The Importance of Border Connectivity and Collaboration — Borders Program Manager for SANDAG — Hector Vanegas

The Finest City

This episode focuses on the importance of the cross-border relationship with guest Hector Vanegas, SANDAG’s Borders Program Manager. Hector first outlines SANDAG’s role in coordinating cross-border transportation projects and traces his career path working in binational affairs from the Mexican Consulate to his current position at SANDAG. Hector emphasizes the economic interdependence between San Diego and Baja, and how we can increase civic participation in regional planning through initiatives like the Border Connectivity Project and the World Design Capital designation. At the end of the episode, Hector discusses how we can help reshape perceptions of the US-Mexico cross-border regions and why we need to have a sense of pride and reverence for our shared history.

Timestamps:

[2:49] Hector talks about his academic formation and career path before SANDAG, including work as an attorney in Mexico, working at the Mexican Consulate in San Diego, and studying human rights at the International Institute of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France.

[4:17] What led Hector to the border region?

[6:06] How does SANDAG geographically define the San Diego/Tijuana region, and why?

[6:44] SANDAG’s work addresses many issues beyond the San Diego/Tijuana border.

[9:35] Hector discusses the IRP, Interregional Partnership.

[10:53] The complexity of working with the borders and the need for cooperation across multiple agencies.

[11:02] How SANDAG works to foster collaboration.

[13:14] How important our relationship with Northern Baja is to maintaining California’s large economy.

[15:18] Mexico is now going to be the largest trading partner of the United States, surpassing China, and representing almost 16% of our international trade.

[15:38] The importance of remembering the shared history between Mexico and San Diego.

[17:18] A few takeaways from the Impacts of Border Delays at California, Baja California Land Ports of Entry study.

[22:28] As SANDAG looks for new leadership, Hector shares his thoughts on how the agency may increase its impact on the U.S./Mexico border region.

[27:24] SANDAG created the borders committee at a policy level as one of the four Policy Advisory Committees, of which there are now six.

[28:18] The opportunities to increase civic engagement and visionary dialogue in the World Design Capital and the Advancing Border Connectivity Project.

[35:17] San Diego was recognized as an inspirational model of regional collaboration by the UN.

About C-3

Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

SANDAG

Hector Vanegas LinkedIn