Nogales council approves mayor’s travel to Hermosillo to meet Sonora governor

The Nogales City Council approved Mayor Maldonado’s travel to Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, to meet with the governor of Sonora on Friday, Sept. 12, and to attend the governor’s state address on Sept. 13.

Council members said the trip would support cross‑border economic development, ongoing conversations about port operations, and regional projects such as Century Lane and Mariposa. The mayor told the council he received an invitation from the governor’s office after the regular agenda was set and sought approval at the special session so he could attend.

The motion to approve the travel was made and seconded in the special session. Councilmember Menendez asked directly, "what profit does the city get from this trip to Hermosillo?" Supporters responded that international relationships and representation at statewide or binational tables can open doors for grants, infrastructure support and coordination with state and federal partners. Councilmember Bonilla noted the governor’s state address is primarily informational and not a roundtable for negotiation, calling it "sitting down and you're receiving information." Other speakers said the mayor’s presence at state and binational events strengthens Nogales’s visibility in regional discussions about trade, border wait times and infrastructure.

Council discussion also addressed reimbursement of travel costs. One councilmember said elected officials receive only a small stipend and that costs the mayor incurs while representing the city should be covered by the city. After a roll‑call vote the motion carried; the transcript records both aye and nay responses during roll call and the motion was approved in session.

The council adjourned following the vote.