Policy Priorities and Focus Areas of the Arizona-Mexico Commission

AMC Core FOCUS AREAS

AMC understands that a vibrant economy leads to higher living standards, improved public safety and quality of life. AMC supports this ever-upward cycle of growth by keeping its focus on improving four broad policy priorities: Competitiveness, Sustainability, Security and Quality of Life. These four core areas represent the binational policy drive for the Arizona-Sonora region, and will enable the opportunity to capitalize on the opportunities the region has to offer.

Read further under each Core Focus Area section highlighting the mission for each area, and showcasing the Governor's specific binational policy initiatives.

Letter from GOVERNOR BREWER

Governor Brewer

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Dear Friends,

Thank you for supporting the Arizona-Mexico Commission (AMC) throughout this momentous year for us where, together with the Comisión Sonora-Arizona (CSA), we celebrated our 50th anniversary. As we continue to build on the strong relationship within the region, we also look for ways that will turn us into a highly globalized economy.

As state leaders and chairs of our commissions, Governor Padrés and I are committed and determined to take this region to new heights. We continue looking for new and innovative ways to deploy regional initiatives to help businesses bring in new dollars and employment.

The AMC and CSA have done a great deal to help connect the region to the world. A shared vision and commitment by our two states allow us to capitalize on the areas of opportunity and make the Arizona-Sonora region into the safest region along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Together, we confront issues, advocate for change in policies that negatively affect us, and work to identify opportunities to further develop our region. Each person involved in the work we do, plays an important role that will improve the quality of life and expand the opportunities for everyone living in the Transborder region.

As we wrap up our celebration of our 50th anniversary, I thank each of you for helping us keep Arizona and Sonora safe, strong and prosperous for another year. We look forward to working together for many more years to come.

Sincerely,

Janice K. Brewer
Governor

Governor Brewer’s Direct Involvement

The AMC offers a platform for a direct discussion with local, tribal, state and federal stakeholders on important bilateral issues present in the Arizona-Sonora region. The AMC has become the conduit for Governor Brewer to be informed on current issues facing border communities and identify best practices to identify a solution. The ongoing bilateral relationship between our neighboring state of Sonora, and even Mexico, has flourished by the Governor's dedication to the AMC and importance in fostering this relationship. The commitment of both Governors, from Arizona and Sonora, to participate in the AMC's plenary session is what makes this a unique and prosperous organization helping to accomplish its mission in providing quality of life to the border region. The biannual plenary sessions take place in Arizona during the summer and Sonora during the fall. During the plenary sessions, Governor Brewer along with Governor Padres hold private biateral meetings to discuss issues such as updates to the Arizona-Sonora Ports of Entry, border security issues, legislative sessions, border leaders, and economic opportunities along the CANAMEX trade corridor. As a result to such meetings, Governor Brewer is able to identify state resources and gear them towards border communities when appropriate. In many instances, the meetings call for federal support either from Mexico or the United States, prompting the Governor to seek federal support from federal agencies or congressional leadership. The AMC has created the ideal bilateral platform bringing all stakeholders to discuss common issues between Arizona and Mexico, engaging all entities in government to make this a safe and global competitive region.

Border Governors CONFERENCE

The Border Governors Conference (BGC) is an annual forum that brings together the Governors of the 10 U.S. - Mexico border states, along with other stakeholders of both countries. Considered among the largest binational venues, the BGC provides a platform for policy engagement, collaboration and identification of objectives for the Governors' agenda through the signing of a joint declaration. The chair and vice chair of the BGC alternate between U.S. and Mexico border states, and the chair typically hosts the meeting in their respective state. The BGC policy strategies are developed, evaluated and implemented through the Border Governors Representatives and thirteen Work Tables, comprised by key state officials from each of the border states, under the four policy areas of: Competitiveness, Sustainability, Security and Quality of Life. The work tables include: Agriculture and Livestock, Border Security, Education, Economic Development, Emergency and Civil Protection, Energy, Environment, Health, Logistics and International Crossings, Science and Technology, Tourism, Water, and Wildlife.

For more information about the BGC, please visit http://www.bordergovernors2010.org

(The AMC has paralleled efforts with BGC through the four broad policy areas to maintain a same momentum for the opportunities along the Arizona-Sonora region.)