²ÝÁñÉçÇø’s Border Policy Research Institute Leading Critical Discussions on Cross-Border Challenges
Bellingham, WA, March 14, 2025 – Western Washington University's Border Policy Research Institute (BPRI) is playing a central role as a regional expert by fostering informed discussions and collaboration in a rapidly evolving border policy landscape.
Through media interviews, public forums, panel discussions, and local government meetings, the BPRI is working to connect regional stakeholders, develop collective knowledge and potential action plans to ongoing and intensifying cross-border challenges. The BPRI is committed to providing timely, relevant and clear information for stakeholders in our region to help our leaders and communities navigate these uncertain times.
Laurie Trautman, director of the BPRI, will be sharing insights on border-related economic and policy issues at several key events in the coming weeks, starting with a keynote for the Cross-Border Forum hosted by the San Juan County Economic Development Council on March 17, followed by a discussion about broader border issues related to her new book at a meeting of the Atrocity Prevention Study Group, based in Washington, D.C. on March 20.
Later in March, Trautman will speak to the Washington Institute for a Democratic Future, as well as the Whatcom County Council Committee of the Whole, to discuss the economic impact of the border on Whatcom County and ideas for better preparing for upcoming economic difficulties as it relates to less Canadian visitors and fallout from ongoing trade tensions.
On March 27, Cascadia Daily News will host a town hall and panel discussion, “A Border Between Friends," which aims to explore what Trump administration policies mean for the people living in Whatcom County and our neighbors in Canada. Finally, Trautman will be moderating a panel discussion for the Seattle World Affairs Council on April 1 that examines the crossroads and new realities we currently find ourselves at with our Canadian neighbors.
About the Institute: The Border Policy Research Institute (BPRI) at Western Washington University is a multi-disciplinary institute that undertakes research that informs policymakers on matters related to the Canada – U.S. border, particularly in the British Columbia – Washington State region.
Media Contacts
Laurie Trautman
Director of the Border Policy Research Institute at Western Washington University and Global Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center & Canadian Global Affairs Institute at Laurie.Trautman@wwu.edu
Jonathan Higgins
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing, Western Washington University, at Jonathan.Higgins@wwu.edu