Blaine returning land to the county
City of Blaine and Whatcom CountyBlaine is returning about 573 acres of undeveloped East Blaine land to unincorporated Whatcom County, after voters approved it in Nov. 2025. Next: Boundary Review Board decision, deadline Dec. 15; no meeting set.
What we get, the trade-off, what's next
What we get
About 573 acres in Blaine's northeast corner, 36 parcels with 7 homes, annexed in 1996, would leave the city (Cascadia Daily News). The planned Grandis Pond development's rights expired in 2025, and the city has struggled for decades to extend costly utilities there. Blaine's planning director said removing the area is "a game changer" for serving its future growth area and focusing infill elsewhere (Cascadia Daily News). Property owners would leave the city taxing district and pay the County road levy instead.
What it costs
$250,000 Cap on Blaine's share of H Street Road repairs (20%)
The County estimated in February 2026 it would cost more than $1.5 million to bring 1.5 miles of H Street Road up to County standards; Blaine's analysis put repairs lower. Under the interlocal deal, Blaine handles emergency repairs and routine operations like snowplowing through July 2030, the County seeks repair funding within the next decade, and Blaine pays 20% of the project, capped at $250,000 and adjusted for inflation (Cascadia Daily News).
The trade-off
If it passes: After board approval, the Blaine City Council must adopt a final ordinance to complete the de-annexation (Cascadia Daily News, Nov. 2025). The County would take over the area, including the road under the deal's terms.
Timeline
- Nov. 4, 2025Blaine voters approve, 64% yes (supermajority needed)
- July 16Board extends review deadline to Dec. 15, 2026
- Sept. 28Blaine council approves road deal
- Oct. 6County Council approves road deal; board's Oct. 8 meeting cancelled
- Dec. 15Boundary Review Board review deadline
How to weigh in: Boundary Review Board: wcbrb@wcog.org, 360-685-8392, or 314 E. Champion St., Bellingham. Public comment is taken at board meetings (3 minutes); no meeting is scheduled.
The question: With the road deal signed, will the County withdraw its request for review, or will the board still hold a hearing before the Dec. 15 deadline?
Board July 16 minutes · Board Oct. 8 agenda (cancelled) · Boundary Review Board
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