Amy Keenan

The meeting focused on the evaluation of various jail construction planning scenarios, specifically balancing capacity, budgetary constraints, and therapeutic services. Discussion included the status of upcoming data and analysis regarding jail capacity, specialized housing configurations, and a behavioral health analysis for the behavioral care center project. There was a briefing on the development of the behavioral care center, including plans for crisis services and inpatient treatment, as well as updates on funding efforts and the operational model for these facilities.

The committee discussed data work group recommendations for the county council and executive branch regarding the budget cycle and service requests. The discussion included the prioritization of short-term objectives such as defining indicators, conducting a next-generation intercept model mapping workshop, and operationalizing early reporting activities. A presentation was provided regarding 2026 updates for the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, covering transitions in regional hub designations, partnerships for warm transfers from 911 centers, and the implementation of a tablet-based contact system for the department of corrections.

The meeting focused on the development of the annual report, including discussion on its first draft and the need for data verification across various project sections. Additionally, the Council presented a resolution regarding a budget cap for the jail and behavioral care center, which necessitates the formation of new work groups. These groups are tasked with addressing average length of stay, average daily population, and identifying funding strategies for the implementation plan projects.

The committee held a meeting to facilitate introductions among members and conduct a land acknowledgement. The discussion centered on community engagement efforts for the Justice Project, including feedback from a previous workshop regarding project scope, tradeoffs between jail beds and behavioral health support, and the planning of future public engagement events. Additionally, participants provided updates on their respective roles and organizational involvement in various intercept points of the justice system, and the committee reviewed the upcoming annual action plan.

The council meeting addressed the approval of special standing meeting dates for 2019 and held public hearings regarding amendments to the Whatcom County Code for flood damage prevention and shellfish protection districts. The council also heard extensive public comments from labor union representatives concerning the proposed fossil fuel permit moratorium at Cherry Point and potential changes to the county's Comprehensive Plan, with citizens expressing concerns over the potential economic impact and the process used for these legislative considerations.