Coming up

Oct. 15 to 22 · Bellingham and Whatcom County

1. 15Thu.
   Removing the density cap in Residential Low zonesCity Planning Commission · Discussion, 6 p.m.Staff are exploring removing the density cap in Residential Low zones as part of the development code update, with conditions for deep lots without alleys. The memo says this was "not directly discussed" during the Bellingham Plan outreach. The same briefing goes to the Council Planning Committee Oct. 19, 1:50 p.m. Decisions come in 2027.
   At stakeHow many homes can be built on a Residential Low lot6,629homes planned in these zones
2. 19Mon.
   City property tax levy City Council · Public hearing, 7 p.m.

   How to weigh in: sign up to speak at cob.org/ccsignup on the day, or send written comments to ccmail@cob.org.

   The trade-off1% is the most state law allows without a vote, and the City still faces an $8M gap.Both sides and the timeline: follow it on Where things stand →
   Pays forPolice, fire, EMS and other City servicesGreenways, affordable housing, safety pensions +1%over the 2026 levy
3. 19Mon.
   Regional Fire Authority and the City budget City Council Committee of the Whole · Discussion, 2:45 p.m. The trade-offIf the fire authority passes, Finance estimates the City saves about $20M in 2028.Both sides and the timeline: follow it on Where things stand →
   At stakePolice, fire/EMS, library, parks and planning services (about 40 positions), per deputy administrator $8Mgeneral fund gap, 2027
4. 19Mon.
   Ambulance ratesCity Council · Final vote · All documents
   Pays forAmbulance transport, to cover costs the 2014 rates no longer meet+$200–368a transport
5. 19Mon.
   Police traffic equipment grantCity Council · Consent
   Pays forPolice traffic equipment$32,351federal grant
6. 19Mon.
   Home businessesCity Council · Final vote · All documentsExpands home business uses and shortens permit review.
   500 sq ftwithout a fuller review
7. 19Mon.
   Comcast franchise, five more yearsCity Council · Final vote · All documents
   5 yearsmore, through Dec. 2031
8. 19Mon.
   Two Barkley-area street vacationsCity Council · Final vote · All documents
   2streets
9. 19Mon.
   Council positions on three ballot measuresCity Council · Public hearing, 7 p.m. · All documentsResolutions supporting Initiative 26-01 (rental pricing software) and opposing two statewide initiatives, IL26-638 (K-12 school sports) and IL26-001 (parental rights). All three are on the Nov. 3 ballot.

   How to weigh in: sign up to speak at cob.org/ccsignup on the day, or send written comments to ccmail@cob.org.

   31 for, 2 against
10. 19Mon.
    Easement in vacated Otis StreetCity Council · Public hearing, 7 p.m. · All documents
    6townhomes planned
11. 19Mon.
    Lake Whatcom private boat launch permitsPublic Works and Natural Resources Committee · Introduced · All documentsA new permit for private boat launches on Lake Whatcom, part of the aquatic invasive species rules.
    $60a permit, free with a course
12. 20Tue.
    County 2027–28 budgetCounty Council special meeting · Discussion, 9 a.m.
    Pays forCounty services for the next two years−7%general fund vs. 2026
13. 20Tue.
    Port: Alaska ferry terminal lease, one more yearPort of Bellingham Commission · Consent, 4 p.m.Extends the Alaska Marine Highway System lease at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal through Sept. 30, 2027, with rent up 6%. Also on the agenda: airport restaurant rents tied to passenger counts, a Blaine Wharf District agreement, and a first look at the Port's 2027 budget.
    At stakeRent the State of Alaska pays to use the Port's ferry terminal+6%rent, through Sept. 2027
14. 22Thu.
    Stream buffersCounty Planning Commission · Workshop, time to be announcedPart of the critical areas rewrite.
    Dec. 8final Council hearing

Also happening

Public events coming up that aren't decisions.

• 15Thu.

  New state housing laws, explained. 10 a.m., City Council Chambers. City staff walk through next year's code changes. Add to calendar

• 15Thu.

  County Council community conversation. 5 p.m., Deming Library. Two council members. Add to calendar

• 21Wed.

  City budget update for neighborhoods. 6:30 p.m. The deputy City administrator briefs the Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Commission. Agenda

• 29Thu.

  Port open house. 4 to 6 p.m., Squalicum Boathouse. Port commissioners attend. Add to calendar Port notice

• 2Mon.

  City Council hearings announced for Nov. 2. The City's Oct. 19 action summary lists four public hearings for Nov. 2: the sale of a surplus alley between Iowa and Kentucky streets, the proposed 2027 budget, extending the interim infill housing zoning, and extending the interim design standards.

• 6Fri.

  Renter and landlord surveys on rental rules. The City says its surveys of renters and landlords on rental regulations open by Nov. 6 and stay open about six weeks.

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