CONSULTING BORDER COMMUNITIES IN BALANCING INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND SECURITY NEEDS
WHEREAS, a major benefit of the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement
("NAFTA") has been the enhanced movement of people, goods and cargo by land between
Canada, the US and Mexico; and
WHEREAS, in the post-September 11th environment the security of our borders has taken on an
equally high level of importance; and
WHEREAS, the creation of the Homeland Security Department has demonstrated a national
commitment to meeting the latter challenge; and
WHEREAS, there are times that the need to move goods in a timely fashion are perceived to be in
conflict with the need to secure our borders; and
WHEREAS, local elected officials in border communities are well equipped and positioned to
provide valuable insights into how a balanced approach between moving goods and securing
borders may be best achieved,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the United States Conference of Mayors calls
upon the Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies to include border
community officials in planning and coordinating efforts to balance the need to open our border to
commerce while closing them to terrorism and other illegal activities.
©2003 U.S. Conference of Mayors 
