Nogales council approves mayors trip to Hermosillo to meet Sonora governor amid economic-development pitch

The Mayor and City Council of Nogales approved a request Wednesday for Mayor Maldonado to travel to Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, to meet with the governor of Sonora on Sept. 12 and attend the stateofthestate address on Sept. 13. Mayor Maldonado made the motion to approve the travel; the council voted in favor with at least one dissenting vote recorded.

Council members discussed why the mayors presence matters for regional economic development, cross-border coordination and grant opportunities. Mr. Doyle said economic development has long been a focus of Nogaless engagement with Sonora and that "itopens doors" for port and trade projects. "It's important that you as the mayor represent Nogales in those tables," Mr. Doyle said. Another council member cautioned that the planned event is a speech rather than a roundtable and might not yield immediate city-specific negotiations. "This event is not one of a roundtable or open for discussion... you're sitting down and you're receiving information," Mr. Bonilla said.

Why it matters: Speakers tied the trip to efforts around cross-border trade, port operations and infrastructure such as a proposed Century Lane to Mariposa. Council members said the mayors attendance signals Nogaless role in regional discussions and can strengthen relationships with state and federal representatives that may influence grant support.

Supporting details: The mayor told the council the invitation arrived after the agenda was posted; he asked for a special session so the council could consider the trip. Council members cited recent regional events and contacts—Doug las groundbreaking, representatives from infrastructure offices, the Arizona-Mexico Commission and state senators—to illustrate how such appearances can yield indirect benefits. One council member noted the mayors travel expenses should be covered by the city because elected officials receive little to no monthly compensation for the time and costs involved.

Action taken: The council approved the mayors travel to Hermosillo on Sept. 12and 13, 2025. The transcript records a motion to approve, a second, a brief discussion and a vote with both ayes and at least one nay; the mayor declared the motion passed and the meeting proceeded to adjournment.

Context and next steps: Council members said the mayors attendance is part of ongoing cross-border and regional coordination and that such representation can support future grant and infrastructure discussions. The mayor indicated he will provide documentation or photos from the trip on his return. The council did not specify a post-travel report schedule in the transcript.

Ending: The council approved the travel request and then adjourned the special meeting.