This report points out that over the past decade, largely as a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement, enormous growth has characterized the border economy on both the U.S. and Mexican sides. With job creation came a population surge. The boom has occurred without planning, however. It has led to jobs but not prosperity. Its results have included crises in housing and health care, a water shortage, environmental degradation and a rise in environmental health concerns, and infrastructure challenges, such as insufficient roadway and power systems.