Continuing his efforts to enhance binational cooperation and collaboration to improve the San Diego-Tijuana region, Mayor Todd Gloria today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Tijuana Mayor Montserrat Caballero that calls for increased collaboration to address long border wait times, the Tijuana River Valley pollution, and promote advocacy to address cross-border challenges.
“This MOU strengthens the integral ties between San Diego and Tijuana,” Mayor Gloria said. “We are an interconnected region that is stronger together, and agreements like this are a symbolic representation of our binational strength.”
The MOU, signed in a ceremony in Tijuana that had been delayed several times due to the pandemic, will allow San Diego and Tijuana to continue working together to share best practices and develop joint working programs in areas of common interest. Areas of collaboration include:
- Environmental protection
- Municipal and regional planning
- Economic development
- Police services
- Fire services
- Parks and recreation
- Waste disposal and recycling
- Emergency management
- Immigrant Affairs
“More unites us than the walls that divide us, we are united by both cultures, we are united by the love for our countries and this region,” said Tijuana Mayor Montserrat Caballero. “With the signing of this MOU between Tijuana and San Diego, together we will build strong bridges of understanding in cultural, environmental, economic, touristic themes and many other areas we have in common.”
Under the MOU, San Diego and Tijuana will develop joint working programs to exchange information, develop a work plan and enhance cooperation between both cities. The two-year agreement is eligible for renewal upon its expiration in May 2024.
Mayor Gloria’s visit to Tijuana marked his first since becoming Mayor of San Diego.