new Consul General of the United States in Tijuana. We look forward to building a strong and productive partnership with the Consul General and are excited about the valuable contributions he will bring to our collaborative efforts in the Cali Baja region.


Stakeholder presentations included:

  • Binational Bike Path Project: Presented by Tomás Pérez-Vargas from Consejo de Desarrollo de Tijuana (CDT), focusing on a sustainable cross-border cycling route.
  • Economic Impacts of SR11/Otay Mesa East: Andrea Hoff and Naomi Young from SANDAG discussed the project's role in regional trade and economic growth.
  • Rail Export Project at San Ysidro/Tijuana Border: Antonio Otañez from Admicarga highlighted the unique rail export opportunities between Tijuana and San Diego.
  • Tianguis Turístico 2025: Miguel Aguíñiga, Secretary of Tourism for the state of Baja California, shared updates about the event’s historic binational focus.

The Smart Border Coalition would like to once again thank our Board Member, Christopher Cohen and his team at the Tijuana Trade Center for providing the venue and coffee break.


For leasing opportunities and meeting spacers at the Tijuana Trade Center please contact: abraham@edsaco.com or +52 664-625-1825


Please contact me if you are interested in the meeting's presentations.

TURBOTEC Celebrates 5 years in Valle Sur plant!

We are excited to announce the 5th anniversary of Turbotec’s Valle Sur plant in Tijuana, a key manufacturing facility for Solar Turbines, a division of the global company Caterpillar.


The Smart Border Coalition is proud to have Turbotec as a member and recognizes their significant contributions to our region. This milestone highlights their ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with them.


Turbotec has 3 operations in Tijuana with close to 2,000 employees.

The countdown for the 2025 Tianguis Turistico is on!

  • The State of Baja California has announced the highly anticipated Tianguis Turístico 2025, set to take place from April 28 to May 1, 2025, at the Baja Center Convention Center in Rosarito, Baja California.
  • Organized by the Secretary of Tourism for the State of Baja California, this major tourism promotion event will showcase the region’s vibrant offerings and opportunities, further strengthening its position as a key destination in the tourism industry.
  • This is the first Tianguis Turistico held in a northern state, offering a unique binational component.
  • For more information on the event, please click here

CBP Trade Event: Combating Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Drugs

Smart Border Coalition - Otay Mesa Chamber - San Diego Regional Chamber

September 24, 2024 - 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

San Diego Foundation - 2508 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego CA 92106


IDGA Technology Summit

Institute for Defense and Government Advancement

September 24-25

San Diego Hilton Torrey Pines


2024 North Capital Forum

U.S. Mexico Foundation

October 4-9, 2024

Mexico City


2024 Binational Delegation to Mexico City

San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce

October 20-23, 2024

Mexico City

Recommended Border Read!

Navigating the New Era of U.S.-Mexico Trade: Infrastructure, Technology, and the Future of Cross-Border Trade, By Daniel Covarrubias, Ph. D. from the Texas Center at Texas A&M International University.

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