Arizona-Sonora Border Master Plan
Arizona Department of Transportation’s need to facilitate cross-border planning in preparation for expanding Arizona-Mexico trade and tourism was complicated by the vast and diverse geographic area represented. The goal of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of cross-border traffic involved nine land ports of entry in six towns and cities, along all 389 miles of the Arizona-Sonora border.
image source: azdot.gov
Our Involvement
Gordley collaborated with the project team to develop and execute a comprehensive outreach plan to build support and create advocates among stakeholders from American and Mexican federal, tribal, state, county and city governments. Bilingual newsletters, focus groups and advisory committee meetings, occurring on both sides of the border, helped create ownership and support and contributed to the endorsement of the plan by a Declaration of Cooperation between the states of Arizona and Sonora, Mexico.
Outcomes
The unusually large number of stakeholders presented a challenge, but ultimately represented an inspiring example of government cooperation and community investment. The plan was completed, endorsed, and the process which included our team’s strategic outreach became a model of bi-national government cooperation.
