Coming up

Oct. 22 to Nov. 6 · 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.The trade-offWithout action, the County projected deficits of $8.3 million in 2027 and $14.3 million in 2028.Both sides and the timeline: follow it on Where things stand →
    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.The trade-offNo amendments were posted as of the County's project page; the Oct. 22 workshop covers the riparian management zone, the protected strip along streams.Both sides and the timeline: follow it on Where things stand →
    Dec. 8final Council hearing
15. 27Tue.
    County budget amendment no. 14County Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee · Final action, 9 a.m.The agenda also lists closing the County's Low-Income Housing special revenue fund (AB2026-732), Flood Control Zone District amendment no. 5 ($54,380) and a discussion of the Executive's recommended 2027–28 budget.The trade-offThe agenda lists the amount only; it does not name the funds or what the money pays for.Both sides and the timeline: follow it on Where things stand →
    Pays forChanges to the County's 2026 budget (AB2026-734)$1,874,733budget amendment
16. 27Tue.
    Jail and behavioral care center financing with seven citiesCounty Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee · Final action, 9 a.m.An interlocal agreement among the County and seven cities to jointly finance a new Justice Facility and Behavioral Care Center (AB2026-783).The trade-offThrough 2028 the County puts in 100% of its share and the cities 75% of theirs, about $55 million, roughly two-thirds County and one-third cities.Both sides and the timeline: follow it on Where things stand →
    At stakeHow the County and its cities share the cost8governments in the agreement
17. 27Tue.
    Consent contracts, including a tiny home villageCounty Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee · Consent, 9 a.m.11 contracts and interlocals, among them $978,088.92 for paramedic training with the City (AB2026-764), $446,045.95 for courthouse security (AB2026-790), $312,688.34 for Black Slough culvert design (AB2026-767) and $200,000 with the City for a 40-unit tiny home village at 2140 Division St. (AB2026-776).
    $2,452,66311 items, our sum of the agenda titles
18. 27Tue.
    County performance audits ordinanceCounty Council Committee of the Whole · Discussion, 1 p.m.A draft ordinance on performance audits (AB2026-774, County Code 2.02.195), the measure first introduced Jan. 5. Also presented: the preliminary 2027 state legislative agenda, Healthy Children's Fund spending, the Treasurer's updated debt policy, affordable housing funding recommendations (AB2026-756) and the draft six-year facilities capital program.
    Jan. 5first introduced
19. 27Tue.
    Thermal power plant limits in the heavy industrial zoneCounty Council · Introduced, 6 p.m.An ordinance on thermal power plant capacity in the Heavy Impact Industrial district (AB2026-770). The Committee of the Whole discusses its companion (AB2026-769) at 1 p.m.The trade-offThe bill text is not posted yet; the hearing and vote dates are not set.Both sides and the timeline: follow it on Where things stand →
    2companion ordinances
20. 27Tue.
    Retail cannabis on Guide Meridian light industrial landCounty Council · Public hearing, 6 p.m.Whether retail cannabis may locate on light industrial land along the Guide Meridian (AB2026-739). The same 6 p.m. agenda lists hearings on seven traffic safety ordinances.
    7traffic safety hearings the same night
21. 27Tue.
    Six-year water resources programCounty Council · Public hearing, 6 p.m.The County's six-year water resources program (AB2026-723).
    6years
22. 2Mon.
    2027 City budget, second hearingCity Council · Public hearing, 7 p.m.The second of two hearings before the Council adopts the 2027 budget. The preliminary budget is $543 million: $427 million to operate and $116 million for capital projects. The general fund share is $138 million. A budget work session at 9 a.m. covers Public Works, Parks and Recreation, the Library, the Whatcom Museum and the Council Office.

    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-offThe deputy administrator's memo says closing the $8M gap without reserves takes about 40 more positions, including a basic life support ambulance and police officers.Both sides and the timeline: follow it on Where things stand →
    At stakeCity spending in 2027$543Mpreliminary 2027 budget
23. 2Mon.
    City property tax levy ordinanceCity Council Committee of the Whole · Vote requested, 2:15 p.m.Sets the 2027 levy with the 1% increase: $312,634 on a 2026 regular levy of $32,630,691. With new construction ($348,828) and an administrative refund ($59,641), the 2027 regular levy is $33,351,794. The affordable housing levy has no increase. State law requires the ordinance to pass and reach the County by Nov. 30.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 services; Greenways; affordable housing; safety pensions+$312,634from the 1% increase
24. 2Mon.
    Regional Fire Authority ballot measureCity Council Committee of the Whole · Vote requested, 2:15 p.m.A joint resolution with Fire District 8 that adopts the Regional Fire Authority plan and sends it to voters Feb. 9, 2027. It needs 60% to pass. If approved, the authority starts July 1, 2027 and begins levying in 2028: a property tax of up to $1.00 per $1,000 of assessed value and a six-year fire benefit charge of up to 60% of its operating budget, based on the size and use of a structure. The plan has the City give the authority $10 million in its first year plus a cash-flow loan. The resolution must reach the Auditor by Dec. 11.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 stakeWho runs fire and EMS in Bellingham and Fire District 8, and how it is paid for60%of voters needed, Feb. 9, 2027
25. 2Mon.
    Cascadia Village, County moneyCity Council Budget and Finance Committee · Vote requested, 1:40 p.m.An interlocal agreement for up to $200,000 from Whatcom County toward Cascadia Village, about 40 tiny homes for adults experiencing homelessness at 2140 Division Street, expected to open early 2027. The estimated cost is $1.2 million; the City has committed $900,000 from the Public Safety and Affordable Housing sales tax funds and expects $100,000 in community contributions. The County reimburses eligible costs paid Oct. 28, 2026 to June 30, 2027, and the City must use the structures to shelter people earning up to 60% of area median income for at least five years. HomesNOW would run the village.
    Pays forTiny homes and shared kitchen, hygiene and laundry buildings$200,000from the County, up to
26. 2Mon.
    Interim infill housing rules, six-month extensionCity Council · Public hearing, 7 p.m.Extends the interim rules that allow middle housing citywide (state HB 1110) for six more months. They expire Dec. 4, 2026. Staff say that without an extension the state model code would supersede local rules. Permanent rules are being drafted in the Unified Development Code update.The trade-offStaff say that without an extension the state model code would supersede local rules.Both sides and the timeline: follow it on Where things stand →
    At stakeWhether the middle housing rules stay in effect past Dec. 46months added
27. 2Mon.
    Interim design standards, six-month extensionCity Council · Public hearing, 7 p.m.Extends the interim clear and objective design standards and streamlined design review (state HB 1293) for six more months. They expire Dec. 26, 2026. Staff say that without an extension the state model code would supersede local rules.The trade-offStaff say that without an extension the state model code would supersede local rules.Both sides and the timeline: follow it on Where things stand →
    At stakeDesign review rules for infill, multifamily and mixed-use buildings6months added
28. 2Mon.
    Sale of a vacated alley between Iowa and Kentucky streetsCity Council · Public hearing, 7 p.m.Declares part of the alley east of Pacific Street surplus and sells it to the abutting landowners at the appraised value. They plan to use it for existing industrial operations. The money goes to the Street fund.
    Brings inNet City revenue$143,500appraised sale price
29. 2Mon.
    Lake Whatcom private boat launch permitsCity Council · Final vote, 7 p.m.The final reading of the ordinance that adds a private boat launch permit on Lake Whatcom and limits launching certain watercraft from public rights of way. It passed first and second reading Oct. 19, 7-0. Staff say about 60 private launches are unregulated now.
    At stakeKeeping invasive mussels out of the City's drinking water source~60private launches now unregulated
30. 2Mon.
    Night work on I-5, noise varianceCity Council Public Works and Natural Resources Committee · Vote requested, 1 p.m.WSDOT asks for a variance from the City noise ordinance for night pavement repair on I-5 near Lakeway Drive, Meador Avenue, Alabama Street and East Sunset Drive, from Mar. 1 to Dec. 31, 2027. The work may close I-5 and shift traffic to local streets. Staff recommend approval.
    At stakeNight noise near homes during I-5 repairs22non-consecutive nights
31. 2Mon.
    Winter shelter plansCity Council Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity Committee · Presentation, 1:10 p.m.The Whatcom County Health Department presents its plans for winter shelter this season. Information and discussion only; the agenda lists no financial impact.
    At stakeWhere people can shelter in cold weatherNo voteinformation only
32. 3Tue.
    Arts Commission meetingArts Commission · 5 p.m.Agenda not posted yet. We add the items when the City posts it.
    Agendanot posted yet
33. 4Wed.
    Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meetingParks and Recreation Advisory Board · 7:30 a.m.Agenda not posted yet. We add the items when the City posts it.
    Agendanot posted yet
34. 5Thu.
    Greenways Advisory Committee meetingGreenways Advisory Committee · 7 p.m.Agenda not posted yet. We add the items when the City posts it.
    Agendanot posted yet
35. 10Tue.
    Historic Preservation Commission meetingHistoric Preservation Commission · 4 p.m., City Hall or ZoomAgenda not posted yet. We add the items when the City posts it.
    Agendanot posted yet
36. 10Tue.
    Transportation Commission meetingTransportation Commission · 6 p.m.Agenda not posted yet. We add the items when the City posts it.
    Agendanot posted yet

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. Two or more Port commissioners may attend; no vote or formal action. It is not a Commission meeting. Add to calendar Port notice

• 2Mon.

  City Council meeting day. The agendas for the 9 a.m. budget work session, four committees and the 7 p.m. Council meeting are posted. The decision items are listed above; the Committee of the Whole also takes up the 2027 Council meeting dates and a work session on the 2026 docketed Comprehensive Plan amendments. Agenda

• 16Mon.

  Public hearing on the 2026 docketed Comprehensive Plan amendments. Announced on the Nov. 2 Council agenda, with the next Council meeting, for Nov. 16. The amendments cover the 2025 Comprehensive Plan, the Capital Facilities Plan, the Multimodal Transportation Plan and the Irongate neighborhood zoning map. Agenda

• 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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