**Economic Challenges, Insecurity, and Issstecali: The Midterm Hurdles for Governor Ávila Olmeda**
Midway through her term, Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda faces significant challenges in Baja California, including boosting the economy, tackling insecurity, and reforming the Institute of Security and Social Services for State and Municipal Workers (Issstecali). These issues are pivotal as the state navigates a period of growth and transformation.
Insecurity remains a pressing issue that has spanned several administrations, according to José María Ramos García, an academic at the College of the Northern Border. Despite the ongoing problem, Tijuana has maintained its competitive edge, especially in terms of investments, tourism, and air connectivity. Ramos García emphasizes the need for sustained economic growth and the completion of crucial infrastructure projects, including 30 initiatives valued at over 117 million pesos state-wide.
The governor has highlighted substantial social investments exceeding 10 million pesos, dedicated to various programs aimed at promoting peace, creating jobs, providing educational opportunities, and reducing crime through public policies. Ramos García stresses that these efforts must extend to various social groups, particularly unemployed youth, to increase living standards and develop social entrepreneurship.
The reform of Issstecali is a prominent issue, facing financial deficits due to historical mismanagement of worker contributions. Governor Ávila Olmeda plans to submit a reform proposal to the legislature, promising no negative impact on current and retired employees. However, this initiative has raised concerns among pensioners, educators, and bureaucrats due to a perceived lack of dialogue.
**Additional Context: Issstecali Reform and State Infrastructure**
Marco Moreno Mexía, Baja California’s Secretary of Finance, detailed to the local Congress that Issstecali suffers annual deficits of up to four billion pesos. Successful cases in Mexico City and Querétaro might provide reform models to emulate. Before introducing any new legislation, fostering understanding of Issstecali’s financial issues across all stakeholder groups is crucial.
Baja California has opportunities to enact a sustainable reform if it successfully engages stakeholders like the Bureaucrats’ Union, educators, pensioners, and healthcare sectors. While infrastructure improvements are underway, addressing vehicle overgrowth and implementing urban governance strategies remain pressing needs to avoid future bottlenecks.
In the broader political landscape, Baja California must manage its economic ties carefully with the potential political shifts in the U.S., reflecting on past U.S.-Mexico relations to guide future diplomatic strategies. These dynamics highlight the complexity and interconnectedness of regional growth, security, and social policy management.