Mayor Norma Bustamante officially swore in the members of the Fifth Youth City Council in a ceremony held at the Mexicali City Hall. The initiative aims to integrate fresh perspectives into municipal decision-making by allowing young people to participate in a government body.
Together with City Auditor, Oscar Vega Marín, Mayor Bustamante administered the oath to the new council members, who were selected for their insight and commitment to civic engagement.
“Thank you for answering the call and for signing up,” she told the new members. “I recognize the value of getting involved and taking your voice beyond social media. Participating implies commitment, listening to other opinions, preparing yourselves, and representing the many people who trust in you.”
Related: Mexicali Mayor Norma Bustamante Brings City Services to Underserved Neighborhoods
Laritza Nieto, director of the Municipal Institute of Youth of Mexicali (IMJUM), explained the selection process for the council. Aspiring members were required to meet the criteria of a public call and submit an essay addressing key issues such as urban development, the environment, and public security.
The Fifth Youth City Council is composed of the following members:
- Marco René Quezada Haro – President
- Said Martínez López – City Auditor
- Iram Vasconcelos Ulloa – Council Member (Commission on Urban Development and Ecological Control)
- Isaac Verdugo Ostos – Council Member (Commission on Social Well-Being)
- Emily Herrán Aceves – Council Member (Commission on Education, Culture, and Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Peoples and Communities Affairs)
- Itzel Chon Pérez – Council Member (Commission on Family, Youth, and Children)
- Sara Gastelúm Sotomayor – Council Member (Commission on Public Works and Services)
- Carlos Vargas González – Council Member (Commission on Public Administration and Heritage)
- Ramón Rico Calderón – Council Member (Commission on Rural Development)
- Melany Bustos Tovar – Council Member (Commission on Gender Equity and Human Rights)
- Diego Sandoval Rodríguez – Council Member (Commission on Finance)
- Betsaida Solares Hernández – Council Member (Commission on Health, Sports, and Recreation)
- América Celaya Vázquez – Council Member (Commission on Border and Migratory Affairs)
- Luke Lona Rodríguez – Council Member (Commission on Public Security, Transit, and Transportation)
- Valeria Garduño Robles – Council Member (Commission on Municipal Development Planning and Citizen Participation)
- Yuritza Ramírez Tovar – Council Member (Commission on Economic Development, Tourism, and Federalism)
- Jhovanna Flores Gregorio – Council Member (Commission on Governance and Legislation)
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