 |  | US EPA Administrator Michael Regan thanks BPP Director for service. This week U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan publicly thanked BPP Executive Director Andy Carey for his service to the National Advisory Committee. Carey served from November 2016 to November 2023, and during the Biden Administration, was appointed Chair. Carey was nominated in 2016 by Maria Elena Giner, then General Manager of the Border Environmental Cooperation Commission (now part of North American Development Bank). As a member of the National Advisory Committee, Carey represented philanthropy in the Borderlands in his advice and counsel to the Committee and the E.P.A. Administrator in office. Carey served three U.S. administrations including Obama, Trump, and Biden. In his letter, Administrator Regan remarked, “you should take great pride in knowing the nation's air and water is cleaner, in part, because of your achievements. Indeed, committee members play vital roles in advancing environmental policies that will result in a sustainable future for North America.”
| |
|
More than 200 nonprofit leaders participate in BPP webinar. This week, more than 200 BPP members and stakeholders from both sides of the border participated in our webinar “Measuring and Sharing Your Impact to Attract Funders”, delivered by David Holmes and Lori Guidry from Candid. This hands-on session allowed participants to identify outcomes for their own programs and create their own logic model. Participants also learned to describe outcome thinking and how it differs from other approaches to program planning and management, apply an outcome mindset to their organization’s programs, projects, and grants; and create a logic model as the outcome framework for program management, grant proposals, and stakeholder communications. Download the session materials and view the webinar recording here. Register for the upcoming webinar in our series: Practical Strategies for finding new donors, on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 10:00 am PST.
| |
|
The BPP is pleased to welcome the newest members and renewing members to the BPP community:
| |
|
LJI strengthens ties between U.S. and Mexican scientists. “We’re glad to continue our support for this cross-border partnership and expand our work with young scientists and research leaders just across the border.” Throughout 2023, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) has opened its doors to diplomats, young scientists, and biomedical research leaders visiting from Mexico. These campus visits are an important step in establishing a thriving cross-border partnership, an effort co-organized by the Border Philanthropy Partnership, the Consul General of Mexico in San Diego, and the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at UC San Diego. “LJI has always welcomed international scientists and worked to establish strong collaborations around the world,” says LJI Professor, President, and CEO Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D., MBA. “We’re glad to continue our support for this cross-border partnership and... (read more)
| |
|
San Diego Economic Equity Report. A new report commissioned by San Diego Foundation developed in partnership with the San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center on the state of economic equity in San Diego. The San Diego Economic Equity Report found that one in 10 San Diegans live in poverty, including 86,000 children, due to a lack of self-sufficient wages and the high cost of housing, utilities, transportation and food in the region. We analyzed data from national and regional sources to zero in on the region’s greatest disparities, from housing and education to health care and life expectancy. A few key findings: Poverty: Approximately 335,000 San Diegans live below the federal poverty line, including nearly 86,000 children. Wages and Housing Affordability: Nearly 35% of San Diego County residents struggle to make self-sufficient wages and 38% spend more than the recommended maximum of 30% of their income on... (read more)
| |
| |  | Heart of Yuma recognizing locals. The Arizona Community Foundation of Yuma celebrated the "Heart of Yuma" and the 30th anniversary of the community foundation in our area. The goal of the event is to recognize those who have done their part to make Yuma a better place, including businesses and individual philanthropists. Alexis Liggett won the "Philanthropist of the Year" award for her collaborations and fund-raising efforts with community shareholders including raising over $200,000 to make Yuma County parks more inclusive. Other awards included Outstanding Leader, Outstanding Youth Leader, and Outstanding Non-profit. “Tonight’s message is to essentially encourage everyone to give where you live so give back to the community whether you volunteer whether you have a few extra dollars the importance is that we take care of each other here in Yuma County,” said Arizona Community Foundation Regional Director Veronica Shorr. Eric Frost, a nominee for the Outstanding Leader Award, was also able to.... (read more)
| |
|
El Paso's La Nube reveals high-tech 'Anything's Possible Climber' in upcoming imagination center. Downtown El Paso's upcoming imagination center La Nube announced Thursday the construction of its signature feature. The feature "Anything's Possible Climber" is described as a high-tech four-floor long pathway of unique challenges, hidden surprises and spectacular views. The $5 million project was funded by a donation from the Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation, designed by Gyroscope Inc. of Oakland, California, and inspired by community input. La Nube is expected to open its doors in 2024, but don't have to wait to see a version of this signature feature. A scale model of the Anything's Possible Climber created by Fab Lab El Paso is currently on display at the El Paso Community Foundation's Foundation room. La Nube Chief Executive Officer Barry Van Deman said... (read more)
| |
|
Kroc IPJ's Border Fellows cap off year of work focused on creating sustainable peace in our region. There was a physician, an oceanologist, a human rights lawyer, and more. An eclectic group gathered Tuesday to discuss their work over the past year as fellows of the Kroc Institute of Peace and Justice’s Cross-Border Initiatives program. The 2022-23 fellows make up the program’s second cohort, and they’re being led by one of their own. Rebeca Cazares Adame is the director of Cross-Border Initiatives, and was part of the program’s first cohort. Tuesday at the Kroc School she led a panel discussion where fellows described work spanning several fields, all with an overarching goal: to create sustainable peace in our region by addressing issues that affect people on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. “It is very much intentional to have a... (read more)
| |
Nonprofits and Philanthropy | |
|
Deported veteran allowed back in US now fights for those stranded south of the border. Alex Murillo helped start a flag football program years ago in the Baja beach town of Rosarito, becoming the head coach for the girls’ team and assistant for the boys. The U.S. Navy veteran spent 11 years in Mexico after being in deported in 2011 for a marijuana-related conviction, forbidden from returning to the U.S., the only place he’d ever known. Even though Murillo felt he was forced to live “in exile,” coaching helped him get by. “I’m very proud of the boys and girls that are still playing American football in Rosarito,” he said, adding he’d like to reconnect with his former players south of the border. Murillo was allowed to return to his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, last August, but per the terms of... (read more)
| |
|
Local nonprofit to manage San Diego County funding aimed at helping groups provide services to migrants. Many advocacy groups and nonprofit organization in San Diego County are doing anything and everything they can to help those seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. Recently, the County Border of Supervisors approved $3 million to help with those services, and local nonprofit SBCS was awarded the contract to manage the funding. “The role of the partnership really is to take a look at the landscape of what all the partners are doing and really together come up with a plan on how we can align all of our services,” said Mauricio Torre, the Vice President of Program Operations for SBCS. “We are really looking at making sure that these individuals make it to... (read more)
| |
|
Jewish peace activists in New Mexico hold protests demanding senators call for Gaza ceasefire. Here in the United States, pressure is mounting on more congressmembers to join calls for a Gaza ceasefire. On Monday, protesters in New Mexico, held nonviolent sit-in protests at the offices of Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, led by Jewish peace activists. Nine people were arrested. The protests came as hundreds of congressional staffers issued an open letter urging lawmakers to support a peaceful resolution to the attacks on Gaza, the return of Israeli hostages, and to grant access to humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory. Only 18 U.S. lawmakers have signed the ceasefire resolution so far, including... (read more)
| |
Bi-National Collaboration | |
| |  | Joint U.S.-Mexico “Se Busca Información” initiative targets criminal organizations in the El Paso/Juarez area. Leer en español. The United States and Mexico announced 10 new criminal targets for their “Se Busca Información” initiative during a press conference at the Bridge of the Americas Port of Entry. The “Se Busca Información” initiative has identified 10 individuals associated with transnational criminal organizations wanted for crimes ranging from alien smuggling and narcotics trafficking to murder. The individuals are sought by both the U.S. and Mexican law enforcement. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (U.S. Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations) and the Mexican State of Chihuahua, as well as other federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from both sides of the border have agreed to cooperate and share information to arrest these dangerous individuals. This bilateral initiative between the United States and Mexico is in the best interest of both countries to pursue a... (read more)
| |
|
Gov. Cox unveils new strategic partnership plan with Mexico. Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox met with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy in Mexico to present a new strategic plan that will strengthen Utah’s relationship with Mexico. In both meetings, the initiative was well-received and aligns closely with the goals of both ministries. “Our relationship with Mexico is the most important international alliance Utah has,” Gov. Cox said. “We have long enjoyed economic and diplomatic connections that have been mutually beneficial and this plan will only strengthen our ties.” The Joint Utah Mexico Partnership (JUMP) is an initiative from the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and the Mexican Consulate in Salt Lake City. JUMP provides 12 key recommendations to improve Utah’s relationship with Mexico across four... (read more)
| |
|
Mission, Texas signs sister cities agreement with Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, Tamaulipas. The morning of October 27th will be imprinted in the history of Mission, Texas, and Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, Tamaulipas, as a day of celebration and brotherhood. In a solemn and emotional ceremony, both cities formalized their sisterhood, emphasizing the importance of friendship, collaboration, and cooperation between neighboring communities. The event began with the words of the master of ceremonies, who highlighted the significance of this sister-city agreement. He stated: “This is a solemn act, but it is also an act of friendship. An act of brotherhood. Yes, let’s enjoy it, relish it.” Mayor of Mission Norie González Garza, also known to be the first woman elected mayor in Mission, welcomed all those present and underscored the importance of this agreement. “Today is a great day for the city of Mission. This sister city agreement with the city of Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, Tamaulipas, will be a... (read more)
| |
|
What went wrong crossing the Texas-Mexico border to buy abortion pills. Texas has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country. Many who have an unwanted pregnancy have little choice than to go out of state to access a legal abortion. It’s expensive and difficult, especially for those living in South Texas. New Mexico is one of the states that saw an increase in patients from Texas after the passing of SB8. Now with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Texans are finding that states like New Mexico are too far, but Mexico is not. So what are the options for getting an abortion across the South Texas border in Mexico? Texas Public Radio’s Kayla Padilla and David Martin Davies went to find out. They traveled to the border city of Nuevo Progreso, Tamaulipas. This is their... (read more)
| |
|
Unusually dry growing seasons in Central America associated with migration to the US. In a new article in Scientific Reports, which is in the portfolio of Nature journals, a team of scholars from the University of Utah and The University of Texas at Austin found that drier than normal periods during growing seasons in Central America were associated with emigration to the United States in recent years. “The findings suggest climate change impacts, particularly on the agricultural sector, likely contributed to a surge in out-migration to the United States, including whole families," saud Stephanie Leutert, director of the Strauss Center for International Security and Law’s Central America and Mexico Policy Initiative at The University of Texas at Austin and one of the study’s lead authors. “Policymakers concerned about the... (read more)
| |
|
The Rio Grande isn’t just a border – it’s a river in crisis. The Rio Grande is one of the longest rivers in North America, running some 1,900 miles (3,060 kilometers) from the Colorado Rockies southeast to the Gulf of Mexico. It provides fresh water for seven U.S. and Mexican states, and forms the border between Texas and Mexico, where it is known as the Río Bravo del Norte. The river’s English and Spanish names mean, respectively, “large” and “rough.” But viewed from the Zaragoza International Bridge, which connects the cities of El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, what was once mighty is now a dry riverbed, lined ominously with barbed wire. Map of the Rio Grande basin, from southwest Colorado to the Gulf of Mexico. The Rio Grande is one of the largest rivers in the southwest U.S. and northern Mexico. Because of drought and overuse, sections of the river frequently... (read more)
| |
|
More temporary workers are crossing the border. By Sandra Dibble. While the public focus has been on the crush of asylum seekers at the border, this orderly flow has been soaring in recent years with far less public attention. After waiting for three days in a Tijuana hotel, Juan Pedro Nava was a man in a hurry on Friday, Oct. 6. He headed toward the San Ysidro Port of Entry with his visa in hand. The 24-year-old is going to spend the next two months in the United States. He’s part of a group of agricultural workers from Villa Guerrero, Mexico, going to assemble Christmas wreaths in Yakima, Washington. In recent months, I’ve seen hundreds of workers at a time pulling small suitcases and lining up at the busy port. Like Nava, they are temporary workers from Mexico. Many of them are heading for fields, orchards and nurseries in California and beyond. While the public focus has been on the crush of asylum seekers at the border, this... (read more)
| |
|
Hope on the US-Mexico border: ‘People get through every day. Today I’m going in with God’s blessing.’ In Ciudad Juárez, hundreds of migrants, especially Venezuelans, are waiting to cross and surrender to the border police, encouraged by many others who have already done it. Their fate: a legal limbo awaiting deportation trials. The most difficult part is not to cut yourself when you’re crossing the fence. You should put a thick blanket or a bundle of clothing over the blades before jumping. Or, if you’re lucky, someone will have some pliers to cut a hole and then you can crawl through. Once inside, put your hands up in the air, walk slowly along the wall, and surrender to the border patrol at Gate 36. This is the instruction manual of Alejandro Cárdenas, a recent graduate in architecture from the University of Caracas in Venezuela. His cousin, who crossed... (read more)
| |
|
As economy falters, more Chinese migrants seek asylum at US border. A major influx of Chinese migration to the United States on a relatively new and perilous route through Panama's Darién Gap jungle has become increasingly popular thanks to social media. The young Chinese man looked lost and exhausted when Border Patrol agents left him at a transit station. Deng Guangsen, 28, had spent the last two months traveling to San Diego from the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, through seven countries on plane, bus and foot, including traversing Panama's dangerous Darién Gap jungle. “I feel nothing,” Deng said in the San Diego parking lot, insisting on using the broken English he learned from “Harry Potter” movies. “I have no brother, no sister. I have nobody.” Deng is part of a major influx of Chinese migration to the United States on a... (read more)
| |
|
Hundreds of US students cross the border daily to attend college in Tijuana. Thousands of students in Mexico commute daily to attend school in the U.S. But there are also those who travel each day in the opposite direction. Over the past few years, Centro de Ensenanza Tecnica y Superior (CETYS) in Tijuana has worked hard to appeal to students north of the border. Today, residents in the US make up 10% of the university's population. Every morning, thousands of students from Mexico stand in long lines to pass through US passport and customs control as part of their commute to get to colleges on the other side of the border. Southern California, specifically the San Diego region, has traditionally attracted people with its better schools and economic opportunities. Meliza Perez, a 22-year-old clinical psychology major at CETYS University, is... (read more)
| |
Esperanza inextinguible: The opportunity to give back. January 27, 2023. Congratulations, Gael! I am pleased to inform you that you have been admitted to the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts class entering fall 2023. We are thrilled to welcome you into a vibrant, lifelong academic community of scholars and alumni who are making a difference everywhere in the world. Once you become a Wolverine, you will always be distinguished by this achievement. I sat in my room staring at the decision letter on my screen in shock. The University of Michigan had been my dream for three years and the acceptance was the crowning achievement of my senior year. All the sleepless nights, endless extracurriculars and crippling imposter syndrome had seemingly paid off. I had the golden ticket, the opportunity to do what my parents could not — get a college degree. Every moment since then in Ann Arbor has been filled with the... (read more)
| |
|
Beyond borders: The enigmatic history and global reach of Día de Muertos. As the sun set, a procession of floats, community members, and artists traveled along a nearly 2-mile stretch of Cesar Chavez Avenue from Evergreen Cemetery—a nondenominational cemetery in Los Angeles that dates back to 1877—to Self Help Graphics & Art, a community arts center in the Boyle Heights neighborhood. Crowds of skull-painted faces, women and men dressed in stunning outfits ranging from colorful rebozos and swirly folklorico dresses to bespoke suits with skeleton patterns—portraying the duality of life and death—marched as locals from East Los Angeles and neighbors from nearby cities alike crowded onto the sidewalks to watch the action at the annual Self Help Graphics Día de los Muertos parade, which first took place in... (read more)
| |
|
Photographer captures the reserved beauty of life in San Antonio's flea markets. "Pulgas," or flea markets, are the epicenters for shopping, dancing and altogether socializing for many San Antonio families, and are the subject one photographer used to capture "the beating heart" of the city. Raised in Los Angeles but based in San Antonio, artist Arlene Mejorado's ongoing Pulga Series is one of her latest projects used to "engage her art with the social environment," according to her website. Regardless of location or culture, the 28-year-old University of Texas at Austin graduate said she feels outdoor market places serve as an "energetic vortex of bursting life that permeates both the synchronicity of social order and the unpredictability of... (read more)
| |
|
In 'Radical,' Eugenio Derbez plays a teacher whose unconventional method uncovered the 'next Steve Jobs.' Derbez spearheaded and acts in a movie based on Sergio Juárez Correa, the Mexican teacher who urged students to teach themselves — producing stunning results. Eugenio Derbez had long been intrigued by the story of a 12-year-old girl from a Mexican border town who was featured on a 2013 Wired magazine cover as “The Next Steve Jobs.” Derbez plays Sergio Juárez Correa, the elementary school teacher who used an experimental teaching method to mentor Paloma and her classmates — with spectacular results. In 2012, the students at José Urbina López Elementary School in Matamoros, Mexico, across the border from Brownsville, Texas, got the highest scores on the... (read more)
| |
|
Boxing ‘troublemaker’ Jennifer Lozano becomes the 1st Olympian from Laredo, Texas. The city of Laredo, Texas, has its first Olympian. Boxer Jennifer Lozano qualified for next year’s Paris Olympics on Thursday by reaching the final of the women’s 50 kilogram weight class at the Pan American Games. The 20-year-old Lozano was dominant in the semifinal against Canada’s Mckenzie Wright in Santiago, winning 5-0. After she received a mock ticket confirming her qualification for the Olympics, she pointed her right hand to the sky in an apparent tribute to her late grandmother, Virginia Cuevas Sanchez, her biggest inspiration. Then, Lozano took the ticket to her mother, Yadhira Rodríguez, in the stands, and both continued to cry. Lozano said in a recent interview that... (read more)
| |
|
Meet Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan, new Mexico News Daily opinion columnist. Get a comprehensive insider’s take from Mexico News Daily’s new opinion columnist, who has 30 years of diplomacy experience, about Mexico’s rising place on the world stage. The grandson of Catalan and Armenian refugees in Mexico, Arturo Sarukhan has had a distinguished education and career, serving as Mexico’s ambassador to the U.S. (2007-2013), at the forefront of international strategic decisions in advisory roles in both Mexico and the U.S. Currently based in Washington, D.C., he writes about international issues in a biweekly column for El Universal newspaper, contributes op-eds in U.S. media, and has a weekly radio show on Enfoque Noticias and a program on Milenio TV in Mexico. He was also included on the list of ... (read more)
| |
|
Gatorade creator proved skills at Brackenridge before inventing sports drink. It turns out that San Antonio has some claim in sports culture. Yes, with the Spurs, but also when it comes to Gatorade. In case you didn’t know, San Antonio is the hometown of the man who invented Gatorade, a scientist and inventor named Robert Cade. Let’s start from the beginning with how San Antonio can claim Gatorade. Cade was born in San Antonio nearly a century ago in September 1927. As a teenager, he attended Brackenridge High School, was a fast runner in track & field, and played violin with the San Antonio Symphony. He actually didn’t graduate since he had an “incomplete” status in one of his classes, but joined the U.S. Navy. After his grade was changed in his high school class, Cade used his G.I. Bill and... (read more)
| |
|
Strengthening U.S.-Latin America relations for economic and security benefits. Latin America and the Caribbean have long been crucial partners to the U.S., both economically and strategically. Now, as the global landscape evolves, U.S. government leaders are urging a deeper economic collaboration with these regions. During the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s "Forecast on Latin America and the Caribbean" Conference, two government officials — Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo and Gen. Laura J. Richardson, commander of the U.S. Southern Command — discussed why strengthening our relationship and investing further into Latin America and the Caribbean can benefit our nation’s security and economy. As the largest source of foreign direct investment in Latin America and the.... (read more)
| |
|
America’s border wall is bipartisan. In a seemingly stark policy reversal, President Biden announced his administration will build 20 miles of new fences along the U.S.-Mexico border. DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas says Biden’s hand has been forced, as Congress allocated funds for this fencing in 2019, which could not be repurposed. Moreover, Mayorkas argues that Biden has been under pressure from both parties to show decisive action at the border. In short, Biden officials claim that even though he may not want to build a wall, he must, or he will face serious political consequences. But new fences are not a reversal of the Democratic Party’s agenda. They are part of an extensive history of both Democrats and Republicans selling Americans on the idea that they can stop border-crossings by... (read more)
| |
|
The wait to get into Tijuana. By Sandra Dibble. Cross-border commuters traveling southbound to Tijuana have endured hours-long waits in recent weeks. Is there an end in sight? On weekday mornings, Adan Montaño waits less than 45 minutes to cross the border from Tijuana to San Diego. He’s one of the lucky commuters with a special pass that allows quick travel into the United States. But going home is a different story. When the 22-year-old Playas de Tijuana resident returns at rush hour – anytime from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.– the wait to cross from San Ysidro to Tijuana can take closer to two hours. Here’s what’s happening: Lengthy northbound border waits have long been the bane of cross-border commuters. For those without expedited entry, known as SENTRI, the morning queues can last from... (read more)
| |
Border Research and Study | |
| |  | AP-NORC/Pearson poll shows most in the US see Mexico as a partner despite border problems. Leer en español. Most people in the U.S. see Mexico as an essential partner to stop drug trafficking and illegal border crossings, even as they express mixed views of Mexico's government, according to a new poll. The poll from the Pearson Institute for the Study and Resolution of Global Conflicts and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about two-thirds of Americans see their southern neighbor as having at least a friendly relationship with the U.S. Relatively few within that group, or 16%, consider Mexico a close ally. Meanwhile, U.S. adults are more likely to have an unfavorable (38%) view of Mexico's leadership than a favorable (12%) one. The remaining responded they did not have an unfavorable or favorable view or were not sure. The poll captures the different perceptions Americans have of Mexico, its leadership and the estimated 10 million immigrants... (read more)
| |
|
Cross-border utilization of cancer care by patients in the US and Mexico – a survey of Mexican oncologists. The US-Mexico border is the busiest in the world, with millions of people crossing it daily. However, little is known about cross-border utilization of cancer care, or about the reasons driving it. We designed a cross sectional online survey to understand the type of care patients with cancer who live in the US and Mexico seek outside their home country, the reasons why patients traveled across the border to receive care, and the barriers faced when seeking cross-border care. The online survey was sent to the 248 cancer care providers working in the six Mexican border states who were registered members of the Mexican Society of Oncology. Responses were collected between September-November 2022. Sixty-six providers (response rate 26%) completed the survey. Fifty-nine (89%) reported interacting with US-based patients traveling to Mexico to receive... (read more)
| |
|
Fewer work-seeking men migrating to US, research shows. The number of people crossing the border, who they are and where they come from has changed significantly during the last five years, according to new research. “The rate of migration began to decrease in 2008 during the recession in the United States. It went on till 2018,” said Douglas Massey, a sociology researcher at Princeton University. Massey said migration turned into a “negative flow” between those years. “The population of undocumented Mexicans dropped by 1.5 million people who went back to Mexico.” Massey found that during President Barack Obama’s administration from 2009 to 2017, migration dropped to figures not seen in 40 years. “In the 90s, migration to the United States was dominated by... (read more)
| |
|
El Paso's 'Star on the Mountain' set for comeback with modern upgrades. The El Paso Chamber says the iconic 'Star on the Mountain' could be back and shining sooner than expected after it went dark a little over a month ago. In September, the star was turned off for renovations and reinforcements to its structure. Part of the renovations include a new computerized system that will allow the chamber to change the star's color in a shorter amount of time, according to Director of Programs and Community Outreach for the chamber Claudia Rosales. Rosales added that the new system will also have a lock mechanism that will prevent trespassers from taking the light bulbs. The new lightbulbs will... (read more)
| |
|
Heavily-traveled border roadway in Tijuana to become one-way only. With a pending construction project to build a highway on top of Tijuana’s Avenida Internacional — a widely-used roadway that parallels the border — city engineers have decided that during construction, it will be best to turn it into a one-way street. Initially, it was to have one lane of traffic in each direction. But now, the two available lanes will only take cars from the San Ysidro Port of Entry west toward the coast. The city made this change after “further evaluating traffic patterns and the impact in the area.” It was decided that the one-way-only pattern was best and would avoid potential problems. “If we leave only one lane in each direction, with cars coming out of the United States in the afternoon and evening, it’s going to create a huge... (read more)
| |
|
‘Taboo’ & ‘Crazy:’ researchers examine mental health stigmas on the border. Hispanic adults with mental health conditions are 17 percent less likely to receive treatment than their non-Hispanic white counterparts. But what causes this disparity and how can we fix it? That was a question recently posed by Jason Mallonee, D.S.W., an assistant professor in the Department of Social Work at The University of Texas at El Paso. “There’s a higher likelihood of unresolved mental health conditions in this community and we wanted to try to understand that,” Mallonee explained. “What stops someone from seeking help or engaging in services and then, what could help someone?” To answer his questions, Mallonee and a team of graduate research assistants went straight to the source, studying the mental health perspectives of Hispanics living along the U.S.-Mexico border in... (read more)
| |
|
El Paso announces expansion of significant food production company. Grupo Bafar makes El Paso the company’s U.S. headquarters, expanding into U.S. market. With support from the City of El Paso and the County of El Paso, Grupo Bafar, a leading Mexican food production company, announced plans to expand its El Paso, Texas, operations. The City Council approved a $715,771 performance-based incentive agreement and the County Commissioners approved a nearly $166,000 incentive agreement that will help support Grupo Bafar’s nearly $22 million investment. Grupo Bafar plans to acquire and renovate the Kasco Structures building and construct a new 60,000-square-foot cold storage warehouse. The project will create 120 new full-time jobs at a wage rate of at least $17.65 and retain 155 existing jobs in... (read more)
| |
|
US mulls terminating tomato trade agreement with Mexico. A monthlong comment review period undertaken by the Department of Commerce recently ended for a debate that centers around whether the U.S. should terminate a tomato trade agreement with Mexico. With the comment review phase ending last Monday, the Commerce Department is expected to make a decision sometime in the next several months on ending the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement. Tomatoes sold in the U.S. from Mexico are controlled by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the suspension agreement, which sets minimum pricing and regulates sales between growers and importers. The debate centers around whether Mexico-based growers are dumping exported tomatoes into the U.S. at lower... (read more)
| |
|
What shippers need to know to succeed in Mexico in 2024. Trade experts say Mexico’s freight capacity, subpar infrastructure and strong peso could be issues next year. Nearshoring is helping to attract more manufacturing to Mexico as shippers look for supply chains that are closer, less costly and more advantageous to doing business with the U.S. Mexico has been the top U.S. trading partner since the beginning of 2023, reporting $397 billion in two-way trade from January through June, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In comparison, Canada was No. 2 at $388 billion and China was third at $276 billion for the same period. “We’ve already observed encouraging growth in Mexico’s nearshoring in recent years, particularly among companies that already possess manufacturing facilities within the country. Consequently, we’ve... (read more)
| |
|
Strong U.S. labor market drives record remittances to Mexico. Remittances from the U.S. to Mexico reached a record $55.9 billion in 2022. Strong employment in the U.S. construction sector—a leading employer of Mexican migrants—best explains the recent growth of remittances to Mexico. Mexico is the second-highest receiver of remittances in the world, trailing only India. The payments, mostly from migrants in the U.S., provide a valuable lifeline for millions of Mexican households. They are used mainly for necessities—food, clothing and health care—while they also make up an important part of household expenditures for housing, tuition and debt repayment. Remittances from the U.S. to Mexico reached a record $55.9 billion in 2022. These transfers accounted for 95 percent of Mexico’s... (read more)
| |
|
The astonishing port of Laredo. Laredo is the largest U.S. land port. More than 14,000 trucks per day cross the border at Laredo. I visited Laredo in October to see for myself. Jacob, one of our interns from the Reshoring Institute, came with me to assist with our research on cross-border commerce and the massive shift to nearshoring manufacturing. What we discovered was jaw-dropping volumes, advanced technology, community college education in trade compliance, and a welcoming business environment. During the early 2000s, the U.S. economy became dependent on outsourced manufacturing to China. After China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, the free flow of trade supercharged China’s economy and slowly drained America’s... (read more)
| |
Fronteras: The Changing America Desk is an unprecedented, multimedia collaboration among seven public radio stations. Fronteras covers an area of about 9 million residents and reaches an audience of about 1 million listeners. Fronteras stories deal with the complex and controversial southwestern border with Mexico, including security, immigration, drugs and weapons smuggling. It also seeks to show that the border is far more than a smuggling corridor. Fronteras mandate is to broadcast and publish stories from throughout the Southwest that go beyond breaking news and the sensational to find the people and stories that are real, relevant and alive. www.fronterasdesk.org
| |
|
November 17, 35th Annual National Philanthropy Day, Tucson Convention Center | National Philanthropy Day is an annual event to recognize and celebrate the philanthropists and fundraisers who sustain our vibrant nonprofit community. Each year, the Association of Fundraising Professionals hosts a community celebration of the transformative power of philanthropy.
December 3, South Texas International Marathon | South Texas International Marathon’s (STIM) unique course will take runners through five cities and two counties! This Boston Qualifier marathon will make its start at the “Heart of the Valley”, Donna, Texas. Runners will then cross through historic downtown areas of Weslaco, Mercedes and La Feria. The grand finish line will be at the beautiful city of Harlingen, the “Capital of the Valley”.
December 7, Arizona Community Foundation Border Convening, Fairgrounds in Sonoita | Arizona Community Foundation convenes leaders from the binational region to discuss philanthropy and collaboration along the Arizona – Sonora border. Save the date! More information coming soon.
February 22, Global Border Summit, The Borderplex Alliance, El Paso, TX | Save the date for the renowned summit that brings together stakeholders in business, public policy, diplomacy and the arts from both sides of the border to examine the most pressing challenges and unique opportunities facing the United States and Mexico.
| | | | |
