### Where Is The City Headed With Its New Development Plan?
With Tijuana’s expanding industries, the city is finding itself unprepared in terms of urban planning, says Luis Duarte Mora, the secretary of the Tijuana College of Architects. The municipal government, led by Ismael Burgueño Ruiz, is working on a new Municipal Development Plan (PMD) for 2024-2027. This plan outlines various strategies aimed at improving infrastructure, mobility, safety, community well-being, sustainable economic development, and the advancement of science and technology.
The PMD aims to act as a navigational guide for the administration over the next three years, addressing long-standing issues such as mobility, lack of green spaces, and land use changes. It gathers public input through proposals and forums, conducted by the Municipal Institute of Planning (Impac) and the Metropolitan Planning Institute of Tijuana (Implan), ensuring citizen involvement in decision-making processes.
Duarte Mora emphasizes the need for sustained efforts on policies introduced over a decade ago, including promoting compact vertical growth and the need for robust public transport systems. He identifies key areas requiring improvement in mobility, citing inadequate signage, traffic light systems, public transportation facilities, road maintenance, and pedestrian infrastructure. He also highlights the need for enhanced cycling routes, pointing out the absence of dedicated bike lanes in the city.
The initiative aims to conserve and enhance over 200 local parks and existing green areas, suggesting the use of treated water for reforestation projects, such as in the Cerro Colorado conservation area. There’s an urgent need to address unlicensed construction and land use changes, especially with the rise of industrial growth, which has led to increased demands on water and electricity supplies.
Implan’s director, Juan Diego Mascareño López, targets early 2025 for the presentation of the new PMD and the Urban Development Program for the Center of Population (PDUCP) 2025-2040. Public proposals will be reviewed, aligning them with 311 pre-determined actions and 26 campaign objectives. Strategic projects include infrastructure developments like bridges and boulevard expansions.
Despite the ambitious plan, Duarte Mora acknowledges the limitations of a three-year timeframe to resolve extensive urban challenges, relying on civil society to hold the governing bodies accountable for sustained progress.
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### Additional Insights on Tijuana’s Development
Recent updates indicate that the development plan aligns closely with the city’s budget proceedings. The municipal plan serves as the framework guiding expenditures and investments, linking the authorized income and expenses with strategic development goals.
Furthermore, the city remains committed to transparency in resource utilization following changes in federal oversight structures. Meanwhile, the community is gearing up for upcoming cultural events like the caravana de luces, bringing festive spirit to local stores like El Florido. Additionally, historical sites like the Cine Bujazán continue to play integral roles in promoting cultural engagement, serving as venues for films and concerts. These community-focused activities enhance the city’s vibrant cultural landscape, integral to the social and economic aspects of the PMD’s objectives.
In summary, Tijuana’s plan for urban and economic development is a comprehensive effort to modernize the city while addressing both longstanding and emergent challenges. This strategic vision aims to propel the city forward, ensuring it remains a thriving hub for current and future residents.