Local governments in Arizona and Sonora, Mexico discussed ideas to boost tourism and trade between the two countries.
More than 20 elected officials met to introduce initiatives during the Ari-Son Megaregion Council meeting Thursday.
Officials discussed tourism initiatives, the North American Free Trade Agreement, and promoting binational partnerships.
Former Congressman Jim Kolbe pushed for border crossing cards to be expanded through the entire state of Arizona.
Currently, the card allows citizens from Mexico to enter 75 miles into Arizona.
Mesa's Vice Mayor David Luna says a move like this could potentially generate $187 million for the state of Arizona.
Nogales Mayor John Doyle says he's focused on improving infrastructure at the border.
"We are working on a program to expand the Port of Entry at DeConcini because it's been so many years, it is kind of outdated in the sense there is traffic congestion problems," Doyle said.
Every year nearly 24 million people come from Mexico into the United States and each day these visitors generate about $7.3 million dollars per day, according to the Consulate of Mexico in Tucson.
