## The Tijuana We Aspire To
As Tijuana celebrated its 135th anniversary on July 11, 2024, citizens continue to dream of a city that meets their expectations. Despite its significant economic potential and strategic location at the point “Where the Homeland Begins,” Tijuana faces numerous challenges that keep it from fully realizing its potential.
Sitting in an enviable geographic location, many other cities might covet, Tijuana still grapples with multiple deficiencies. Unlike cities blessed by nature with abundant resources like water, lush landscapes, or temperate weather, Tijuana exists in a semi-desert region that does not boast any striking natural features. Despite these limitations, Tijuana is experiencing the fastest demographic growth in the country, with a surge in new apartments, homes, industrial facilities, and other developments.
The city’s dynamic economic growth is driven by small, medium, and large businesses, particularly the manufacturing industry, along with a multitude of services. This impressive progress is the result of the tireless efforts of Tijuanenses who, starting from humble beginnings, have built fortunes and realized their dreams through hard work, creativity, and perseverance.
Yet, despite individual successes, there is a collective sense of dissatisfaction. People frequently express concerns about insecurity, potholes, corruption, government inefficiency, and overall dissatisfaction with their living environment. Amidst this frustration, hope remains that the new municipal administration might finally align institutional efforts to enhance public works, alleviate traffic chaos, and improve road conditions, while establishing an effective and efficient government.
Achieving the Tijuana we all envision is not solely the government’s responsibility. Active citizen participation is vital. Residents must engage in community and school committees and other public forums to voice opinions and contribute to social monitoring and accountability practices. Collective effort is necessary to complement governmental initiatives with informed citizen choice and oversight.
In collaboration, let’s pave the way towards the Tijuana we desire.
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### Tijuana’s Ongoing Challenges and Opportunities
Recent developments in Tijuana illustrate both the challenges and opportunities the city faces. For example, the new municipal administration, which assumed office recently, has committed to addressing long-standing infrastructure deficits. However, the persistent issue of public insecurity remains a major concern. In the past week alone, Tijuana reported 38 cases of violent crime, underscoring the need for stronger security measures.
Meanwhile, new government departments have been established to better manage urban development. This decision was met with mixed reactions, reflecting a desire for improvement alongside skepticism about governmental efficiency.
In the cultural sphere, Tijuana’s vibrant community continues to thrive, with ongoing artistic and cultural events showcasing local talent. These activities not only enrich community life but also contribute significantly to the local economy.
As Tijuana looks toward the future, both citizens and government officials are called to work in tandem, aiming to balance economic advancement with livability improvements. By fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment, Tijuana can navigate its challenges and continue to grow as a vibrant and prosperous city.