Felifer Macías Strengthens Querétaro-San Antonio Partnership to Drive Economic Growth and Innovation

By: Lorena Meeser

Expanding Horizons: Felifer Macías’ Work Tour in San Antonio Focuses on Investment, Culture, and Collaboration

Felifer Macías, the mayor of Querétaro, recently presented the results of his work tour to San Antonio, Texas. During the visit, he signed a Sister Cities Agreement with San Antonio and announced multiple initiatives to foster mutual growth and collaboration. This agreement focuses on boosting tourism, culture, innovation, technology, and economic development in Querétaro. Macías highlighted that Texas is the eighth-largest economy globally, and through this strengthened relationship, Querétaro can unlock new opportunities for growth, business, and international cooperation.

Strengthening Economic Ties and Promoting Innovation

In a press conference, Macías pointed out the key meetings he had with organizations in San Antonio that are critical in promoting entrepreneurship and investment. Among the notable organizations he met with were Greater SATX, which supports quality job creation; Geekdom, which empowers startups by providing resources and collaborative spaces; Álamo Angels, which finances early-stage companies; and The Texas International Business Accelerator (TIBA), which facilitates the expansion of small businesses and foreign investors in Texas. These meetings played a pivotal role in building stronger economic ties between the two cities and identifying opportunities to drive growth through innovation.

As a result of these meetings, an agreement was made to include Querétaro businesses in San Antonio's Entrepreneurship Week, which will take place in October. This event will showcase Querétaro’s business landscape and open doors for cross-border collaboration. Additionally, efforts to accelerate and finance micro and small enterprises in Querétaro were discussed, including the possibility of creating mechanisms for San Antonio companies to establish operations in Querétaro.

Macías also revealed plans to connect young entrepreneurs from Querétaro with specialized training programs at the Boeing Tech Center in San Antonio. This collaboration will provide them with the skills and certifications needed for the growing tech sector in both cities. Another exciting initiative from this partnership is the creation of a gaming tournament between youth from Querétaro and San Antonio. This event will serve as a platform for developing tech talent and facilitating future opportunities in innovative businesses.

Cultural and Tourism Initiatives

One of the most exciting outcomes of the tour was the agreement to launch a Cultural Week, which aims to strengthen artistic exchange between the two cities. As part of this initiative, artists from San Antonio will have the opportunity to showcase their work in Querétaro, while Querétaro artists will be invited to display their talents in San Antonio. This cultural collaboration aims to create long-lasting bonds through art and foster a deeper understanding of each city’s unique cultural heritage.

In the area of tourism, the promotion of Querétaro in San Antonio will receive a significant boost. Macías outlined plans to promote Querétaro’s renowned vineyards and historical center, as well as its burgeoning medical tourism sector, through collaboration with universities in Querétaro. Additionally, the idea of establishing a direct air connection between San Antonio and Querétaro was discussed to facilitate the movement of tourists and boost commercial exchanges. This initiative will not only attract more visitors but will also contribute to the growing tourism industry, benefiting both cities.

Focus on Public Safety and Training

Public safety was also an important topic during the visit. Macías and San Antonio’s mayor, Ron Nirenberg, agreed on a program where the Querétaro Fire Department will receive specialized training and certifications from San Antonio firefighters. This collaboration will enhance the capacity of Querétaro's fire services, ultimately improving the city’s emergency response capabilities. Firefighters from Querétaro will be sent to the United States for training to learn new techniques and procedures that can be applied back home.

In immigration, Macías highlighted the protection and support of the Querétaro community in Texas. Nirenberg assured that there are no immigration raids in San Antonio and that the Mexican Consulate remains vigilant in safeguarding the rights of Mexican nationals living in the area. This assurance further strengthens the trust between the two cities and promotes a sense of security for Querétaro’s migrant community.

Commitment to Transparency and Public Accountability

In an effort to ensure transparency in public administration, Macías also announced the signing of a new agreement with the Querétaro Citizen Observatory. This partnership aims to improve public accountability, human rights, gender perspective, and the efficient use of public resources in infrastructure projects. Yamilé David Gallegos, president of the Observatory, shared that in April, the organization will distribute a questionnaire consisting of 100 to 120 questions, crafted by academic experts and organizations, to evaluate the government’s performance. The questionnaire will help assess the fulfillment of commitments made by the local government, and the responses will serve to improve public policies and encourage citizen participation in monitoring governmental actions.

Macías stressed that this methodology aligns with the government’s ongoing commitment to working alongside civil society organizations and specialists to ensure the implementation of policies that consider human rights, gender equality, and the efficient use of resources. This effort is also in line with the government’s focus on addressing issues related to economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights, as well as security, justice, and the needs of vulnerable groups. This transparency initiative aims to increase citizens’ trust in the local government and actively involve them in shaping the city’s policies.

Promotion of Investment and Business Opportunities

On the second day of his work tour, Macías continued his outreach efforts by meeting with representatives from the business sector to discuss strategies for increasing foreign investment, promoting technological development, and fostering tourism. He met with the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC) and the Association of Mexican Entrepreneurs (AEM), where the focus was on strengthening collaboration between San Antonio and Querétaro to promote business development and economic growth. These meetings also emphasized the creation of networks between Hispanic and Mexican entrepreneurs and the exchange of knowledge to support workforce development.

Macías highlighted the competitive advantages of Querétaro, including its economic stability, safety, modern infrastructure, and strategic location, which have positioned the city as an attractive destination for investment. He noted that thanks to the city’s focus on developing a highly skilled workforce, Querétaro has become a leader in national economic growth. The city’s rapid development in sectors such as manufacturing and technology has created a strong foundation for continued expansion and innovation.

Additionally, Macías visited the Tech Port San Antonio and toured the Boeing Center, where he met with industry leaders and educational institutions working together to address the demand for skilled workers in the aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors. This visit helped reinforce the importance of fostering collaboration between the two cities to attract investment and create opportunities for mutual economic development.

Conclusion:

Felifer Macías’ work tour to San Antonio, Texas, has proven to be a significant step toward strengthening ties between the two cities, with a focus on economic growth, innovation, culture, and investment. By building a collaborative framework between organizations, businesses, and public institutions, the mayor is setting the stage for future opportunities that will benefit Querétaro and its residents. With agreements in place for cultural exchange, entrepreneurship, tourism, and public safety, both cities are poised for a prosperous and dynamic partnership.