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-Editorial
In a passionate speech marking the close of her third year in office, Governor Marina del Pilar Avila Olmeda set a clear goal for Baja California: to become the Mexican state with the lowest rate of extreme poverty. This ambitious vision was shared before thousands in the Historic Center of Mexicali, where Avila emphasized her commitment to improving the lives of Baja California’s most vulnerable citizens.
Since taking office, Avila has prioritized social welfare programs, taking inspiration from former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s slogan, “For the good of all, the poor come first.” Avila reported that, according to CONEVAL (National Council for the Evaluation of Social Development Policy), Baja California has already achieved a 9% reduction in poverty over the past two years, marking significant progress in a region that had long struggled with inequality. She envisions building on this success through continued partnerships with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, targeting a national reduction in extreme poverty affecting 7.5 million people by 2030.
With an investment exceeding 10 billion pesos in social welfare over three years, the governor underscored the profound impact of these initiatives on over 1.25 million people, giving hope to families across the state. “One of the most valuable lessons I learned from President Andrés Manuel was to stay close to the people, to hear their needs directly,” she stated. She highlighted the example of San Felipe, where a new hospital is being constructed, and additional Wellness Clinics are opening, including one in the Delta region.
Governor Avila celebrated the progress of women’s empowerment in Baja California, a reflection of broader societal shifts as more women assume leadership roles in government. Baja California is now represented by a female governor, a majority of female mayors, and a congress with a female majority. Avila introduced programs like the “Violet Card” for women in need, which provides not only financial support but also a network of resources for over 100,000 women, a third of whom reside in Mexicali and San Felipe.
In addition, the “Violet Route” and “Safe Taxi” programs were implemented to ensure women can travel securely. Avila’s administration has also expanded the state’s primary schools with hot meal programs through “Full Stomach, Happy Heart,” aiming to support children’s well-being and school performance.
Children and adolescents, including migrant minors, are also a priority. Avila’s administration has addressed the needs of over 94,000 unaccompanied minors through preventive psycho-emotional support programs and established 11 new child welfare centers.
Avila outlined significant infrastructure achievements, such as the restoration of over 216 kilometers of roads across Baja California, aimed at easing daily commutes and reducing time spent in traffic. In Mexicali, new bridges and improved road networks now accommodate more than 150,000 vehicles daily, providing smoother commutes for residents. Additionally, 163 million pesos were allocated for the construction of the Rio Nuevo Bridge and Central Axis, expected to further reduce congestion.
The governor announced the forthcoming opening of a Justice Center for Women in Mexicali, adding to those already operating in Tijuana and San Quintín, to enhance protection for women throughout the state. A 265-million-peso investment is also transforming Laguna México Ecological Park, creating a vast 90-hectare public green space in Mexicali, tripling the size of the city’s main urban park.
Emphasizing her administration’s commitment to animal welfare, Avila highlighted the establishment of the “Mily” Animal Sanctuary and amendments to the state constitution recognizing animals as sentient beings deserving of protection.
Governor Avila explained that her administration’s Six-Year Financial Plan has enabled Baja California to settle longstanding debts, particularly in the education sector, achieving sound financial management and providing essential public services.
“Maintaining fiscal order has allowed us not only to fund infrastructure but also to invest in the well-being of our residents,” Avila said. In her three-year tenure, Baja California has attracted over $3 billion in investments, with 44% directed to Mexicali, placing the state at the forefront of economic and wage growth in northern Mexico.
Judicial infrastructure has also expanded, nearly doubling the number of judges from 90 in 2021 to 146 in 2024. Investments totaling 34.5 million pesos have enhanced forensic facilities, with two new centers in Mexicali and Tijuana supporting the region’s justice system.
Baja California’s tourism sector is booming, with more than 28 million visitors contributing over 119.8 billion pesos to the state’s economy. Baja California now ranks third nationwide for foreign direct investment in tourism, with $148 million invested in expanding tourist facilities and attractions.
In a crowning achievement, Mexicali will host the 2025 Caribbean Series, welcoming baseball fans from across Latin America and the Caribbean. “We even hope President Andrés Manuel, a baseball fan himself, will join us at the ‘Nido de los Águilas,’” Avila said.
In closing, Governor Avila thanked her colleagues, including Senators Julieta Ramírez and Armando Ayala, local and federal legislators, the private sector, and civil society organizations, all of whom have contributed to Baja California’s transformation. She also expressed her gratitude to her family, who have stood by her throughout her journey.
“The best part of these three years has been walking alongside you,” she concluded, urging residents to “move forward with hearts leading the way,” promising that the story of Baja California’s transformation is only beginning.
