CEO leaves San Diego-Tijuana "World Design Capital"

• The San Diego-Tijuana border region was selected as the 2024 "World Design Capital" over a bid from Moscow in 2021, promising events from street festivals to policy conferences to showcase the area as an arts and culture destination.

Why it matters: The city of San Diego gave the group $3 million in last year's budget, after Mayor Todd Gloria told the Union-Tribune it would be funded through private donations.

• World Design Capital 2024 has not announced any other major contributions, as Voice of San Diego reported, with one event official acknowledging they've struggled to communicate its purpose.
• "It's a great event, but people might initially have an issue understanding what it's about, Jose Larroque, a member of WDC's advisory board, told Voice of San Diego.

Details: 2024 is the first year a binational region has held the event, and San Diego is the first U.S. host city.

• City officials expected the event to boost tourism.
• The three most recent host cities were Valencia, Spain, Lille, France and Mexico City.

What's happening: Programming is expected to begin in February with a monthly "World Design Spotlight" event. No other details are currently posted.

• A street festival is expected for May 1-5.

A scheduled design showcase in September promises to transform five spaces, including the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park.