Brad Bennett

The Whatcom County Housing Advisory Committee presents recommendations to the Whatcom County Council for expanding year-round shelter capacity, aligning with the goal of achieving functional zero unsheltered homelessness within ten years. The document outlines various shelter options, including supported emergency rest areas, tiny house villages, low barrier overnight congregate shelters, and micro/subpopulation shelters, with considerations for different populations and budget impacts. It emphasizes the need for distributed shelter solutions and new funding for operational costs, while stressing the importance of maintaining existing resources.

The meeting focused on discussing and allocating the proposed 2026 budget, which was increased from an original estimate to $1,212,054 based on updated revenue projections. The committee reviewed and prioritized funding based on established 2024 priorities, emphasizing funding the primary Destination Marketing Organization. The committee reviewed several applications for Tourism Promotion, approving funding for Bellingham/Whatcom County Tourism, Mt. Baker Chamber of Commerce, Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce, Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the County Parks Guide/Brochure. The application from Sea to Sky Events was not funded at this time, and the Blaine Chamber of Commerce request was not funded due to precedent concerns regarding municipal chambers with their own tax programs. For Event/Festival applications, the committee approved funding for the Bellingham Bay Marathon, North Cascades Bluegrass Festival, Sustainable Connections, Whatcom Events, Cascade Mountain Ascents, Allied Arts, Bellingham SeaFeast, Cascadia International Women's Film Festival, Bellingham Scottish Gathering, Strings & Things International Music Festival, and Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival. The Ferndale Pride Festival and Jansen Art Center applications were not funded. The Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage application was funded, while the Quest Races application was tabled pending further information. The committee confirmed that a separate meeting would occur on October 15, 2025, to review capital project applications.

The meeting agenda included a roll call and welcome, followed by business items. Key discussions involved accepting the agenda, electing a WCFAC member to the "Service Alternatives" Planning Work Group, and reviewing amendments to RCW 36.54 regarding Countywide Ferry taxing districts. New business focused on the election of new officers for 2026 and establishing the meeting schedule for 2026. An open session was also scheduled.

The agenda for the meeting included a roll call, agenda review, discussion of the January Meeting Summary, an open public session, announcements, reports, and business items. Key discussion points scheduled for the business session include the FAC 2026 Work Plan. Reports included an update on the DNR decision to pull a bill related to an ecosystem services marketplace and the resignation of a member reporting on legislative updates, with a replacement stepping forward. The meeting is also scheduled to address membership changes and potentially discuss the presentation format for future updates to the Whatcom County Council's Climate Action and Natural Resources Committee.

The record details proceedings from a Public Hearing and Work Session concerning the Comprehensive Plan Update. Key discussions included amending Policy 2U-9 regarding Heavy Industrial Impact (HII) and Light Impact Industrial (LII) Zoning Districts, aiming to balance housing and employment growth, which ultimately carried after an amendment specifying coordination with the City of Bellingham. The Commission also voted to remove the definition of Urban and Community Forest from Appendix A (Glossary). Further actions involved updating the Foothills Subarea Plan map and associated policies for the Columbia Valley UGA, and approving a letter recommending that the Cities of Bellingham and Blaine amend their plans to meet Growth Management Act obligations. The Commission ultimately recommended the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update to the County Council. Other procedural items included a departmental update noting vacant Commission seats and a director's recognition of the Chair's 10 years of service.