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-Editorial
A delegation of more than 140 business and civic leaders from the San Diego and Baja California region is currently in the nation’s capital for the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 17th Annual Mission to Washington, D.C. The three-day advocacy trip, held April 6–9, focuses on key regional priorities including trade, infrastructure, housing, border efficiency, tourism, and healthcare.
The visit coincides with a critical time in federal policymaking, as the new Administration begins shaping its legislative agenda. Delegation members aim to ensure that the needs of the Cali Baja region are considered in ongoing discussions at the national level.
“The decisions made in Washington have a direct impact on our business community’s ability to grow, thrive, and remain competitive,” said Jessica Anderson, Interim President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. “By engaging directly with federal leaders, we’re making sure our priorities are part of the national conversation.”
Participants in the delegation include elected officials, business representatives, and leaders from public agencies across the region. Notable attendees include State of Baja California Congresswoman Ana Santana, State Assemblymember Adrian Valle, U.S. Consul General in Mexico Christopher Teal, National City Mayor Ron Morrison, Tecate Mayor Roman Cota, San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava, San Diego Councilmembers Marni von Wilpert and Stephen Whitburn, Chula Vista Councilmember Michael Inzunza, Tijuana Councilmembers Gina Arana, Heriberto Ramirez, Melissa Pacheco, Michel Garcia, Monica Padilla, and Pablo Yañez, as well as Tecate City Councilmember Isaac Contreras López.
The delegation’s agenda includes meetings with federal leaders such as Senators, members of Congress, and senior officials from various federal agencies, including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Department of State, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Transportation.
“The Chamber’s annual trip ensures our voice is heard and sets the stage for alignment in our goals and collaboration in our solutions,” said San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava.
In a press conference held earlier today, several delegation members emphasized the importance of binational cooperation in addressing regional challenges. State of Baja California Congresswoman Ana Santana noted the trip’s role in strengthening the CaliBaja region’s position in global trade and nearshoring efforts.
“This delegation trip offers the appropriate setting to build a bi-national dialogue for incentives and infrastructure that can turn this crisis into an opportunity to consolidate and strengthen the CaliBaja region,” Santana said.
Other speakers at the press conference included National City Mayor Ron Morrison and Councilmember Marni von Wilpert, who emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong local voice amid shifting federal priorities.
The Chamber’s mission includes meetings with key federal officials and policymakers, including Senator Adam Schiff and Representatives Ami Bera, John Garamendi, Sara Jacobs, Jay Obernolte, Scott Peters, and Juan Vargas. Delegates will also meet with Mexican Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, Pete Flores, Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Brenda Johnson-Turner, Assistant Secretary of the Navy. In addition, the delegation is scheduled to engage with leadership from the U.S. Department of Transportation and Commerce.
The San Diego Regional Chamber remains the only chamber to lead annual binational delegation trips to both U.S. and Mexican capitals, a tradition it says reflects the integrated nature of the cross-border economy and the shared future of the Cali Baja region.