Our History

In early 2023, a dedicated group of founding board members came together to begin shaping a vision for a stronger, more connected Southern Arizona. Recognizing persistent gaps in service delivery and the urgent need for a coordinated regional response, they established the Arizona Border Alliance (ABA). The ABA was founded on the principles of collaboration, efficiency, and inclusivity, with the primary goal of leveraging existing resources, reducing service duplication, and building bridges between underserved communities and essential support systems. From its inception, ABA differentiated itself with a unique binational approach, designed to reflect and respond to the social, economic, and cultural realities of life along the U.S.-Mexico border and Southern Arizona.

On March 24, 2024, the Arizona Border Alliance was formally established, and by June 4, 2024, it secured official recognition as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Since then, ABA has rapidly evolved into a dynamic regional hub, forging strategic partnerships with local governments, nonprofit organizations, cross-border institutions, and grassroots leaders. This collaborative network continues to drive impactful programs that directly address the intersecting challenges of economic disparity, healthcare access, border security, environmental sustainability, food security, and cultural integration in the region.

The founding vision of ABA was to strengthen and connect resources—ensuring residents across Southern Arizona and adjacent Mexican municipalities have equitable access to vital resources. ABA was not created as a vehicle for personal profit, as some non-profits unfortunaltey are, but as a mission-driven response to real community needs—rooted in the belief that meaningful change comes from service, not self-interest. In doing so, the organization has positioned itself as a trusted convener and catalyst, supporting solutions that are community-informed and coordinated.

Initial seed funding came from a diverse mix of supporters, including founding board members, local municipalities, private donors, philanthropic foundations, and aligned nonprofits. These early investments were directed toward building a robust organizational infrastructure and launching foundational programs focused on economic revitalization, public safety, and stakeholder engagement. One of ABA’s first major accomplishments was establishing formal partnerships with Mexican counterparts—including NGOs, municipal agencies, and business coalitions—which laid the groundwork for joint initiatives in public health, cross-border trade, tourism, and regional planning.

As community needs have grown more complex, so too has ABA’s scope. Today, the Arizona Border Alliance operates across six strategic focus areas:

• Economic Development – Supporting entrepreneurship, expanding cross-border trade, and advocating for infrastructure improvements that stimulate regional economic growth.
• Public Health and Safety – Delivering preventive health programs, facilitating binational emergency preparedness, and implementing safety strategies that reflect the realities of border life.
• Education and Workforce Development – Offering bilingual educational programs, vocational training, and employment pathways that align with regional industry needs.
• Environmental Sustainability – Addressing cross-border environmental concerns, from water conservation and air quality to land use and binational ecological protection.
• Substance Use Prevention – Conducting culturally responsive education campaigns to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and improve access to prevention and treatment services.
• Food Security – Enhancing access to nutritious food through farm to school/table programs, cross-border partnerships, supporting local agriculture, and developing community-based distribution systems that address food insecurity in Southern Arizona.

In all its work, ABA emphasizes community voice, equity, and sustainability. Its approach is grounded in data-driven strategies, local leadership, and deep cultural competence, ensuring that programs not only respond to immediate challenges but also build long-term resilience across the region.

Looking forward, the Arizona Border Alliance remains steadfast in its mission to serve as a regional model for binational cooperation and inclusive development. It is committed to continuous learning, adaptive strategies, and authentic engagement with stakeholders at every level. Through its unwavering dedication, ABA is helping shape a prosperous, safe, and interconnected border region—one where opportunity, health, and dignity are accessible to all.