Bellingham Housing Authority

The board agenda included discussion on recognizing a commissioner's service and the potential refinancing, rehabilitation, and continued operation of the River House Apartments, which would involve submitting funding applications to state and local sources for modernization efforts such as elevator and roof replacements. Additionally, the board reviewed and approved vouchers and cash disbursements for the preceding month.

Key agenda items for this meeting included the approval of cash disbursements/vouchers for the months of December 2025 and January 2026. Additionally, the board was scheduled to address Resolution 825 to authorize and approve a Budget Variance Report No. 25-01 as an amendment for the WCHA Budget for Fiscal Year 2025. The consent items also included the approval of minutes for the December 2025 Regular Board meeting and the approval of Resolution Number 826 regarding WCHA Public Comment Policy Guidelines, which was discussed during the December 16, 2025 meeting.

The Board meeting agenda included several reports: the Executive Director's Update, which covered staffing promotions and welcomes, the continuing resolution for the federal budget, the transfer of Mainstream Vouchers from Spokane Housing Authority, and membership in the North Sound Accountable Community of Health's Collaborative Action Network. Other reports covered the 2024 BHA Financial Statements, Finance Department Initiatives, and the Operations Report covering Q1 2025 progress. Key discussion items involved a summary of the February 2025 Board Retreat, which focused on financing new affordable housing development using LIHTC, addressing Whatcom County affordable housing issues, and pursuing community partnerships for social impact. The Development Report detailed closeout activities for Samish Commons B and C, and progress on feasibility studies for the Samish Commons Early Learning Center, Unity Street Redevelopment, and Village at King Mountain acquisition. The Major Capital Needs section reviewed closeouts for several roof replacements and modernization projects, and discussed securing funding for Sumas Square Flood Repair, along with planning for High-rise Boiler Plant Modernization and Generator Replacement. An additional discussion item reviewed the high-level summary of the 2024 High-rise Physical Needs Assessment matrix.

The discussion and action items focused on Resolution 825, which involved authorizing Budget Variance Report No. 25-01 and approving the subsequent budget amendment for the WCHA Budget for Fiscal Year 2025. The consent agenda included the approval of Cash Disbursements/Vouchers for November 2025, the approval of Resolution Number 826 concerning WCHA Public Comment Policy Guidelines, and the approval of minutes from the November 2025 Regular WCHA Board meeting.

Key discussions during the meeting included reports from the Executive Director and the Director of Development. The Development Report addressed potential cost escalations for the Unity Street project and phasing considerations for the King Mountain project. The Director of IT provided a Bi-annual IT Report, addressing current vulnerabilities regarding AI usage. Action items involved the approval of Resolution 2834 to authorize and approve Budget Variance Report No. 25-01, Resolution 2835 for Section 125 Flexible Benefits Plan Advance Funding, and Resolution 2836 to award a contract for modernizing boiler plants at Chuckanut Square, Lincoln Square, and Washington Square. A Commissioner Update detailed the planned property gifting by the Northwest Coast Presbytery to the Nooksack Valley Food Bank.