By: Ariday Ortega
Mexicali Mayor Norma Bustamante delivered her first State of the City address, reporting that her administration met its goals, overcame key challenges, and made significant progress toward transforming Baja California’s capital city. She said the government’s work has been guided by five core principles outlined in the Municipal Development Plan.
These principles are: Wellbeing for All, Safe and Peaceful Mexicali, Growing Mexicali, Governing to Serve, and Equality and Inclusion.
Bustamante highlighted that during the first 365 days, her administration launched the “Mexicali Shines” initiative, aimed at restoring public spaces and improving the city’s image.
“Through this program, we focused on neighborhoods that had suffered from vandalism, trash accumulation, and neglect—areas that had become sources of insecurity and health risks,” she said. “We carried out cleanup operations, rehabilitation projects, and maintenance of public lighting and green areas to improve families’ quality of life.”
To complement these efforts, the municipal government acquired new street sweepers to improve maintenance of roads, bridges, and underpasses. The new equipment doubles sweeping speed, increasing from 3.0 to 6.2 miles per hour.
The local government also launched a “Zero Tolerance” campaign to crack down on environmental violations, strengthen penalties for illegal dumping, and enhance surveillance to prevent the accumulation of waste in public spaces, and continues to implement community programs such as “Joining Efforts for Your Neighborhood,” “Coffee Talks,” “Government at Home,” and “DIF at Home.”
“The wellbeing of all has been the priority of our administration,” Bustamante emphasized. “That’s why we’ve provided economic support to students, senior citizens, people with disabilities, entrepreneurs, and vulnerable groups, ensuring that everyone has access to a more prosperous life.”
Bustamante noted that Mexicali’s rapid population growth and rising vehicle traffic led to the creation of the Directorate of Sustainable Mobility (DIMOS), which manages traffic lights, signage, and road safety initiatives.
She added that during the first 12 months, the city prioritized safer and more efficient roads, with investments in rehabilitation, paving, and pothole repairs throughout Mexicali and the surrounding valley.
“In Mexicali, many challenges remain,” Bustamante concluded. “But I’m convinced that ‘Joining Efforts’—more than just a slogan—has been the key to overcoming obstacles and achieving our mission: improving the wellbeing of every resident in Baja California’s capital.”
The Guiding Principles
Wellbeing for All
Programs and support initiatives that promote social justice and improve quality of life.
Safe and Peaceful Mexicali
Policies and strategies designed to strengthen public safety and enhance residents’ sense of security.
Growing Mexicali
Investment in urban infrastructure to ensure more efficient, accessible, and safer mobility across the city.
Governing to Serve
A commitment to transparent, citizen-focused governance that prioritizes accountability and public participation.
Equality and Inclusion
Initiatives that foster an inclusive community and expand opportunities for all residents.
