**Tijuana City Council Approves 2025 Budget of Nearly 12.5 Billion Pesos**
On October 31, 2024, the Tijuana City Council approved the first budget of Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz, marking a significant financial plan for the upcoming year. The budget proposal outlines an expenditure of 12,489,123,485.39 pesos for 2025, representing a 15% increase from the modified budget of 2024.
In a special session, Mayor Burgueño Ruiz emphasized the importance of teamwork across political lines to transparently and honestly meet the city’s needs. “We will invest in infrastructure, technology, and intelligence, strengthening public recreational spaces, arts, culture, and sports,” he asserted, thanking council members for their political willingness to collaborate.
The opposition party, Partido Acción Nacional, expressed conditional approval, with Councilwoman Georgina Arana highlighting the necessity of salary standardization for police and firefighters, a point not included in the new budget. She also called for strengthening the Mobility Secretariat to better manage urban infrastructure and address the needs of Mexico’s most populated city.
Councilwoman Sandra Magaña urged for defined timelines to achieve tangible results in areas like security and transportation. Meanwhile, Movimiento Ciudadano’s Melissa Pacheco stressed the importance of enhancing the tourism sector to bolster Tijuana’s image as a business and cultural hub. She advocated for a re-evaluation of resource allocations to prioritize projects that drive economic growth and tourism while strengthening cross-border relations.
Morena party member Arturo Aguirre voiced his support, mentioning that the approved budget would “strengthen Tijuana’s finances” and contribute to improved infrastructure and security outcomes.
The 2025 budget includes an allocation of 1,670 million pesos for security, funded by local revenues and the Municipal Enhancement Fund (FORTAMUN). The document mandates that financial commitments not exceed authorized spending levels, and budget reassignments can occur if municipal agencies fail to provide required financial reports or achieve set program goals.
In creating new municipal positions, 133 new roles are planned for 2025, primarily for police (87) and firefighters (59). The Education and Government Secretariats will also see job increases. Conversely, the General Office will lose 52 positions. Significant budget increases are earmarked for the Committee of Tourism and Conventions, the Municipal Sports Institute, and the Metropolitan Planning Institute with respective increases of 14.2%, 11.6%, and 10.1%.
Christopher Domínguez, a leader from the Partido Acción Nacional, noted the collaborative dialogue with Mayor Burgueño Ruiz regarding the budget, though he expressed concerns over the timing, as federal contributions will not be disclosed until November 15, when the 2025 Economic Package is presented by the Ministry of Finance.
Unlike his predecessor, Burgueño Ruiz set expenditure ceilings for next year’s budget, with the City Council set to approve the Income Law shortly.
**Secondary Article: Tijuana’s Strategic Focus on Tourism and Infrastructure**
Recent developments in Tijuana reveal a strong emphasis on boosting tourism and infrastructure as key components of the city’s future growth. Efforts are underway to elevate Tijuana’s status as a preferred destination for both cultural and business events. City officials recognize the untapped potential within the tourism sector as an essential driver of economic development.
The 2025 budget’s significant allocations for tourism and planned infrastructure improvements reflect this strategic priority. Strengthening cross-border relations, fostering innovation in promotional policies, and ensuring optimal conditions for commerce and transit at the border are central themes in Tijuana’s developmental narrative.
This focus is not only about attracting visitors but also about reshaping the city’s public image and functionality, which city leaders believe will lead to substantial long-term benefits for Tijuana’s residents and its role as a pivotal city in Mexico’s northern region.