Western Washington University

05/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/01/2026 15:38

WWU's Laurie Trautman to speak on cross-border trade at the Washington Transportation Commission May 19

WWU's Laurie Trautman to speak on cross-border trade at the Washington Transportation Commission May 19

Border Policy Research Institute's research on trade and travel will inform the talk

May 1, 2026

Laurie Trautman

Laurie Trautman, director of Western Washington University's Border Policy Research Institute, will speak to the Washington Transportation Commission May 19 about the importance of cross-border travel and trade for Washington's economy and transportation network.

Trautman will cover current trends and concerns related to Canadian travel and trade relations, sharing research conducted by BPRI in partnership with community and regional stakeholders. For example, the BPRI recently collaborated with the Whatcom Council of Governments to survey southbound travelers at Whatcom County border crossings, and with the Bellingham Whatcom Chamber of Commerce to learn how declining border traffic affects area businesses.

Trautman is scheduled to address the Washington Transportation Commission May 19 at 10:45 a.m. Registration is required to attend the meeting virtually.

The Washington State Transportation Commission is a seven-member body appointed by the governor for up to two six-year terms. The commission reviews and assesses how the entire transportation system works across the state and issues the state's 20-year Washington Transportation Plan. The Commission also conducts special studies and projects as directed by the Legislature.

About the Border Policy Research Institute:

The multidisciplinary Border Policy Research Institute at Western Washington University undertakes research to inform policymakers on matters related to the Canada-United States border, particularly in the Cascadia region. The BPRI is the nation's only academically based research institute dedicated to the study of the Canada - US border.

More information: Laurie Trautman, [email protected]

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