Munro Institute Fall Seminar takes on complex issues with panels on drug policy, housing affordability

Drug policy and housing affordability will be discussed from all sides during the Ralph Munro Institute for Civic Education Fall Seminar Thursday, Nov. 4, as the event focuses on complex problems and cross-party conversations.

The seminar sessions will bring together panels of state legislators, academics and local government officials to discuss pressing and complex policy issues from a variety of perspectives. Sessions will take place in person in the Viking Union Multipurpose Room, as well as over Zoom.

The first session, “How to Reduce Harm? Addiction and Drug Policy in Washington State,” will run from 2-3:30 p.m. Panelists addressing the topic will include Washington state Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, Washington state Rep. Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia, Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo, and Seema Clifasefi, associate professor at the University of Washington and co-director of the university’s Harm Reduction Research & Treatment Center.

The second session, “Priced Out: Housing Affordability Challenges in Washington State,” will run from 4-5:30 p.m. Panelists on this topic will include Washington state Sen. Patty Kuderer, D-Bellevue, Washington state Rep. Greg Gilday, R-Camano, Kurt Nabbefeld with City of Bellingham Planning and Community Development, and Rachel Fyall, associate professor at the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy & Governance.

Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test are required for everyone attending the event in person. Attendees can learn more at chss.wwu.edu/political-science/ralph-munro-seminar-civic-education.