Aaaand we’re back!  The legislative recess concludes, and the first committee meeting of September features a close look at the border.  On the docket are informational items about a specific border project, a broad look at the Border Master Plan and analysis of how travel restrictions are impacting commerce and trade.  Also, check out the new schedule for City Council meetings which will be held twice a week.

From the Office of Council President Jennifer Campbell 

Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee – September 8, 2021 – 2 p.m.

Councilmember Raul Campillo chairs the ED & IR committee meeting which will hear three informational items on the agenda.

Item 1 – State Route 11 & Otay Mesa East Port of Entry Project Update – SANDAG and Caltrans will present an informational update on the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry project.  The State Route 11 (SR 11)/Otay Mesa East Port of Entry Project is a joint venture between SANDAG and Caltrans, in collaboration with state and federal partners in the U.S. and Mexico, to create a 21st century border crossing for the San Diego-Baja California mega-region that will enhance regional mobility and fuel economic growth and binational trade.

Item 2 – California-Baja California 2021 Border Master Plan – Improving the capacity and operations of the existing infrastructure is critical to decrease traffic congestion, facilitate international trade, reduce environmental impacts, and improve overall quality of life for residents in the border region.  To achieve these goals, federal, state, regional, and local agencies responsible for planning and building Ports of Entry and related transportation facilities in the border region, developed the California-Baja California Border Master Plan.

Item 3 – Impacts of Non-Essential Travel Restrictions at Canada and Mexico Borders - In March 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security imposed restrictions on non-essential travel at Canadian and Mexican borders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Each month since, these restrictions have been extended by 30 days.  The most recent extension, announced on August 20, 2021, will run until September 21, 2021.  Mayor Todd Gloria, business leaders, and others have publicly called upon Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, to lift the travel restrictions as they have negatively impacted economic opportunities and growth in the San Diego region.  The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s International Business Affairs team will highlight the impacts these restrictions have on cross-border commerce and trade.

New City Council Meeting Schedule

Beginning next week, City Council Meetings will be held on Mondays and Tuesdays.  Here are some details:

Monday

• 2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Discussion items

Tuesday

• 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Consent items, non-agenda public comment, public comment on closed session
• 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Closed Session
• 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Discussion items

If you really want to plan ahead, check out the legislative calendar.

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To participate in the meeting, click on the agenda and follow the instructions. 

You can watch the meeting on cable TV channel 24 or AT&T channel 99, or  stream it online (external link). 

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