The Gateway to Arizona Series

State and local officials gathered Wednesday to discuss the future of the border towns in the state of Arizona.

The ‘Gateway to Arizona’ is a series by the Arizona-Mexico Commission, where the focus is on border cities and the obstacles and positives they bring to the state. Other cities involved are the City of Douglas and Nogales.

The conversation was held at Arizona Western College where topics ranged from international trade, infrastructure at the Port of Entries, and the overall lifestyle people experience by the border.

According to the Arizona-Mexico Commission, visitors from Mexico contribute 60 to 70 percent of sales tax revenue in border communities like Yuma. Kirk Adams, Chief of Staff to Governor Doug Ducey, said they’ll continue to work with the Arizona-Mexico Commission for a better future for border communities.

“I think it’s really important to stay focused on the trading relationship with Mexico, but it’s also important for these local communities to continue to invest in those things that could facilitate more trade and more economic activity.”

Adams also mentioned working on road infrastructures at our Port of Entries can boost local economies.

“Those things are important so that businesses are welcomed here and feel like they could succeed here and with that, comes investments and jobs.”

Other topics discussed were safety, trade, and tourism where local officials were able to ask questions and address the concerns to the State.