Border States, Global Stakes: How Local Governments Shape U.S.-Mexico Diplomacy

Local Diplomacy

The Power Beyond Presidents

For decades, U.S.-Mexico relations have been a lightning rod in global politics—spotlighting migration, trade, and security. National leaders dominate the headlines, but a quieter, increasingly vital force is at play: local governments.

As someone who’s been a border-city mayor, led Arizona’s Department of Commerce, and served as Chief of Staff at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, I’ve witnessed the real-world impact of international decisions on local communities. Through Intermestic Partners, our advisory firm dedicated to cross-border development since 2011, we work with cities and states that are becoming key diplomatic actors in their own right.

Why Local Diplomacy Matters

Local governments—cities, counties, and states—are no longer passive implementers of foreign policy. They are:

• First responders to policy impacts (e.g., immigration surges, trade disruptions)

• Economic engines forging cross-border investment ties

• Environmental stewards collaborating on shared ecosystems

• Cultural ambassadors fostering understanding across borders

They act where national governments often stall—through informal diplomacy, regional coalitions, and practical problem-solving.

Case Studies: Diplomacy on the Ground

California & Baja California

Their longstanding cooperation through the California-Mexico Border Relations Council addresses climate action, public health, and energy. The state’s cap-and-trade program even links with Mexico’s system—a rare subnational international agreement.

Arizona & Sonora

Through the Arizona-Mexico Commission, the two have institutionalized cooperation in tourism, education, and transportation. The “Platinum Corridor” project exemplifies how states can lead on border infrastructure and economic competitiveness.

Texas & Chihuahua

With the Border Governors Conference and binational security task forces, these regions collaborate on law enforcement, migration management, and emergency preparedness—areas often gridlocked at the federal level.

Over 70 U.S. cities and states have established international offices or trade missions—many of them in Mexico—underscoring a major shift in foreign engagement.

Legal Leeway (and Limits)

While U.S. states can't sign treaties, they can forge memoranda of understanding (MOUs), create intergovernmental commissions, and host foreign delegations. In Mexico, state constitutions allow limited external engagement, though federal oversight remains stronger.

Both countries have found workarounds through regional pacts, technical cooperation agreements, and participation in global city networks like C40 (climate) or ICLEI (sustainability).

The Pros and Cons

✅ Benefits:

• Proximity to problems = faster, tailored responses

• Builds trust and people-to-people ties

• Encourages innovation and depoliticized collaboration

❌ Challenges:

• Risk of policy misalignment with national governments

• Resource gaps for international negotiations

• Legal ambiguity and lack of diplomatic infrastructure

Unlocking Local Potential

To maximize their role, local governments need:

• Stronger coordination with national authorities

• Capacity building in international affairs

• Investment in cross-border infrastructure and partnerships

At Intermestic Partners, we’ve helped guide cross-border investment and policy collaboration that brings local needs and global strategy into alignment.

The future of diplomacy is intermestic—where international meets domestic.

Conclusion: The New Diplomats

As geopolitical shifts accelerate and challenges grow more complex, local governments will become indispensable architects of foreign engagement. They are already innovating at the border—through water-sharing agreements, binational business councils, and joint emergency response drills.

Let’s support and empower these leaders to shape a more pragmatic, human-centered, and cooperative U.S.-Mexico relationship.

To explore how your city or region can lead in cross-border strategy, connect with Intermestic Partners. The future of diplomacy is local—and it’s already here.