By Ana Cecilia Ramírez
A cable car project for Tijuana aimed at alleviating the city’s public transportation issues is currently being developed by the Baja California government, according to Alfredo Álvarez Cárdenas, the state’s Secretary General.
In an exclusive interview with San Diego Red, Álvarez highlighted the administration’s progress in areas such as finance, infrastructure, social welfare programs, and support for women during its first three years in office.
He also acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in land ownership regularization, migration, and social movements.
What would you consider the administration’s main achievements so far?
I believe there have been truly significant accomplishments, some even unprecedented. For instance, one that citizens may not see directly but that has a major impact on government program development was restoring financial stability. The first challenge this administration faced was to put state finances in order, and that allowed us to reach, this year, a triple-positive credit rating.
It may sound simple yet complex at the same time, but it means we improved the state’s ability to generate its own revenue, strengthened coordination with the federal government, and optimized how resources are allocated.
That’s where the more tangible achievements come in. Over the past three and a half years, more than 10 billion pesos have been invested in infrastructure and mobility projects — major works visible in cities like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Mexicali. These projects improved mobility, reduced commute times, and strengthened connectivity through new bridges, roadways, and paving programs.
Another major area of growth has been social welfare programs, such as support for single mothers through the Tarjeta Violeta, as well as aid for seniors, vulnerable populations, and children. The Pancita Llena program, which provides meals to public elementary schools, also helped improve the state’s poverty indicators — notably reducing extreme poverty levels.
A third important component has been focusing public works on neighborhoods that have historically been underserved. These efforts include not just paving but also water and drainage infrastructure, as well as community safety programs.
We’ve also worked closely with the federal government to strengthen community environments and promote social cohesion.
Economic promotion has been another key focus. Thanks to Governor Marina del Pilar’s leadership, Baja California has seen increased foreign investment and tourism. For the first time, the state hosted the Tianguis Turístico with a binational focus — a milestone for both Baja California and Mexico.
Infrastructure improvements have also expanded the real estate offer for those seeking a second home or residence along the coast for tourism purposes.
It’s also worth noting the programs that empower women. Linked to the Tarjeta Violeta, the so-called Programa Violeta includes initiatives such as the expansion of the Women’s Justice Centers, the creation of the Patrulla Violeta to respond to gender-based violence, and the Movilidad Violeta program offering free transportation for mothers and children. The elevation of the Institute for Women to a Secretariat reflects the importance of this issue.
The governor’s goal is to close the administration strongly in all areas related to justice and equality for women, working hand in hand with the Secretariat for Women, the Women’s Justice Centers, and the state DIF agency, which has expanded its capacity to support these programs.
In economic matters, the state also faced a major challenge: paying nearly 4 billion pesos in debts owed to bureaucrats and teachers. Today, we can say there are no significant outstanding debts.
There hasn’t been this level of investment in infrastructure or social programs in such a short time — just three and a half years.
What have been the most difficult challenges you’ve faced as Secretary of Government?
One major challenge has been dealing with the backlog in land ownership regularization. Rapid migration growth in border cities like Tijuana, Mexicali, Ensenada, and even Tecate creates strong demand for land tenure solutions. Many of these cases are decades old, while others are more recent and ongoing.
Another serious issue is the risk faced by residents living in unstable areas of Tijuana — where landslides and seismic activity can endanger lives and property. Addressing these social and environmental risks one by one is a major ongoing challenge.
We’ve also had to adapt to new social movements. The current government’s policy under Morena is to respect public demonstrations and freedom of expression. More than 95% of these movements are driven by legitimate social causes. We’ve worked to address their underlying issues by maintaining open dialogue with different sectors — from farmers and neighborhood groups to healthcare and education workers.
Politically, we’re beginning to see growing activity and anticipation around the 2027 state elections. The Governor’s instruction has been clear: to keep all dialogue tables open, address public concerns directly, and stay focused on solving causes rather than reacting to political interests.
Is there indeed a project for a cable car system in Tijuana? How involved is the state, and is it feasible?
Yes, it’s feasible — and in fact, necessary. The initiative was first promoted by President Sheinbaum early in her administration. We’re working closely with the federal Secretariat of Infrastructure and Communications to design the project carefully.
It’s an expensive system that requires subsidized operation, as running costs are high, but we want to ensure affordable fares for the public. The Governor has instructed us to find the right financial model, and the federal government has expressed strong interest in supporting it — particularly given Tijuana’s complex topography.
We’re currently working on the financial structure to make the project viable, engaging with the three main companies in Mexico that specialize in cable car systems. They’re helping us study possible financing models and conduct origin-destination studies to determine the most efficient and needed routes.
What role do you play in the state’s security coordination meetings?
I serve as alternate chair when the Governor is unavailable. My role is to coordinate between the state cabinet and the different security agencies to ensure proper implementation of strategies across municipalities and facilitate joint operations when needed.
You’ve worked under Baja California’s first female governor. What has that experience been like?
I’ve had the privilege of working under several talented women before, but this has been a particularly valuable experience. Governor Marina del Pilar represents a new generation — politically active, assertive, and with a strong grasp of social policy and communication.
On a personal level, she’s a generous leader who avoids conflict and promotes dialogue as the way to resolve problems. That’s been one of the most important lessons of working with her.
What comes next for the remaining two years of this administration?
Our focus is to close the administration strong — ensuring stability in each area of government, maintaining solid relations with municipalities and autonomous agencies, and continuing to address community issues.
We have active follow-up agendas across the state, and our goal is to leave everything in order so that the next administration can build upon solid foundations.
Looking ahead, Álvarez said the priority is to close out the administration responsibly. “We’re focused on maintaining coordination between government branches and municipalities, addressing community needs, and ensuring a smooth transition for the next administration,” he concluded.
