Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz outlined significant progress in infrastructure, public safety, and social programs, framing his administration’s first year as a period of tangible change for Tijuana’s residents.
Delivered on Saturday before a crowd of approximately 5,000 at the Mariano Matamoros Sports Complex, the first State of the City address emphasized a dynamic and structured plan shaped by over 30,000 citizen consultations. The event was attended by Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, senators, federal and local deputies, municipal presidents, as well as security representatives.
As he began his speech, the mayor emphasized that he would not offer distant figures or hollow rhetoric, but rather speak with the certainty of someone who has visited every neighborhood in Tijuana, every region of the border, and who has listened to the challenges and witnessed the hope that beats in every corner of the city.
Achievements of Mayor Ismael Burgueño’s First Year in Government
The mayor began by crediting Tijuana’s residents for their central role in creating the Municipal Development Plan, a blueprint for building the city’s future together.
He also emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, pointing to joint security projects with Rosarito and Tecate and thanking their mayors, Rocío Adame and Román Cota.
The change in Tijuana, he added, is already visible through a series of diverse supports that benefit young people, parents, and seniors alike. Ultimately, he stated that the administration’s compass has been this community-driven plan, a dynamic strategy shaped by the voices of Tijuana natives, civil society, and the private sector.
Important Figures
Mayor Burgueño Ruiz outlined the city’s strategic direction, which is built upon five core pillars: “Fraternal and Inclusive Tijuana,” “Educated and Talented Tijuana,” “Peaceful Tijuana,” “Prosperous Tijuana,” and “Modern Tijuana.” These priorities, unified under the cross-cutting theme of “Transformed Tijuana,” are all centered on the well-being of local families.
To bring this vision to life, the administration is investing $2.381 billion pesos in public works and services with a focus on building a more orderly, clean, and safe city.
“We are an austere, transparent, and accountable government aligned with the policies of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, where social justice and shared prosperity are privileged. We will continue working closely with the federal government and Governor Marina del Pilar Avila Olmeda to advance the development of this region,” he said.
A key achievement has been the strengthening of city services through the “Tijuana: Clean City” program. A new operational strategy, unanimously approved by City Hall and endorsed by President Claudia Sheinbaum and Governor Marina del Pilar, has resulted in the creation of 327 new garbage collection routes, with 181 focused specifically on the East zone and the leasing of 129 new garbage trucks to support these routes.
This expansion will directly benefit 84,824 households across the city, with new routes allocated as follows:
- La Presa Abelardo L. Rodríguez: 32 new routes in 6 neighborhoods, benefiting 8,531 households.
- Playas de Tijuana: 35 new routes in 7 neighborhoods, benefiting 8,631 households.
- San Antonio de los Buenos: 36 new routes in 16 neighborhoods, benefiting 8,202 households.
- Sánchez Taboada: 43 new routes in 21 neighborhoods, benefiting 9,902 households.
- La Presa Este: 181 new routes in 58 neighborhoods, benefiting 49,558 households.
In its first year, the “Tijuana: Clean City” program has already made a significant impact, benefiting 174 neighborhoods and over 700,000 inhabitants (30% of the municipality) in the following delegation: La Presa Este, La Presa Abelardo L. Rodríguez, Cerro Colorado, Centro, San Antonio de los Buenos, Playas de Tijuana, Otay Centenario, La Mesa, Sánchez Taboada. The program’s concrete actions include:
- Street Grading: 471,000 m²
- Milling and Pothole Patching: 12,150,361 m²
- Street Sweeping, Washing, and Cleaning: 23,075 m²
- Heavy Trash Collection: 15,882 m³
- Silt Removal: 12,276 m³
- Street Light Rehabilitation: 979 units
- Road Signage: 8,315 m²
Significant investments have also been made in public safety and infrastructure. The city has incorporated 268 new patrol cars and deployed state-of-the-art drones to protect residents around the clock. Furthermore, 30,000 new streetlights have been acquired to illuminate the entire municipality. To ensure roads remain in optimal condition, 34 specialized maintenance units are now dedicated to promptly addressing issues across all delegations.
Each of these advances reflects the city’s unwavering commitment to working tirelessly for the well-being and dignity of the people of Tijuana.
Social and Cultural Support
The administration has made significant strides in social and cultural support, directly benefiting hundreds of thousands of Tijuana residents. Under initiatives like major “Well-Being” events and “Well-Being Saturdays,” the government has engaged with citizens, issuing thousands of identity certificates and investing 25.7 million pesos in direct actions that have reached nearly 1.9 million people. In addition, 8,679 IDs and 1,762 temporary credentials have been issued to deported fellow citizens.
A key focus has been celebrating the city’s diversity through multicultural fairs and supporting local talent. This included training 127 artisans and, for the first time, hosting the Tijuana Book Fair on the city’s East side to promote reading to over 46,000 residents. Furthermore, the “Tijuana Citizens of the World” program enabled 24 outstanding young artists to represent the city in international exchanges.
Community infrastructure and health were also prioritized. The city conducted 215 medical-assistance events, delivered thousands of treatments, and focused cleanup and infrastructure efforts all across town. While in the highest-density delegations including Presa Este, la Presa Abelardo L. Rodríguez, and Playas de Tijuana, silt removal, cleaning storm drains, and maintaining green areas, signage, and strengthening infrastructure was carried out. Environmentally, the “Tijuana Verde” initiative led to the donation and planting of over 112,000 trees.
Finally, a historic alliance with civil society was signed to maintain a clean and orderly city, while cultural preservation efforts digitized nearly 6,000 historical recordings and expanded public access to library resources across 8 delegations.
Security
Regarding public security, Mayor Ismael Burgueño highlighted the “Peaceful Tijuana” initiative, which was backed by a historic investment of over 760 million pesos. This funding enabled the lease of 431 specialized patrol cars, equipped with internal and external cameras and GPS, to significantly bolster police presence.
The Municipal Police reinforced this presence by conducting over 550 operational patrols and 10,585 intelligence-based patrols. The mayor also emphasized the administration’s close coordination with security roundtables led by Governor Marina del Pilar Avila Olmeda.
Support for first responders was also a key priority. With an investment of 46 million pesos, the government improved working conditions for Tijuana’s firefighters by opening 60 new positions, adjusting salaries, and delivering state-of-the-art equipment. This included autonomous breathing apparatus, specialized rescue gear, 550 high-resistance uniforms, and 3 modern fire engines.
Furthermore, nearly 500,000 pesos were invested in preventative educational programs like “Informed School,” “Safe School,” and D.A.R.E. These initiatives provided materials and training to 73,638 students, focusing on the prevention of crime and addiction.
Binational Coordination
The mayor also highlighted coordination with CBP authorities to improve Tijuana’s mobility, stating that in a few weeks there will be positive news for those who cross into the United States daily.
Public Finances
Tijuana is experiencing a historic moment being granted an AA+ credit rating and a stable outlook thanks to responsible and efficient management of its public finances.
Over $1 billion pesos have also been collected through property taxes, providing more resources to strengthen the municipality.
A Government for Women
Women were recognized not only as a pillar, but as the backbone in building a prosperous, safe, just, and inclusive Tijuana.
Specialized prevention programs have been promoted that not only protect but also empower women in the city. On International Women’s Day, tribute was paid to 8 exemplary officers who have provided over 25 years of service.
“They remind us that the face of security is also female, brave, and committed.”
Promises Kept, Goals Reached
Outlining the fulfillment of his administration’s promises, he explained that from the outset, Mayor Ismael Burgueño and City Hall were focused on developing strategies to meet their commitments. Their efforts have since reduced inequalities and created new opportunities for the most vulnerable, effectively complementing Governor Marina del Pilar’s broader strategy to combat extreme poverty.
He assured the public that this first State of the City address provides certainty that they have established a close and honest government: one that prioritizes working-class families in forgotten neighborhoods and communities, particularly in Tijuana’s East Zone.
“We, and I make this very clear, do not lie, do not steal, and do not betray the people. Our actions are guided by principle and conscience,” he said.
While acknowledging that work remains to be done, he expressed a firm belief that nothing can stop a united community determined to move forward.
“Tijuana is not just a border; it is an example of dignity, effort, and love for Mexico. This is just the beginning. Let’s continue shoulder to shoulder for a just, safe Tijuana with opportunities for all, where no one is left behind and no one is left out,” the mayor concluded.
