Karen Hemmett

The committee meeting included a special presentation from the Birch Bay Community Advisory Committee regarding their activities and engagement. The primary focus was a detailed review and preliminary direction on Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2, Land Use, which involved numerous motions on proposed amendments regarding agricultural land protections, industrial zoning, and environmental policies. Additionally, the committee discussed the schedule for the comprehensive plan update and deliberated on a proposal regarding council meeting procedures for agenda items introduced on the same day.

The Council conducted several public hearings regarding the surplus and sale of flood control zone district personal property and the establishment of a ferry district for the Lummi Island ferry system. The council approved multiple contracts for legal services, construction materials testing, and waste reduction programs. A resolution was passed regarding the capital construction of the Whatcom County Jail and Behavioral Care Center, incorporating amendments to reflect the facility's role in behavioral health infrastructure. Additionally, the council modified meeting procedures for the discussion of agenda items, made appointments to advisory groups, and introduced various ordinances concerning budget amendments for projects including stormwater improvements and parks.

The meeting included a department update regarding the Comprehensive Plan and budget preparations. The commission held a public hearing and conducted work sessions for proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, specifically focusing on Appendix K: Adequate Provisions Checklist for Housing Availability, which included discussions on housing barriers and development regulations. Additionally, the commission approved a zoning map amendment for the Lummi Island Mineral Resource Special District overlay removal and conducted a supplementary barrier review for permanent supportive housing and emergency housing.

The board discussed the financial status of the EDI fund, the transition to a revenue-based allocation methodology, and the establishment of a strategic reserve. Presentations were provided regarding housing and infrastructure project pipelines. The board reviewed and debated applications for affordable housing projects, specifically the Unity Street Redevelopment and Bellis Fair Senior Housing Phase 2, including discussions on capital stacking, loan repayment structures, and the definition of workforce housing. A request for policy clarification regarding workforce housing definitions and project prioritization was formalized for the County Council.

The board discussed the financial status of the fund, the allocation methodology, and project pipelines for housing and infrastructure. Key actions included a vote on a recommendation to the County Council for funding specific housing projects, including the Unity Street Redevelopment and Bellis Fair Senior Housing Phase 2. Additionally, the board passed a motion requesting that the County Council clarify the definition of workforce housing and prioritize future funding for homeownership and projects utilizing the 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.