SANDAG Board and Borders Committee Convene for High-Stakes Regional Planning Sessions

SANDAG Board and Borders Committee Convene for High-Stakes Regional Planning Sessions

On Friday, January 23, 2026, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is scheduled to hold two major regular sessions at its downtown headquarters. As the primary regional planning agency for the San Diego area, these meetings represent the most significant governmental activity taking place today, bringing together leaders from the city and surrounding municipalities to address infrastructure, transportation, and international trade corridors.

Morning Session: Regional Board of Directors

The SANDAG Board of Directors is set to begin its regular session at 9:00 a.m. This body, which includes prominent elected officials from across the county, is tasked with overseeing the execution of the Regional Plan. Key items on today's agenda involve critical transit and preservation projects, including:

• Updates on the Del Mar Bluffs stabilization efforts to protect the LOSSAN rail corridor, a vital link for regional and interstate travel.
• Progress reports on the Airport Transit Connection project, aimed at finally linking the San Diego International Airport to the regional rail and trolley network.
• Budgetary reviews for the TransNet program, which continues to fund local street repairs and highway improvements through regional sales tax revenue.

The meeting occurs as the city continues to react to Mayor Todd Gloria's 2026 State of the City address, delivered just last week. The mayor's stated priorities for housing production and infrastructure repair are expected to influence the board's discussions on how regional funds are prioritized for sustainable development.

Afternoon Session: Focus on Cross-Border Collaboration

Following the morning session, the SANDAG Borders Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. This session focuses specifically on the unique challenges and opportunities of the San Diego-Tijuana border region. Major discussion points for today include:

• The ongoing development of State Route 11 and the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry, a project intended to reduce wait times and stimulate binational economic activity.
• Interregional collaboration strategies to improve air quality and environmental health in border communities such as San Ysidro and Otay Mesa.
• Enhanced coordination with Mexican federal and state officials regarding binational transportation infrastructure and logistics.

City Administrative Deadlines

In addition to these public meetings, today marks a critical administrative milestone for the City of San Diego. According to official municipal filings, January 23 is the final date associated with the legal notice period for the ordinance calling for the June 2, 2026, municipal primary election. This deadline solidifies the legal framework for the upcoming election cycle, which will see several City Council seats and municipal offices contested. Local political observers note that the conclusion of this period signals the official start of a more intensive campaigning phase for candidates across the city.