Mariana Araza of the county’s Binational Affairs division presented a proposal on Nov. 20 to create a permanent Bi‑National Policy Roundtable and associated commissions to coordinate priorities and policy with Mexican counterparts, including Chihuahua.

Araza described the model as a multi‑table framework—plenary sessions, a technical secretariat and permanent commissions focused on infrastructure/mobility, economic development/trade, tourism/arts, environment/water and public health/emergency management. Annual deliverables would include one‑page commission recommendations, an annual progress report and a prioritized project list. She said the proposal was designed after reviewing established models such as the Border Governors Conference and cross‑border commissions in other states.

The roadmap outlined an eight‑month phased pilot with six quarterly milestones: establishment of a charter and co‑chairs; coordination protocols; diagnostic baseline studies; project development; and a final plenary with a public progress report. The plan envisions state and local officials, technical secretariats and possible co‑chairs from both sides of the border.

Commissioners asked about staffing, sustainability and cost. Roberto Ransom (Economic Development) noted other models include a dedicated FTE and suggested partner contributions could help staff the effort. Commissioners broadly supported the proposal as a way to institutionalize cross‑border collaboration and asked staff to continue refining details for implementation and potential partner funding.