**Promises of Change: Tijuana Mayor Vows to End Corruption**
The recently elected Mayor of Tijuana, Ismael Burgueño Ruiz, has pledged to eliminate “coyotaje,” referring to corruption in administrative processes. To achieve this, the mayor plans to enhance digital services and regulatory improvements. During a meeting on October 3, 2024, with over 30 local business leaders, Mayor Burgueño announced the formation of a Business Advisory Council, promoting a continuous dialogue with the private sector. Attendees were encouraged to participate actively in the council’s sessions once initiated.
Mayor Burgueño urged businesses to be practical, supportive, and driven by common sense, advocating for private sector collaboration in developing and revitalizing the city’s parks and green spaces. Christian Vázquez, attending on behalf of the National Chamber of Freight Transportation, addressed recent road blockages that have disrupted city mobility, proposing the formulation of an emergency plan and committee to tackle such issues effectively.
Various business organizations, such as AIMO, CMIC, Canadevi, and AMPI, emphasized the importance of continuing projects initiated with the prior administration. José Luis Contreras, heading the Otay Mesa Industrialists Association, highlighted the need to invest local property taxes for infrastructural renovation, while CMIC’s Gabriel Vizcaíno focused on developing a construction waste disposal site. Canadevi’s leader, Xavier Ibarra Quintana, advocated for further development of Tijuana’s Urban Development Program in response to urban expansion.
Discussion also centered on administrative transitions stalling previously agreed projects and the needs for better infrastructure, including a bilingual signage project and reduced border crossing times. Entrepreneurial leaders proposed involving inmates in city clean-up efforts, offering incentives for their contributions.
Carlos Jaramillo Silva, head of the Tijuana Business Coordinating Council, emphasized aspirations for Tijuana to rank within the top ten cities nationally for competitiveness. Currently, it stands at 13th place according to the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness. The city contributes significantly to the state’s economy, potentially ranking as the 15th state if assessed independently.
Newly appointed Secretary of Economic Development, Pedro Montejo Peterson, announced plans for a Technical Advisory Committee and a Tourism Committee ahead of the 2025 Tourism Expo. Upcoming initiatives include revamping the department’s SANDAG office and fostering a binational agenda addressing infrastructure and migration.
**Secondary Article: Broader Changes in Baja California**
In other Baja California news, the region continues to witness substantial policy shifts aimed at strengthening economic and social frameworks. The Higher Education Institute has announced new partnerships with international universities, aiming to boost educational standards and research collaboration. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to transform Baja California into a knowledge hub.
Meanwhile, environmental concerns are gaining traction with the announcement of new sustainability projects focused on reducing emissions and preserving natural resources. Authorities are working towards integrating green policies into regional planning, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
The healthcare sector is also evolving, with investments flowing into modernizing hospitals and expanding medical services. Baja California aims to become a leading destination for medical tourism, capitalizing on its strategic location and improving healthcare infrastructure.
These developments indicate a dynamic shift in Baja California, striving for growth and sustainability while addressing the immediate needs of its residents.