City Council Approves Funding for First Binational World Design Program

The city will spend $3 million for the World Design Capital San Diego-Tijuana 2024 program, which supports local nonprofit arts, culture and design organizations.

The City Council voted unanimously Monday to authorize the $3 million as part of the city’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget, according to the city.

According to organizers, the WDC program promotes and encourages the use of design to further the economic, social, cultural and environmental development of cities across the globe. Designated every two years, WDC is a year-long promotion to “showcase the accomplishments of cities that are effectively leveraging design to improve the lives of their citizens,” organizers said.

The WDC program also covers cultural districts and other community associations. The city funding will be used for marketing efforts, program planning and production, city officials said.

San Diego is the first U.S. city to receive the designation, while Tijuana is the second Mexican city with the title, following Mexico City in 2018. Valencia, Spain was named the World Design Capital in 2022.

Carlos de la Mora, CEO of World Design Capital San Diego-Tijuana 2024, thanked Mayor Todd Gloria, City Councilman Raul Campillo and his fellow council members for their support.

“We know the benefits that the World Design Capital can bring to the San Diego Tijuana region: economic development, tourism, promotion of local design, international collaboration, regional brand development and more,” de la Mora said.

Campillo, who represents District 7, said the World Design Capital 2024 “is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our region.”

“San Diego and Tijuana mutually benefit from investments in our unique binational geography and character,” Campillo added. “I fought hard to ensure the World Design Capital had the support of my council colleagues because this project will not just bring jobs and investment to San Diego now — it will leave lasting impacts for years to come.”

City News Service contributed to this article.