By Abdiel Ortega
Tecate Mayor Román Cota Muñoz presented his First Annual Report to citizens and state and federal authorities in a public event held at Miguel Hidalgo Park. The young Morena mayor highlighted actions in public safety, public services, road works, administrative modernization, and social programs.
During his speech, Cota opened with a phrase that framed the core of his report:
“People don’t need promises: they need results. In Tecate, transformation moves forward with a clear principle: that every decision generates well-being for the people.”
On security, the municipal government reported a 30 percent reduction in certain crimes, achieved through coordination with all three levels of government in the Peace Councils. The mayor underscored the addition of 15 patrol vehicles, the creation of the “Violet Unit” in coordination with the state to address women’s safety, and a 30 percent pay raise to standardize police salaries. He added that “every woman and man in our police force now earn a minimum of 25,000 pesos per month” and that access to medical services for officers has been guaranteed.
Cota also referred to investments in emergency services. A budget of 20 million pesos was allocated for firefighting equipment and vehicles, along with the construction of a new fire station in Paso del Águila. “Yesterday, the agreement was signed through which the Tecate government and the Baja California government created the Violet Unit to address women’s safety throughout Tecate,” he told attendees and state authorities.
“Today, once again, our boys and girls play in dignified public spaces, on well-lit sports courts that allow them to grow in a healthy environment so that we have a city that once again lives, that once again vibrates.”
In terms of urban infrastructure, the report documented over 753,000 square feet of resurfaced roads in coordination with the state government, 140,000 square feet of pothole repair, and more than 13.9 million square feet of grading in both urban and rural areas. The mayor also announced an investment of 13 million pesos in paving projects in neighborhoods and more than 600 rehabilitated or newly installed streetlights.
“Each streetlight turned on represents a safer street, a brighter path, and a family that can once again walk with confidence through our city’s streets and public spaces.”
Regarding public services, the administration announced the permanent closure of the Guajardo neighborhood landfill and the launch of the new Transfer Center in Paso del Águila with an investment of 7 million pesos. Cota stated that household waste collection now reaches “97 out of every 100 homes” and operates “more than 200 collection routes.”
On social programs, the municipal government reported support for more than 50,000 residents through DIF and the Department of Social Welfare. Benefits included school uniforms, scholarships, eyeglasses, food support, medical consultations and surgeries, wheelchairs, and aid for entrepreneurs.
The report also noted advances in administrative modernization. The city created the Digital Transformation Agency and the Citizen Service Office, as well as the “TKTiende” citizen service chat. On finances, City Hall reported record property tax revenue of more than 80 million pesos, made possible by online payment options and the recovery of overdue accounts, along with a debt-restructuring agreement with ISSSTECALI.
In his closing message, Cota called for continued joint efforts between society and government.
“This report is not just an account: it is an invitation to keep walking together, without slowing down and without lowering our guard. Let’s continue at 100, until every decision and every effort is reflected in the well-being of our people. Tecate is our home, our pride, our hope. And that is why in Tecate, transformation moves forward at 100.”
The event was attended by Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, along with Tijuana Mayor Ismael Burgueño and Rosarito Mayor Rocio Adame. Senators Julieta Ramírez and Armando Ayala were also present, as well as state and federal legislators.
