Our History

The Arizona Border Alliance (ABA) was born from a shared recognition that Southern Arizona’s border communities face deeply interconnected challenges, yet too often lack coordinated and equitable access to the resources needed to thrive. In early 2023, a group of community leaders and founding board members came together to shape a new regional approach rooted in collaboration, efficiency, and inclusivity. Their vision was to strengthen existing systems, reduce service duplication, and build meaningful connections between underserved communities and the organizations positioned to support them.

Formally established on March 24, 2024, the Arizona Border Alliance received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation on June 4, 2024. From the outset, ABA distinguished itself through a binational and cross sector model designed to reflect the social, economic, and cultural realities of life along the United States Mexico border. Rather than operating in silos, ABA was built to serve as a connector, bringing together local governments, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, health providers, businesses, and community leaders to pursue shared solutions.

By 2026, ABA has grown into a trusted regional hub serving communities across Cochise, Pima, Santa Cruz, Pinal, Yuma, and surrounding rural counties. Working in partnership with more than 50 local, state, and cross border collaborators, the organization has secured support from dozens of philanthropic foundations, municipalities, and private donors to launch and scale programs that address the root causes of inequity. What began as a coordination effort has evolved into a highly capable implementation partner, one that designs, manages, and sustains community driven initiatives in regions often overlooked by traditional systems.

ABA’s founding commitment has always been grounded in integrity, accountability, and service. Guided by community voice and data informed strategies, the organization prioritizes long term impact over short term fixes. Its work centers on strengthening local leadership, honoring cultural context, and ensuring that solutions are practical, inclusive, and sustainable.

Early investments focused on building organizational infrastructure and launching foundational programs in economic development, public safety, and stakeholder engagement. A key milestone was the establishment of formal partnerships with Mexican nonprofit organizations, municipal agencies, and business coalitions, laying the groundwork for ongoing collaboration in public health, cross border trade, environmental stewardship, tourism, and regional planning. These relationships continue to shape ABA’s approach and reinforce the importance of binational cooperation in addressing shared challenges.

Today, ABA’s work spans interconnected focus areas that reflect the complex realities of border and rural communities. These include education, youth development, and workforce pathways that expand access to bilingual education, early literacy supports, college and career readiness, and workforce training aligned with regional needs. ABA also delivers public health, behavioral health, and safety initiatives that include preventive health programs, substance use prevention, mental health promotion, and community safety strategies addressing the social determinants of health. The organization supports economic and community development by advancing entrepreneurship, small business growth, and cross border economic collaboration that builds local wealth. Food security and local agriculture systems are strengthened through farm to school and institutional purchasing efforts, support for local producers, and improved access to nutritious and culturally connected foods. Environmental sustainability and water resilience remain central through water conservation, environmental education, and cross border stewardship efforts essential to the region’s future.

Across all programs, ABA emphasizes equity, community leadership, and measurable outcomes. Its approach integrates local partnerships, bilingual outreach, and continuous learning to ensure initiatives respond to immediate needs while building long term resilience.

As it looks to the future, the Arizona Border Alliance remains committed to serving as a regional model for inclusive, binational collaboration. By strengthening partnerships, scaling effective programs, and remaining responsive to the communities it serves, ABA continues to help shape a more connected, healthy, and opportunity rich border region where dignity, access, and possibility are shared by all.