PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR COOPERATION AMONG PUBLIC MANAGERS ON THE US-MEXICO BORDER

With the approval of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) c omes the possibility of an infusion of billions of dollars into the U. S.-Mexico border regions; yet, we know little about whether local publ ic managers are prepared to undertake joint projects. This study explo res existing linkages between U.S. and Mexican mid-level public manage rs, how these managers perceive their counterparts, and the barriers t o increased cooperation that they must overcome. Existing arrangements are few and informal, mostly among transportation, public safety, and health officials. Mid-level managers are rarely in touch with their c ounterparts due to differences in language, culture, government, and p ublic administration systems. Because of this lack of contact, some ne gative stereotypes about counterparts persist. Currently, cross-border cooperation is sporadic, unrewarding, and subject to reversals. We mu st do more to create the conditions for successful, lasting bi-nationa l public-sector projects.