San Diego Chamber Leads Washington Mission on Border Issues

-Editorial 

From April 26-29, more than 100 business and civic leaders from across the binational region are traveling to Washington, D.C., as part of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 18th annual Mission to Washington, D.C.

The three-day delegation will focus on regional priorities, including immigration, trade, housing, infrastructure, transboundary pollution, border efficiency, energy, water, and health care, among other issues.

“The Cali Baja region is not just a section on the map. It’s a powerhouse of innovation, commerce, and cross-border collaboration; our businesses, our people, and our economy matter. On the national stage, and through this delegation, we make sure Washington knows it,” said Chris Cate, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava, who also serves as vice chair of the SANDAG Board of Directors, said on his fifth Chamber of Commerce mission to Washington, D.C., that he is representing his council district, the city of San Diego, and SANDAG while joining regional leaders in highlighting the cross-border economy and its national importance. 

“We are a cross-border economic engine, a hub for cutting-edge medical research, a cultural epicenter and so much more,” LaCava said. “This region is critically important to the nation’s economy and to our national defense, hosting a quarter of Navy ships and a third of the U.S. Marine Corps.” He emphasized that federal and local investment must work in tandem to sustain infrastructure, noting that “nothing makes as great an impact as meeting face to face with federal officials, sharing our common goals and building a bond of mutual respect.” 

LaCava pointed to ongoing priorities, including trade, housing, defense, a new border crossing, and the Los Angeles–San Diego rail corridor, as well as federal funding for Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport and the Otay Mesa East port of entry. 

He also called for sustained, predictable funding for infrastructure and housing programs, saying Section 8 vouchers have been “a literal lifesaver” in addressing homelessness. LaCava added that regional leaders will continue pressing for solutions to the Tijuana River Valley pollution crisis, which he described as a long-standing public health and environmental emergency affecting local beaches.

Tijuana City Council Finance and Municipal Heritage Commission President Lemuel Ramírez said it was an honor to join the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce delegation to Washington, D.C., underscoring what he described as the strategic importance of binational cooperation.

“It is an honor to be here today to highlight the importance of Tijuana joining this Washington delegation. This is not merely a symbolic action, but a strategic decision that reflects the reality of our region.” Ramírez emphasized the deep integration between Tijuana and San Diego, calling the region “one of the most dynamic and productive international metropolitan areas in the world,” and noting that “our economies are deeply interconnected, our communities are linked, and our future depends on collaboration.” 

He added that participation in the delegation allows Tijuana to advocate for stronger cross-border trade, improved port efficiency, and sustainable economic growth. “This also reinforces our commitment to partnership,” Ramírez said. “It shows that Tijuana is ready to engage, to lead and to work alongside our counterparts in San Diego and Washington to address shared challenges and seize new opportunities, ultimately delivering results for our people, creating jobs, supporting business and building a more competitive and prosperous region.”

This is one of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce’s three major annual trips, alongside visits to Sacramento and Mexico City, designed to bring the voice of the San Diego region to both national and international decision-making levels.