Bellingham plans to offer about $4.5 million for housing and social services in 2027

Local nonprofits and agencies apply. Most awards run $15,000 to $100,000 a year, the City says.

Most of the money comes from two local taxes. The Bellingham Housing Levy gives $1.9 million and a sales tax for affordable housing gives $1.75 million.

The rest is $450,000 in justice and opioid funds, $285,000 from the City's general fund and $147,487 in federal grant money.

Housing and service grants must mainly help households earning half the area's median income or less.

A citizen board, the Community Development Advisory Board, reviews the draft Nov. 12. It gives direction and does not vote.