**Tijuana’s Mayor Commits Against Tax Increases for 2025**
The Mayor of Tijuana, Ismael Burgueño Ruiz, recently announced that there are no plans to increase taxes in the upcoming 2025 Revenue Law initiative. This declaration alleviates concerns as city officials work on finalizing the proposal for the XXV City Council meeting. “We are not considering any tax increases, not in the slightest,” reiterated Mayor Burgueño Ruiz on November 5, 2024. He assured that while the exact date for the council review remains undetermined, significant progress is underway.
Last Thursday, an extraordinary session saw the unanimous approval of the 2025 Expenditure Budget by council members. However, discussions on the Revenue Law, which collects critical city taxes such as property and service fees, were deferred. The approved expenditure plan for 2025 amounts to 12.49 billion pesos, marking a 15% increase over 2024’s adjusted budget.
Security remains a priority, highlighted by a designated allocation of 1.67 billion pesos sourced from public funds and the Municipal Strengthening Fund (FORTAMUN). The budget also supports staff expansions, adding 133 new roles, including police, firefighters, and positions within the Education and Government Departments.
On a positive note, Mayor Burgueño Ruiz shared that October witnessed a 25% reduction in monthly homicides. He attributed this improvement to recent leadership changes, enhancing the police force’s capacity to act swiftly against criminal activities.
The mayor further outlined plans for strengthening public safety measures through surveillance expansion, the acquisition of patrol vehicles equipped with cameras and GPS, and the evaluation of a new app tailored for international tourists. This app aims to enhance transparency and accountability, minimizing potential abuses and bolstering police professionalism.
Looking ahead, 2025 will see “thousands of streetlights” upgraded to augment public safety, with investment details yet to be finalized.
**Secondary Article: Exploring Security Overhauls in Mexican Border Cities**
Recent developments in Mexican border cities, from Tijuana to Ciudad Juárez, reveal a trend of significant security overhauls. Local governments are increasingly prioritizing public safety in response to escalating violence and public demand for security.
One notable initiative is the collaborative effort between Mexican law enforcement agencies and international partners to implement cutting-edge technology in surveillance and crime prevention. Cities are investing in high-definition cameras, automated license plate readers, and advanced communication systems to facilitate efficient policing.
Moreover, several cities have launched community-oriented programs focusing on youth engagement and neighborhood revitalization, aiming to address the roots of crime through preventive strategies. These programs involve cooperation with local businesses, educational institutions, and civil society to create safe and vibrant communities.
As these efforts gain momentum, there is an overarching hope that such measures will usher in a new era of safety and prosperity for residents across Mexico’s northern frontiers, fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and improved quality of life.