City Council - Regular Meeting
City Council - Regular Meeting
Mon, June 15, 2026
Agenda items
Vote records
Discussion summary
Transcript
Meeting summaryAI-generated
Bellingham City Council — Regular Meeting, June 15, 2026
This was a regular evening meeting with all seven council members present. The agenda included a public hearing on interim parking regulations, committee reports, executive session items requiring action, and a full consent calendar.
Public Hearing: Interim Parking Ordinance Extension (Agenda Bill 24968)
Council held a public hearing on a proposed second six-month extension of the interim ordinance that eliminates minimum automobile parking requirements and establishes bicycle parking standards citywide. The extension would push the ordinance's expiration to January 28, 2027, bridging the gap until permanent regulations can be adopted. Staff planner Ana Gedrath explained that planning commission recommended approval of permanent code amendments at a June 4th public hearing, and those will come before council at the July 13th meeting. No changes were made to the interim regulations themselves.
Five members of the public spoke:
Adam Bellinger opposed eliminating parking minimums outright, arguing the market cannot be trusted to self-regulate parking supply and that families, seniors, and people with disabilities depend on accessible parking. He drew a comparison to bathroom and bedroom requirements, saying some baseline standards are necessary for quality of life.
Ned Vasquez (Chair, Mount Baker Group/Sierra Club) supported parking reform but urged council to pair it with affordability requirements. He cited Bellingham's median home-price-to-income ratio exceeding 8:1 and rents above 30% of income for typical renters. He noted that Everett, WA is the only Washington city where parking reform led to more income-restricted units — because Everett explicitly required affordability provisions. He asked the council to incorporate affordability into the permanent ordinance.
Dr. Susan Kane Ronning echoed affordability concerns with urgency, citing data that one in 12 Bellingham students experienced homelessness in 2025, food bank visits have more than doubled since 2020, and one in four working families cannot afford basic needs. As a licensed psychologist, she described direct impacts on children's mental health and development from housing insecurity, and called on council to use parking reform as a lever for genuine affordability.
Carrie Burnside also advocated for pairing affordability with parking reform, noting a $130 million annual deficit in housing need. She spoke emotionally, having come directly from spreading the ashes of a friend who she said was failed by the city's housing system.
Jamon Agosti (online) voiced support for the extension and the eventual permanent ordinance, thanking council for acting ahead of state legislation that now requires parking reform statewide. He emphasized the importance of robust bike parking standards to accommodate future transportation mode shifts.
Council discussion was brief. Council Member Cotton called it largely a housekeeping item and anticipated a fuller affordability conversation at the July 13th meeting. Council Members Lilliquist and Anderson requested data in advance of July 13th — specifically how many development applications have been submitted since the interim ordinance took effect, what parking is being proposed, and an estimate of parking costs being externalized to public streets. Council Member Huthman acknowledged the desperation of housing advocates and expressed solidarity.
Vote: Motion by Council Member Cotton, seconded by Council Member Hamill. Passed 7–0.
Mayor's Appointments: Tourism Commission
Mayor Lond announced appointments of Kimberly Anderson and Katie Willis to first terms on the Tourism Commission. These were informational only — no vote required.
Mayor's Report
The Mayor previewed an upcoming executive order focused on economic opportunity and business development in Bellingham's city center, to be presented at the Whatcom County Business and Commerce Committee on Wednesday. The order follows a prior executive order on housing and aims to reduce barriers for entrepreneurs and attract investment. The Mayor also noted a Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony at City Hall and briefly addressed a Whatcom 911 dispatch disruption that occurred earlier in the day, which was resolved before 6 p.m. He praised the 911 team for issuing public notifications within five minutes of detecting the outage.
Committee Reports
Public Works and Natural Resources Committee (Chair: Lilliquist)
*Comprehensive Sewer Plan Update:* Staff briefed the committee on long-range wastewater planning, noting that emerging contaminants (particularly PFAS/"forever chemicals"), aging infrastructure, and evolving regulations are reshaping how cities approach sewage treatment. Two solids-handling technologies were discussed — gasification (referencing a facility in Bethel, PA and a troubled implementation in Edmonds, WA) — with no clear consensus technology yet identified. A public engagement process is planned for later in 2026. This was informational only.
*2027–2032 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP):* Council approved the six-year TIP, which the city must submit to the state by July 1st. One change from the prior public hearing: a citywide bike rack installation program was moved from the "projects" section to the "programs" section of the document.
Vote: Motion by Lilliquist, seconded by Anderson. Passed 7–0.
Community and Economic Development Committee (Chair: Cotton)
The committee received a presentation on Bellingham's new Home Share Program, a partnership with the company Nestrly that connects homeowners with spare bedrooms to renters. The city estimates approximately 4,000 underutilized bedrooms exist in Bellingham. The program is designed to increase housing supply cost-effectively and support aging in place. Residents can learn more at homeshare@cob.org. Informational only; no vote taken.
Old and New Business (Committee of the Whole)
Council President Stone requested authorization for staff time to explore a city-level resolution or ordinance related to civil immigration enforcement — modeled on the Port of Bellingham's recent resolution and a proposed Whatcom County interim moratorium on civil detention facilities (the county ordinance applies only to unincorporated areas). Council appeared supportive of exploring what might be possible within city limits. No formal vote was taken on this item.
The council also briefly discussed forming a council lobbying team for Olympia outreach; appointments will be made at the next meeting.
Executive Session Actions
Three litigation-related motions came forward after executive session:
1. Federal grant conditions litigation: Authorized the Mayor to enter into litigation against various federal agencies regarding federal grant conditions. Motion by Huthman, seconded by Cotton. Passed 7–0.
2. Holly Street Landfill indemnification: Authorized the Mayor to enter into an indemnification agreement with Mercy Housing regarding the Holly Street landfill site. Motion by Lilliquist, seconded by Cotton. Passed 7–0.
3. Antitrust litigation against fire truck manufacturers: Authorized the Mayor to retain outside counsel to represent the city in antitrust litigation against certain fire truck manufacturers. Motion by Anderson, seconded by Huthman. Passed 7–0.
A fourth executive session item — a comprehensive update on potential property acquisitions — was informational only with no action taken.
Consent Calendar
The consent calendar passed 7–0 (motion by Hamill, seconded by Huthman) and included:
A Bureau of Justice Assistance grant for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership program (council noted the grant carries no federal restrictions related to DEI, immigration, or gender identity)
Approval of May 11 and May 18 meeting minutes
Payroll and accounts payable authorizations
Final Ordinance: Fir Street Vacation (Agenda Bill 24940)
Council approved third and final reading of an ordinance vacating the eastern half (15 feet) of Fir Street abutting a property at 3702 Silver Beach Avenue. The ordinance had been delayed since May 18th because exhibits describing a required sewer cleanout easement were placeholders. Upon further investigation, public works staff found the cleanout is located far enough west that an easement into the vacated right-of-way is no longer necessary — so the easement language was removed. Council Member Cotton noted for the public record that the property is not within the Lake Whatcom watershed.
Vote: Roll call, passed 7–0.
Key Takeaways
Parking reform extension approved: The interim elimination of minimum parking requirements is extended to January 28, 2027, while permanent regulations move through a formal public review process toward a July 13th council hearing. Affordability advocates made a strong public case for tying parking reform to income-restricted housing requirements.
Three litigation authorizations: Council unanimously authorized the city to pursue or support litigation on federal grant conditions, an indemnification agreement with Mercy Housing over a landfill site, and antitrust action against fire truck manufacturers.
Immigration enforcement policy exploration: Council President Stone is initiating work to draft a possible city-level policy on civil immigration enforcement, following similar actions by the Port and Whatcom County.
Home Share Program launched: The city's new program to connect homeowners with spare rooms to renters is live — potentially unlocking thousands of underutilized bedrooms as a low-cost housing supply tool.
Juneteenth and 911 disruption: The Mayor highlighted a Juneteenth celebration and flagged a statewide 911 dispatch disruption resolved before the meeting, praising Whatcom 911's rapid response.
AI-generated summary from voice-to-text transcript. Not the official record. Verify important details with the source documents linked above.
What happened at this meeting
Online: Join the Zoom meeting at cob.org/cczoom, then select the interpretation channel at the bottom of the screen. Those wishing to offer public comment in Spanish will be able to do so and their comments will be interpreted into English. Meeting records: Video recordings of each meeting are available online at cob.org/meetings within five business days following each meeting.
Staff provided an information and discussion update on potential property acquisitions with Parelskin. No action was taken on this item; it was presented for council review and discussion only.
Online: A sign-up form is available at cob.org/ccsignup on the day of the meeting.
Staff presented information on a potential litigation matter with Chaplin and Kraham. Council voted to authorize the mayor to enter into litigation against various federal agencies regarding federal grant conditions. Motion was made by Council Member Hudsman and seconded by Council Member Cotton; the measure passed 7-0 with no opposition or abstentions.
In person: Sign-up sheets are available outside the Council Chambers doors starting at 6:30 p.m. the evening of the meeting.
Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter regarding an indemnification agreement. Council voted to authorize the mayor to enter into an indemnification agreement with Mercy Housing regarding the Holly Street landfill site. Motion was made by Council Member Liiloquist and seconded by Council Member Cotton; the measure passed 7-0 with no opposition or abstentions.
Sign up, both online and in person, closes at 7 p.m. Once signed up, speakers may participate via the following options:
Staff presented information on a potential litigation matter with Chaplin and Kraham. Council voted to authorize the mayor to retain outside counsel to represent the city in antitrust litigation against certain firetruck manufacturers. Motion was made by Council Member Anderson and seconded by Council Member Huffman; the measure passed 7-0 with no opposition or abstentions.
An ordinance relating to the vacation of the eastern one-half (15-feet) of Fir Street abutting the western 110-feet of block 13, Silver Heights add to Whatcom, in Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington - ITEM ADDED 6/8/2026
This was the third and final reading of an ordinance relating to the vacation of the eastern one-half (15 feet) of Fir Street. Staff explained that since the May 18th closed record hearing, the petitioner coordinated with public works to locate a sewer main cleanout; the cleanout was found further west than originally mapped, and public works determined an easement into the vacated right-of-way was no longer necessary, so the easement reservation language was removed from the ordinance. Council Member Cotton noted for the public that the abutting property and right-of-way are not within the Lake Whatcom watershed. The motion passed unanimously 7-0.
Agenda items (21)
Procedural (12)
1ProceduralIn-person: Headsets are available to attendees in Council Chambers.
Headsets will be available for attendees in Council Chambers to help with hearing during the meeting.
2ProceduralOnline: Join the Zoom meeting at cob.org/cczoom, then select the interpretation channel at the bottom of the screen. Those wishing to offer public comment in Spanish will be able to do so and their comments will be interpreted into English. Meeting records: Video recordings of each meeting are available online at cob.org/meetings within five business days following each meeting.
Spanish interpretation is available to online attendees via Zoom at cob.org/cczoom, and residents can offer public comments in Spanish which will be interpreted into English; meeting video recordings are posted online within five business days.
What happened
Staff provided an information and discussion update on potential property acquisitions with Parelskin. No action was taken on this item; it was presented for council review and discussion only.3ProceduralOnline: A sign-up form is available at cob.org/ccsignup on the day of the meeting.
A sign-up form for public comment is available online at cob.org/ccsignup on the day of the meeting.
What happened
Staff presented information on a potential litigation matter with Chaplin and Kraham. Council voted to authorize the mayor to enter into litigation against various federal agencies regarding federal grant conditions. Motion was made by Council Member Hudsman and seconded by Council Member Cotton; the measure passed 7-0 with no opposition or abstentions.4ProceduralIn person: Sign-up sheets are available outside the Council Chambers doors starting at 6:30 p.m. the evening of the meeting.
In-person sign-up sheets for public comment are available outside Council Chambers starting at 6:30 p.m. on the evening of the meeting.
What happened
Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter regarding an indemnification agreement. Council voted to authorize the mayor to enter into an indemnification agreement with Mercy Housing regarding the Holly Street landfill site. Motion was made by Council Member Liiloquist and seconded by Council Member Cotton; the measure passed 7-0 with no opposition or abstentions.5ProceduralSign up, both online and in person, closes at 7 p.m. Once signed up, speakers may participate via the following options:
Sign-ups for public comment close at 7 p.m., and speakers can participate through multiple options once registered.
What happened
Staff presented information on a potential litigation matter with Chaplin and Kraham. Council voted to authorize the mayor to retain outside counsel to represent the city in antitrust litigation against certain firetruck manufacturers. Motion was made by Council Member Anderson and seconded by Council Member Huffman; the measure passed 7-0 with no opposition or abstentions.6ProceduralIn person: Meetings are held in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall.
City Council meetings are held in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall.
7ProceduralOnline: Join the Zoom meeting at cob.org/cczoom and follow staff instructions at time of the hearing or public comment period.
Online participants can join the Zoom meeting at cob.org/cczoom and will receive instructions from staff during public comment or hearing periods.
8ProceduralOver the phone: Call 253-215-8782, enter Meeting ID 871 5188 5205, and Password 9. Follow staff instructions at the time of the hearing or public comment period. Before or after a meeting: The City of Bellingham meets the Open Public Meetings Act by accepting written public comment in advance of City Council meetings. Send written input before or after a meeting.
Residents can call 253-215-8782 to participate by phone in City Council meetings using Meeting ID 871 5188 5205 and Password 9.
9ProceduralBy mail addressed to: City Council, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225.
Written public comments can be mailed to City Council at 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 before or after a meeting.
10ProceduralOnline: o For a public hearing: cob.org/publichearing. o For general public comment: E-mail all Council Members at ccmail@cob.org.
Written comments for public hearings can be submitted at cob.org/publichearing, and general public comments can be emailed to all Council Members at ccmail@cob.org.
24960ProceduralApproval of the May 11, 2026 City Council committee and regular meeting minutes
The Council will approve the official minutes from the May 11, 2026 City Council committee and regular meetings.
24967ProceduralApproval of the May 18, 2026 City Council committee and regular meeting minutes
The Council will approve the official minutes from the May 18, 2026 City Council committee and regular meetings.
Ordinance
24940OrdinanceAn ordinance relating to the vacation of the eastern one-half (15-feet) of Fir Street abutting the western 110-feet of block 13, Silver Heights add to Whatcom, in Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington - ITEM ADDED 6/8/2026
The Council will consider an ordinance to vacate the eastern half (15 feet) of Fir Street along block 13 of Silver Heights addition in Bellingham.
What happened
This was the third and final reading of an ordinance relating to the vacation of the eastern one-half (15 feet) of Fir Street. Staff explained that since the May 18th closed record hearing, the petitioner coordinated with public works to locate a sewer main cleanout; the cleanout was found further west than originally mapped, and public works determined an easement into the vacated right-of-way was no longer necessary, so the easement reservation language was removed from the ordinance. Council Member Cotton noted for the public that the abutting property and right-of-way are not within the Lake Whatcom watershed. The motion passed unanimously 7-0.Council Business
24959Council BusinessAn update on the Comprehensive Sewer Plan and emerging solids handling technology
The Council will receive an update on the Comprehensive Sewer Plan and new technologies for handling solids.
What happened
# SummaryStaff presented an update on the Comprehensive Sewer Plan, which supports long-term wastewater infrastructure planning, capital investment, and solids management evaluation while addressing aging pipes, pumps, and system capacity. Council Member Liljoquist acknowledged that while sewage treatment is complex with toxins poorly handled by older technologies, newer technologies present their own challenges in reliability, expense, and effectiveness. Staff emphasized that sewage treatment is a long-lived, expensive process requiring continuous 24/7 operation under state regulations, and noted the city is investigating emerging technologies including gasification facilities and implementing an RTO (high temperature emissions control) process to control emissions such as PFAS. Staff also highlighted that the city will conduct a public engagement process in the coming months to discuss long-term sewage treatment goals from public safety, health, and environmental perspectives.
24962Council BusinessA presentation on the Bellingham Home Share Program
The Council will receive a presentation on the Bellingham Home Share Program, which helps residents share housing.
What happened
Council Member Cotton presented information on the Bellingham Home Share Program, a new initiative in partnership with Nesterly that connects homeowners with extra bedrooms to renters. The program aims to increase housing supply by utilizing an estimated 4,000 underutilized bedrooms in the city, offering cost-effective rental options that build social connections and support financial independence. This was an information and discussion only item with no action taken. Residents interested in participating were directed to visit the city's website or email homeshare@co.org.24963Council BusinessA resolution adopting the 2027-2032 transportation improvement program Community and Economic Development 2:20 p.m.
The Council will adopt a resolution approving the transportation improvement program for 2027-2032.
What happened
A resolution adopting the 2027-2032 transportation improvement program (TIP) was presented as a return item to City Council. The six-year TIP is a transportation planning and funding document covering city capital projects that improve and maintain Bellingham's multimodal transportation network, adopted annually and submitted to the state by July 1st. A public hearing was held on June 1st with a work session following; the committee unanimously recommended approval. One change was noted from the hearing: a new citywide bike rack installation program was moved from the projects section to the ongoing programs section in the TIP. The motion passed unanimously.Consent Calendar
24964Consent CalendarA grant award from the Bureau of Justice Assistance for the Bulletproof
The Council will approve a grant award from the Bureau of Justice Assistance for the Bulletproof program.
What happened
Staff presented a grant award from the Bureau of Justice Assistance for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program for council approval on the consent agenda. Council Member Huffman noted that she received confirmation from legal that there were no stipulations required for acceptance of the grant funds related to DEI, gender identity, immigration, or other federal restrictions currently in litigation. The motion to approve passed unanimously 7-0.24966Consent CalendarAuthorization of payroll labor cost payments dated May 1, 2026 to May 15, 2026
The Council will authorize payroll labor cost payments covering May 1-15, 2026.
24969Consent CalendarAuthorization of AP transactions issued May 22, 2026 through May 28, 2026
The Council will authorize accounts payable transactions processed between May 22-28, 2026.
Public Hearing
24965Public HearingMayor's appointments to the Tourism Commission (information)
The Mayor's appointments to the Tourism Commission will be presented to the Council for information.
What happened
Mayor announced two appointments to the Tourism Commission for information only: Kimberly Anderson and Katie Willis to their first terms. No vote was required as these were informational appointments.24968Public HearingA public hearing to consider an ordinance relating to land use and zoning, extending interim zoning regulations to eliminate minimum automobile parking requirements and establish consistent bicycle parking standards citywide
The Council will hold a public hearing to consider extending interim zoning rules that eliminate minimum parking requirements for cars and establish consistent bicycle parking standards throughout Bellingham.
What happened
# Summary: Public Hearing on Interim Zoning Extension OrdinanceCity Council held a public hearing and voted 7-0 to approve an ordinance extending interim zoning regulations through January 28, 2027, eliminating minimum automobile parking requirements and establishing consistent bicycle parking standards citywide. Ana Gdrath, longrange planner, explained that the second six-month extension prevents a gap before permanent parking regulations are adopted in late summer or early fall 2026, with no content changes since the first extension in November 2025. Four public speakers testified: Adam Bellinger expressed concern that eliminating all parking minimums is too extreme and advocated for moderate standards to serve families, elderly residents, and disabled individuals; Ned Vasquez, chair of the Mount Baker Group of the Sierra Club, supported parking reform for environmental benefits but urged pairing it with affordability measures, citing data showing that Washington cities removing parking minimums without affordability requirements—except Everett—did not increase income-restricted housing; and Dr. Susan Kane Ronning called for cost savings to translate into more affordable housing units rather than market-rate development. Council Member Cotton characterized the ordinance as a housekeeping item bridging to permanent code changes and emphasized the importance of discussing additional ways to make affordable housing easier to build, while Council Member Anderson requested advance data on development applications submitted since the emergency moratorium, particularly regarding parking proposals and potential cost externalization to city resources.
Additional votes recorded in minutes
Approve interim parking ordinance (second six-month extension)
aye 1
voice voteaye
Adopt Resolution for 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
aye 1
voice voteaye
Authorize mayor to enter into litigation against federal agencies regarding federal grant conditions
aye 1
voice voteaye
Authorize mayor to enter into indemnification agreement with Mercy Housing regarding Holly Street landfill site
aye 1
voice voteaye
Authorize mayor to retain outside counsel for antitrust litigation against firetruck manufacturers
aye 1
voice voteaye
Approve consent agenda
aye 1
voice voteaye
Adopt street vacation ordinance (third and final reading) — eastern half of First Street abutting 3702 Silver Beach Avenue
aye 7
Dan Hammillaye
Edwin 'Skip' Williamsaye
Hannah Stoneaye
Hollie Huthmanaye
Jace Cottonaye
Lisa Andersonaye
Michael Lilliquistaye
Verbatim transcript available
249 transcript segments indexed
City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting minutes June 15, 2026, 7 p.m. Chair: Hannah Stone Phone: 360-778-8200 Members: Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Email: ccmail@cob.org Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Web: cob.org/council Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton Regular meeting The following items are heard in the Regular Meeting only.
Good evening and welcome to the Bellingham City Council regular meeting. Today is Monday, June 15, 2026. Thank you all for joining us. Um so first going to call the meeting to order and we will begin with roll call.
Holly Hman >> here. >> Dan Hamill >> here. >> Skip Williams >> here. >> Lisa Anderson >> here. >> Miloquist >> here. >> Jay Cotton >> here. >> Hannah Stone >> here. All council members are present. >> Thank you very much.
Call to order and roll call The meeting was called to order by Council President Stone at 7 p.m. Present: Council President Hannah Stone, First Ward Council Member Hollie Huthman, Second Ward Council Member Daniel Hammill, Third Ward Council Member Edwin H.
So this evening, beginning with announcements and upcoming meetings, the Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the state of Washington Open Public Meetings Act. Begin with the land acknowledgement.
"Skip" Williams, Fourth Ward Council Member Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward Council Member Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward Council Member Jace Cotton, At-Large Announcements and upcoming meetings The Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the State of Washington Open Public Meetings Act.
1. Land acknowledgement statement Before we begin, we acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional and unceded territory of the Lummi, Nooksack, Samish and Semiahmoo People who have cared for and tended this land since time immemorial.
So before we begin, we acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional and unseated territory of the Lummy, Nukstack, Samish, and Seamyu people who have cared for and tended this land since time and memorial.
Truth and acknowledgment are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. We begin this effort to acknowledge what has been buried by honoring the truth.
Truth and acknowledgement are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference. We begin this effort to acknowledge what has been buried by honoring the truth.
We pay respect to their elders, past and present. Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that bring us together here today. And please join us in cover in uncovering such truths at any and all public events.
We pay respect to their elders past and present. Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that bring us together here today. And please join us in uncovering such truths at any and all public events.
The Bellingham City Council provides Spanish interpretation at all regular evening meetings. Interpretation can be accessed by in-person attendees by utili utilizing the headsets that are located here at the front of the room.
2. Language access The Bellingham City Council provides Spanish interpretation at all regular evening meetings. Interpretation can be accessed by in-person attendees by utilizing the Page 1 of 8 headsets located at the front of the room.
Remote viewers can log on to cob.org/cczoom and click on the “Language” icon at the bottom of the screen to listen in Spanish. 3. Upcoming public hearings On July 13, 2026, City Council will hold two public hearings.
Remote viewers can log on to co.orgccoom and click on the language icon at the bottom of the screen to listen in Spanish. particip. So, we have some upcoming public hearings that I wanted to make sure you were aware of.
At our next meeting on July 13, 2026, the city council will hold two public hearings. One public hearing to consider an ordinance relating to the preservation of landmark trees. And the other public hearing will be on an ordinance relating to land use and zoning, amending multiple chapters in the Bellingham Municipal Code to adopt permanent zoning regulations to eliminate minimum automobile parking requirements and establish consistent bicycle parking standards citywide.
One public hearing to consider an ordinance relating to the preservation of Landmark Trees. The other public hearing will be on an ordinance relating to land use and zoning, amending multiple chapters in the Bellingham Municipal Code (BMC) to adopt permanent zoning regulations to eliminate minimum automobile parking requirements and establish consistent bicycle parking standards citywide.
More details can be found on meetings.cob.org seven days prior to the hearing. 4. Next Council meeting The next City Council meeting with be held on July 13, 2026. Public hearing 24968 1. A public hearing to consider an ordinance relating to land use and zoning, p.
More details can be found on meetings.c.org 7 days prior to the hearing. So once again, our next council meeting will be on July 13th. So the first item we have this evening is actually also a public hearing.
6 extending interim zoning regulations to eliminate minimum automobile parking requirements and establish consistent bicycle parking standards citywide Summary: Chris Behee, Long Range Planning Manager, and Anya Gedrath, Planner, presented the ordinance, which proposes an additional six-month extension of the interim parking ordinance through January 28, 2027.
So this is agenda bill 24968, a public hearing to consider an ordinance relating to land use and zoning extending interim zoning regulations to eliminate minimum automobile parking requirements and establish consistent bicycle parking standards citywide.
Emphasizing the interim since I just announced a public hearing for our next meeting to address permanent changes. Um, this draft ordinance proposes a second six-month extension of the interim parking ordinance with a proposed end date of January 28th, 2027.
Council Members discussed the ordinance and asked questions. Summary: Council President Stone opened the public hearing. Five individuals provided testimony. Council President Stone closed the public hearing.
This extension will provide adequate time to conduct the type six public review process as required for permanent amendments to the parking regulations in the Bellingham Municipal Code. Staff anticipates completing the code updates in late summer or early fall 2026.
Action: Jace Cotton / Daniel Hammill moved for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Appointments Page 2 of 8 24965 1. Mayor's appointments to the Tourism Commission (information) p. 16 Summary: Mayor Lund appointed Kimberly Anderson and Katy Willis to their first terms on the Tourism Commission, expiring on June 15, 2029.
Mayor's report Standing time for briefings, updates, and reports to Council by the Mayor. Summary: Mayor Lund announced she will be issuing another Executive Order focused on expanding economic opportunity in the City.
So that being this year. Um so before turning over the presentation, I'm first going to turn to Chris Beehey who's the long range planning manager for the planning and community development. >> Thank you again.
Yeah, Chris Behe, planning and community development. I just wanted to hand it off real quickly to um Ana Greth who's the planner who's been managing both the uh extension project and also the final code revisions.
The order seeks to reduce hurdles to entrepreneurial and economic development. Learn more at cob.org/gov/mayor/top- issues/economic-opportunity-eo. Mayor Lund highlighted the Juneteenth flag raising ceremony held at City Hall earlier this morning.
She encouraged the community to attend events throughout the week. Mayor Lund thanked WhatComm staff for their swift response to manage the 911 dispatch disruption this afternoon. Council assignment reports Standing time for Council Member reports from assigned committees, boards, and other groups.
um just to provide clarifying comments so that people aren't confused about what tonight's extension is and what the July 13th hearing that you just uh referenced is about. So I'll just hand it off to Ana.
Summary: Council Member Huthman shared that the Mount Baker Theatre is celebrating its centennial year and encouraged the community to attend a program. Council Member Lilliquist recapped a Community Development Advisory Board meeting last week, which reviewed the 2026 Housing Action Plan, presentation on Home Sharing Program, roles and responsibilities for board members, and the City's Home Rehabilitation Program.
>> Hi everyone. I'm Ana Gdrath, longrange planner with the planning and community development department. I just wanted to provide a little bit more staff context um for tonight's item. So the reason for the re the requested second extension to the interimm ordinance is to prevent a potential gap between the expiration of the interimm regulations at the end of July and the adoption of permanent parking regulations.
Um so staff has already drafted some proposed amendments um to the Bellingham municipal code and initiated the type six process u to consider changes to car and bicycle parking. So those were brought to planning commission on June 4th at a public hearing that kicked off the type six process.
Council Member Anderson highlighted the June 3, 2026 Lake Whatcom Advisory Board meeting focused on forestry and detailed responses to her questions. They are planning a field trip in September to examine proposed areas for cuts, review land the City has purchased, and see what's forthcoming.
Council Member Williams also attended and shared that the group is focused on how to balance priorities with current resources. Council Member Hammill highlighted the work of the EMS Oversight Board and would like a presentation for the full Council to increase awareness of its work.
Um planning commission recommended approval. Um so the so those proposed amendments will be moving forward to city council as was mentioned at the July 13th public hearing. Um, and as was also mentioned, the extension of this will just allow adequate time for those the permanent amendments to complete the type six process um with an anticipated adoption date of the late um sometime in late summer or early fall.
He encouraged the community to attend upcoming meetings including: Page 3 of 8 • Behavioral Health Committee for the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force meeting on June 16, 2026 • Justice Project Oversight and Planning Committee meeting on June 18, 2026 • Bellingham Public Library Board of Trustees on June 16, 2026 Committee meeting reports The following committee meetings are held during the day.
And also just to note that there's no proposed changes to the content of those temporary regulations um since they were extended for the first time in November of 2025. So, um, happy to answer any questions about that ordinance extension request.
Committee chairs will present a summary of each agenda item during the evening meeting, and further discussion or action may take place if needed. Committee meetings are open to the public to attend, however committee agendas do not include public comment sessions.
>> Thank you very much. That was going to be my clarifying question whether there were any updates or changes to this particular ordinance. That's up for consideration this evening and you mentioned there are not.
Public Works and Natural Resources 1 p.m. Michael Lilliquist, Chair Lisa Anderson, Jace Cotton 24959 1. An update on the Comprehensive Sewer Plan and emerging solids p. 24 handling technology Summary: Joel Pfundt, Public Works Director, and Mike Olinger, Public Works Deputy Director, presented an overview of the forthcoming Comprehensive Sewer Plan update and how the department is tracking emerging technologies.
So, thank you for that clarification. Um, any questions from council members before we open the public hearing? Clarifying items? No. Okay, we're set. Thank you very much. So we will open the public hearing.
Council Members discussed the plan and asked questions. The presentation is available here. 24963 2. A resolution adopting the 2027-2032 transportation improvement p. 26 program Summary: Joel Pfundt, Public Works Director, and Tim Hohmann, Public Works Assistant Director of Transportation, returned to Council for approval of the resolution adopting the 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
So again at this time u members of the public are welcome to speak specifically to this item which is again consideration of an ordinance relating to land use and zoning extending the interim zoning regulations to eliminate minimum automobile parking requirements and establish consistent bicycle parking standards citywide.
Do we have anyone signed up? >> Yeah, we had four individuals signed up. Um, so first up we have Adam Bellinger, Ned Vasquez, Susan Kane Roning, and Carrie Burnside. >> Good evening, council, members of staff, and uh, mayor and community members.
Council Members discussed the resolution and asked questions. Action: Michael Lilliquist / Lisa Anderson moved final approval of Resolution #2026-14. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Community and Economic Development 2:20 p.m.
Jace Cotton, Chair Page 4 of 8 Hollie Huthman, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams 24962 1. A presentation on the Bellingham Home Share Program p. 39 Summary: Tara Sundin, Community and Economic Development Manager, and Taylor Littrell, Development Specialist, presented on the Bellingham Home Share Program, which connects homeowners with spare bedrooms to renters.
My name is Adam Bellinger. Um on the parking elimination for automobile u uh minimums, I uh am a pretty strong supporter of a moderate um pathway through this. Um, I find that even a sensible idea applied to an extreme becomes uh destructive at a certain point.
And I think not having any minimum standard for parking is one of those things. Um, I've listened to the argument about how the elimination of the minimum will unlock unutilized space and the market will determine what is necessary.
Council Members discussed the program and asked questions. Committee Of The Whole 2:50 p.m. Hannah Stone, Chair Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Jace Cotton 1.
But uh we've seen the markets break down quite a few times um recently and in the past and I I just have a hard time seeing how this over the long run can't end badly. Um, if we follow the line of thinking that we need to eliminate all minimums, we should maybe think about eliminating bathroom requirements, bedroom requirements, kitchen minimums because they're only utilized for a very short period of time throughout the day.
Old or new business Summary: Council President Stone is requesting the Legislative Policy Analyst to review both Port of Bellingham and Whatcom County legislative actions tied to immigration detainment and enforcement to see if there is action for the City to take.
Council President Stone recapped the Old/New discussion during the Committee of the Whole meeting related to Council Member participation in the City’s lobbying workgroup. This item will return for discussion at the July 13, 2026 meeting.
But that's just not how people live. You know, we live with our cars for the most part. Um it's um you know the fact that we're putting in a bike parking minimum is evidence that it's necessary some level of minimum and it's hard to get uh vehicle parking back once you take it away.
I was supportive of you know doing a temporary uh elimination of the measure just to kind of see where the market might lie. But we I do feel like for the equality equality I'm using the word equality of life for families with children, the elderly, and the disabled is it's necessary to have parking minimums.
Executive session 3 p.m. Closed to the public. Report in the Regular Meeting only. 1. Litigation: Oldham v. City of Bellingham, et. al (Phillips, approx. 15 min.) ITEM REMOVED ON 6/9/2026 Summary: This item was removed from the agenda on June 9, 2026.
It's also an economic necessity for uh businesses. I'd like to note that um Carly James, who uh became one of our newest port commissioner in Bellingham, um she ran uh in large part because there wasn't adequate parking at her uh business at the Granary Building and uh so she ran for port commissioner to try and change that and lo and behold, we're building parking right next to it.
2. Potential property acquisition comprehensive update (Parelskin, approx. 30 min.) Summary: Page 5 of 8 Staff provided information on potential property acquisition. For information and discussion. No action taken.
So, I I do strongly think that we need to take a middle of the road approach on this for the long run. Um I I know that there's a lot of uh push uh to just outright get rid of parking minimums, but I think we need to be more long-term thinking as to what the impacts are.
3. Potential litigation (Chaplin/Kraham, approx. 10 min.) Summary: Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter. Action: Hollie Huthman / Jace Cotton moved to authorize the Mayor to enter into litigation against various federal agencies regarding federal grant conditions.
Thank you. >> Thank you, Adam. Good evening. I'm Ned Vasquez, the chair of the Mount Baker Group. Mount Baker Group of the Sierra Club supports parking reform in Bellingham. Reducing or removing parking minimums is an important strategy that can lower emissions, reduce impervious surfaces, and support walkability and climate resistance.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 4. Potential litigation (Kraham, approx. 10 min.) Summary: Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter. Action: Michael Lilliquist / Jace Cotton moved to authorize the Mayor to enter into an indemnification agreement with Mercy Housing regarding the Holly Street Landfill Site.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 5. Potential litigation (Chaplin, approx. 10 min.) ITEM ADDED ON 6/9/2026 Summary: Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter. Action: Lisa Anderson / Hollie Huthman moved to authorize the Mayor to retain outside counsel to represent the City in antitrust litigation against certain fire truck manufacturers.
At the same time, we are deeply concerned that Bellingham's housing affordability has continued to worsen. Median home prices have risen more than 60% since 2019. The home price to income ratio now exceeds 8:1 and median rents remain far above what low and moderate income households can afford.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Consent agenda Consent Agenda items are considered routine and/or non-controversial and may be approved in a single motion. A member of the Council may ask that an item be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately.
Rent burden in Bellingham is above 30%. Meaning the typical renter spends more than onethird of their income on housing. These trends show that affordability is not improving on its own even as new housing supply is increased.
Page 6 of 8 24964 1. A grant award from the Bureau of Justice Assistance for the Bulletproof p. 50 Vest Partnership program. 24960 2. Approval of the May 11, 2026 City Council committee and regular meeting p.
This is why pairing parking reform with affordability measures is so important. Reduced parking requirements can lower construction costs. But without clear affordability provisions, there is no mechanism to ensure that these savings reach the people most affected by our housing crisis.
58 minutes 24967 3. Approval of the May 18, 2026 City Council committee and regular meeting p. 75 minutes 24966 4. Authorization of payroll labor cost payments dated May 1, 2026 to May p. 90 15, 2026 24969 5.
In fact, Washington cities that have removed parking minimums without affordability requirements did not see an increase in incomerestricted homes. Everett is the one exception. Everett paired reduced parking requirements with affordability and is the only city in Washington where parking reform has contributed to more affordable units being built.
This demonstrates that affordability does not happen automatically. It happens when cities choose to require it. Estimates suggest developers may save tens of thousands of dollars per parking space without affordability pro provisions or an inloo contribution to the housing fund.
Authorization of AP transactions issued May 22, 2026 through May 28, p. 91 2026 Action: Daniel Hammill / Hollie Huthman moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Final consideration of ordinances 24940 1.
Those savings will be captured privately rather than supporting the public good. For these reasons, we urge the council to incorporate affordability into the permanent parking reform ordinance. This could include requiring a percentage of incomerestricted units and developments that benefit from reduced parking requirements or allowing developers to contribute an equal equivalent value into the Bellingham housing fund.
An ordinance relating to the vacation of the eastern one-half (15-feet) of p. 92 Fir Street abutting the western 110-feet of block 13, Silver Heights add to Whatcom, in Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington - ITEM ADDED 6/8/2026 Action: Daniel Hammill / Hollie Huthman moved approval for third and final reading.
Upon motion, said bill was placed on final passage and approved by the following roll call vote: AYES: Stone, Huthman, Hammill, Williams, Anderson, Lilliquist, Cotton NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) MOTION CARRIED 7-0 and was thereafter named Ordinance #2026-06-016.
If the ordinance is extended without amendments, we ask that the city move quickly to develop a parallel affordability strategy using density bonuses, height incentives, or other tools to ensure that parking reform contributes to housing affordability rather than exacerbating existing inequities.
Public comment period City Council heard public comments from four individuals. Page 7 of 8 Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m. Hannah Stone, Council President ATTEST: Kelley Goetz, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED: 7/13/2026 Page 8 of 8
Sierra Club is committed to environmental sustainability and social equity. Parking reform paired with affordability advances both goals. Thank you for your consideration. >> Thank you, Ned. I'm Dr. Susan Kane Ronning.
When the interim parking reform ordinance was passed, I provided public comment supporting the ordinance and requested that the council include affordability. The council chose to pass parking reform without affordability.
So, I'd like to discuss the impacts of your decision. The cost savings and development capacity unlocked by eliminating parking minimums must translate into more affordable housing units, not just market rate units or commercial development.
This is one of the few policy levers that can reach the people stuck in the middle and forgotten households earning between 50 and 100% of the area median income. The private market serves those above 100% AMI.
Public sub subsidies often reach those below 50%. Zoning reform and targeted incent incentives are how we reach everyone in between, but only if we act intentionally. My own son earns a good salary in a professional job.
His one-bedroom rent is $2,000, and he can no longer afford it. He's not an outlier. The ongoing threat of housing loss is one of the most significant drivers of harmful mental health outcomes for children.
One in four working families in Bellingham cannot afford their basic needs. Wakom County's own 2025 snapshot on homelessness confirms these challenges are persistent and worsening. The number sleeping unsheltered in tents, doorways, and vehicles actually in increased.
In 2025, students, one in 12, were experiencing homelessness, a rate well above the Washington state average. Visits to the Bellingham Food Bank have more than doubled since 2020. The consequences for children are severe and lasting.
Housing insecurity is associated with malnutrition, asthma, higher rates of depression and anxiety, more school suspensions and expulsions, and significant developmental and behavioral impacts that follow children into adulthood.
Children who change schools even once during a school year are four times more likely to be chronically absent with cascading effects on grades, graduation rates, and life outcomes. As a licensed psychologist, I have worked directly with children who lack housing and experience hunger.
I see these outcomes in real faces. Your decisions impact these children. Expanding affordable housing supply can yield substantial benefits for children's mental health and long-term well-being. Parking reform gives this council a genuine to tool to do that if you choose to use it.
This council has an opportunity to make parking reform mean something for the one in 12 students sleeping in cars, experiencing housing and security stress. For the working families who cannot afford their basic needs, and for the young professionals earning good salaries who still cannot make their rent.
I am asking you to consider the experiences of children, families, and working individuals and extend this time with affordability. Thank you. >> Thank you, Susan. not as tall as I used to be. Good evening.
My name is Carrie Burnside. Thank you for the opportunity to speak this evening. I do want to echo the sentiments um of Ned and Dr. Susan Kane Roning. Ned with the Sierra Club. You've heard these things before.
I've talked for years now about the need for affordability. You're aware that we have a deficit of I believe it's $130 million a year to meet the need. $130 million a year. That's a lot of money that we have to find ways to come up with that.
Um shifting all that burden onto taxpayers is not a solution. We have an opportunity with this parking reform to include affordability and I don't understand why you're ignoring that. I'm late tonight because I was spreading the ashes of a friend and I started advocating for seniors because of him.
He's lived in this community his entire life. He's worked hard and at the end of his life when he should have been able to retire and enjoy his life, he was cast aside by the city. His emails went unignored by city council and staff.
And we time and time again choose to ignore opportunities where we can make a real difference in people's lives. [snorts] [gasps and sighs] I'm sorry. It's very fresh. I came right from doing that because it's really important that we start choosing differently and looking at how can we do this.
Everett did include affordability with their parking reform. Parking reform is absolutely necessary, but we have to stop taking the easy road out. We have to actually look at what is possible and include affordability and include ways to meet that $130 million deficit everywhere possible.
You're really letting your community down. [sighs] Thank you and good evening. Thank you, Carrie. There are any other community members who would like to speak to this item for the public hearing? >> We have one hand raised online.
>> Okay, >> I can go. Jamon Agosti. >> Thanks for letting me speak tonight. I just want to thank city council for voting to take urgent action via emergency ordinance uh earlier last year. Since we took action, Olympia has agreed and now state law requires that nearly every city in Washington follow Bellingham's lead to in implement parking reform policies.
Uh we took action in Bellingham because we know that housing and transportation policy go hand in hand and reducing the cost to develop housing is critically important in addressing the housing affordability crisis by producing more housing at every level in Bellingham.
Um uh it it's important that we think 30 to 50 years ahead and require builders provide a very inexpensive amenity when they do provide less parking which is sufficient bike parking to accommodate the transportation mode shift that the city expects in 2030, 2040 and 2050.
Um which will be the lifespan of these buildings that we expect will be built today. um and include sufficient uh uh secure bike parking so that folks can choose to take different modes and that we can reap the benefit of uh this more comfortable density in Bellingham.
Um I'm really excited to see the additional housing this will bring our neighbors and community members and ask the city council support the interim ordinance and the eventual uh permanent ordinance. Thank you so much.
>> Thank you Jamon. Any other speakers online? No. Okay. Um, seeing no other hands raised, we will close the public hearing and bring it back to council for discussion. >> Council member Cotton. Um well, first I want to um thank staff for the hard work um to um bring forward um permanent code um changes here soon and I see this as mostly a housekeeping item to get us between here and there.
Um but also I'll just note on a separate topic, I think uh we'd all welcome the conversation about other ways to make it easier to build affordable um units in Bellingham and I know staff has had lots of conversations about that too.
So, um, I think this is one really important piece. We know the margins are very, um, uh, razor thin right now for a lot of developments. I think Oldtown sitting at 5%. Um, and, uh, you know, Mercy Housing right next door is going to get to benefit from the same flexibility that we're providing.
Um, so, um, with that said, I look forward to a fuller discussion, um, in a couple weeks. Um, and with that, I'll move to approve um the um ordinance. >> Second. >> We have a motion from Council Member Cotton and a second by Council Member Hamill.
Council member Hamill. >> No. Okay. Council member Liiloquist and then Anderson. >> I agree it's important to move this in ordinance ahead because I'm interested in the July conversation with regard to the final ordinance or the proposed final ordinance in July.
Is there a chance that that could be distributed early earlier than the packet? I'm just wondering because um I I and maybe members of the community will want to look at that some detail. Particularly I'm going to want to compare to the Ever ordinance or or you know ways that we could or other communities have introduced um affordability components in there.
Um, is there a chance that that might be ready before the packet? And if so, would that be okay to distribute it a week early or whatever? >> Um, one thing I'll say is that I would recommend um, anyone who's interested take a look at the planning commission packet materials from June 4th from that public hearing.
Um, if there's any substantive changes, those will be brought forward. But that's a good starting place since planning commission did re vote to recommend approval of the ordinance as written. >> Do they propose any amendments or is the version in the packet the one the way coming forward to this to the council?
>> Uh there was one proposed amendment um to the draft ordinance um which was discussed in the public hearing. So that would be something to look at. there was increased um a proposal to increase the ratios for a couple of the bike parking categories, but as far as publishing the packet early, I'm not as familiar with that.
>> Well, no, I I think you probably answered my question. I know where to find it now and so does the public. Thank you, Miss Ged. >> Anderson. >> Well, I thought I'd um ask for the information in advance and if it's not available, I'll be asking it during the at the hearing.
Um I'm going to be really interested to see since the um emergency moratorum went forward how many um applications um for development have come through um especially in the multif family and the larger ones.
Not as interested in um the low density. I'm still trying not to call it single family. Um I also know that things like ADUs and stuff the state has made those changes. So I'm not necessarily as interested in that data.
But the things that [clears throat] are um temporary decision has impacted how many applications have come forward and of that um what is the parking being proposed and had this not been um passed as a temporary ordinance what would have the parking been required.
So there's the the comments that have been that um developers will rightsize the need, but there's also the other side where for years when like I tried to get a uh disabled parking in front of someone's house over in um the Puet neighborhood, the planning director at the time kept saying that, you know, it's not necessarily um to be used privately or you know, for that homeowner.
owner that, you know, parking is never free and it's externalized onto our taxpayers and at the city cost. So, I'd like to be able to see how much potential externalizing that onto the taxpayers and city cost.
Um, you know, if we're saving developers money, how much is that going to cost our public and street parking? Um, not that I expect you to have that number. I'll quantify it myself with some research, but I'd like to know what those numbers are.
And if I could have that before the meeting, I would greatly appreciate it. If not, um I will be asking for that to be uh brought either to the meeting or provided for a follow-up meeting. >> Hman, um that this is a going to be a relatively short conversation compared to the one that we'll have uh in about a month, I'm sure, and and expect a lot more input from the community as well.
And I just want to speak to those who have have spoken tonight and um reach out with my understanding um the desperation and the the fact that this really is a life or death issue when it comes to housing.
This is one small element of that of course um but I think in my conversations with people uh we're all feeling very desperate to address this issue um and have been for a long time. there are only so many levers that the city can pull.
I think that we're being really thoughtful at reviewing those and looking at the details and the the potential impacts. Um but really at the heart of it, I know that the motivation is we want to see as many people in this community housed as possible.
Um they're just some of us have slightly different ideas about exactly what the best method to do that is. Um but I just want to to reach out and say um I'm with you. I know that a lot of us here are with you as well and and hopefully all uh working together we can find those best solutions um and and move as quickly as possible to get more people housed in our community comments from council members.
If not we have a motion before us by council member Cotton and a second by council member Hamill. The motion is to approve the ordinance for first and second reading. Um so again, this is regarding the interim zoning regulations um with the note that at our next meeting on July 13th, there will be additional discussion about um potential changes and permanent regulations.
Um so at this time, a motion to approve the interim zoning regulations. All in favor, we'll say I. >> I. Any opposed or abstensions? Okay, seeing none, that passes 70. Next we have appointments. Good evening, council, members of the community, and staff that are here tonight.
I have two appointments for council's information. They are appointments to the tourism commission, and that is I will be appointing Kimberly Anderson and Katie Willis to their first terms on the tourism commission.
Move approval. It's >> these are for information only. >> Just information tonight. >> Okay. Thank you for that. You want to proceed with the mayor's report? >> Sure. For mayor's report tonight, I wanted to begin by saying that this week I will be announcing details of my latest executive order directing city action to expand economic opportunity to strengthen the city center, support business and entrepreneurs, and build the partnerships needed to make Bellingham more prosperous and affordable for all.
This order follows and builds upon my last which directed city resources towards expanding housing options for all income levels and household types. Housing is just one part of the affordability equation.
Another essential [snorts] element is family wage jobs. The order acknowledges that many of the qualities that make Bellingham so desirable also contribute to its status among it being the least affordable small cities in our country.
To be a truly prosperous community, both now and in the future, we need more job opportunities supporting the people who make Bellingham their home. And to create these jobs, we need a welcoming environment, one that reduces hurdles to entrepreneurship and local economic development.
With this executive order, I am affirming our commitment to create pathways for economic activity and not unnecessary barriers to start, to grow, or to invest here. The city is committed to being an active, enthusiastic, and accessible partner to local businesses and entrepreneurs.
It also commits us to moving forward strategic actions alongside the port, Wakom County, our downtown partnership, and our local institutions for higher education. And it invites all of us to advance economic vitality together.
For those businesses who choose to put their confidence in Bellingham, my message is Bellingham is open for business. We are here to help and work together. on behalf of all of those people who call this place home, taking the action required to realize the full potential of Bellingham's economy and establish this city as a model for urban vitality, opportunity, and quality of place in the Pacific Northwest.
I will be presenting about the executive order at the Wakom County Business and Commerce Committee this Wednesday morning and I invite council members and the public to tune in and learn more. Next in mayor's report, we held our ceremonial flag raising honoring Junth this morning on the flag plaza at city hall.
Junth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. It commemorates June 19th, 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveastston, Texas to announce freedom to those who were enslaved more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
African-American communities across the country have celebrated this day of freedom ever since. Junth, which is June 19th, is a city of Bellingham as well as state and federal holiday. This morning's flag raising kicks off a number of community events this week designed for celebration, for reflection, and opportunities for service.
And last but not least, our Watcom 911 call center experienced a disruption to dispatch services this afternoon. Disruptions that appeared throughout the state and nation. Importantly, service was restored this evening just before 6 pm.
[clears throat and snorts] I want to sincerely thank our Watcom 911 team for their swift response and public notification when this disruption was detected. Less than five minutes from the time they were first notified about the issue, they had started delivering public notifications to the community about alternative methods for reaching emergency responders.
We are all grateful for their swift lifesaving response under these circumstances. And that's the end of Mayor's report tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, Mayor Lond. Um the next item on the agenda is council assignment reports.
So again this is a standing time for council member reports from assigned committees boards or other groups. I don't know if anyone council member Hudman I have a small one. I am the council leison to the Mount Baker Theater Board.
Um this this position is new to me but I will note that council member Williams uh was on the MountBaker Theater board for 15 years I believe. um >> not by design, [laughter] >> but uh I very much appreciate this position.
It's been it's been really wonderful. Um and I just wanted to note that they are kicking off their centennial year and uh so the theater is a hundred years old. Um I believe it well I had the date. It was opened in April of 1927.
April 27th or April 29th. 1927. And um I think hopefully most of us have been in the Mount Baker Theater, but if you haven't, uh this is a great opportunity to experience that amazing building. It's such a um such an incredible asset to the city um in multiple ways.
It's it's really just such a stunning theater with amazing programming um and so well-maintained. Uh we should really be proud of of this facility. And so I just welcome everybody to check out their website.
Um see what they've got planned for for the next year of programming. Um consider buying a ticket to something maybe you wouldn't have considered before. Um and have that experience. Um so yeah, that's all for me.
Council >> member Loquist. >> Yeah, I will report that I'm a liazison to the community development advisory board or CDAB. They had their meeting um last week. I'm going to cover their four agenda items in reverse order just because I think it works better that way.
First of all, they review the 2026 action plan for housing. This is the annual plan that goes with a five-year consolidated plan which HUD requires cities uh to do. We use it to uh program federal monies but also our own local monies.
That was item one item. Another item was a presentation on the home sharing program which the council heard about this afternoon. So you you want to hear more about the home sharing program. Basically it's a program where if you have a spare bedroom, you can through this uh city sponsored coordinated service uh reach an agreement with someone to uh share your house.
We have thousands of bedrooms that are not going used. We also have thousands of people are looking for places to live and this is a way of securely and openly and uh creating that connection. Uh the CADB board also reviewed the rules uh and responsibilities and roles for board members.
And finally, what I really want to talk about is the city's home rehabilitation program, which is a great program that the council, I'm sure, knows about, the public should know about. Uh, this basically is a very lowinterest loan program, 1% in most cases, to low-income people, seniors, disabled, veterans.
These people are given priority uh to for necessary repairs and improvements to their house if their if their home is in danger of of falling below uh certain livability requirements um anything that affects uh safety such as uh you know um railings or leaks or lead paint abatement um things like that.
Um, if there is money left over, it's also available for slightly less lowincome people up to 80% just above 80% AMI, still lower income. Very successful program. It's a re revolving loan fund. So, uh, people get considerable amounts of money to uh, um, make these necessary repairs.
It's paid back with a 1% interest rate and then that money can then be used to fund other houses for necessary repairs to keep their houses liveable. It's basically, well, first of all, it's a good service to the community members who may need ADA improvements or or roofing replacements.
Um, but it's also very important for housing affordability in the sense that losing a house means there's one less house there. So, preserving the housing you have, uh, low-income housing you already have is one of the best ways of ensuring that there is affordable uh, housing for low-income people.
So, that's a home rehabilitation program. You can find out more about it at the city of Bellingham's website. And that's my uh report from CAD. >> Awesome. Thank you very much, Council Member Anderson and Benham.
>> Thank you. Um well uh not going to speak necessarily for council member Williams in case he wants to expand upon it, but he also attended a meeting with me um as council representatives to the Lake Wacom advisory.
Um we met on Wednesday, June sec, excuse me, June 3rd. Um, previously a month before that, I had submitted a a bunch of questions to one of the managers of DNR about um, land management and our forestry plan, which is over 20 years old.
Um, a lot of that information that was very thoughtful. They had spent quite a bit of time writing up uh, reports based on um, or reporting back based on those questions. Um those questions and answers were shared with the advisory um the Lake Wacom advisory um commission and um then council member Galloway from county council and I had additional questions that we had proposed before the meeting um that had covered a lot of areas of lake quality also the forestry management plan.
some questions on um things that came out of committee that we had requested um like some progress information about how the um county is addressing um some of their uh the old storm water for individual housing.
Once um permits are issued, they're put in place. There's not necessarily an inspection over time to make sure that they're still in compliance. So, we covered some of that information. Um, there was a lot more questions that were generated that would be more um trying to focus on policy because our job is to try to develop recommendations of policy that we bring back to our respective councils along with um a couple other entities that are um that also work with us.
So, it was a good meeting. Um there's a lot more work to do, but we did um we would have had a meeting in August and it got rescheduled because there was a lot of conflict um with uh staff and other things going on.
So, it was rescheduled, I believe, for instead of the first week of August, it'll be Tuesday, September um 1st will be a meeting. And then, um we're actually planning a field trip where we'll um hopefully we'll have members of DNR and we've kind of list some areas that were interested.
Um there's a couple proposed cuts. So we might tour that, but also some other areas that uh were requested to perhaps look at is um some of the land that the city has purchased. Um some of our forestry practices that are being implemented.
We have crews that are doing work now, but also being able to take a look at roads and culverts um and basically kind of get a a good layout of um what's ahead uh based on uh the city and the county has taken over substantial land that we will be managing.
And so I know for myself I'm I've got a lot of questions about how we're going to be able to do that. well resources needed um and overall what the impacts will be on our um drinking water. So, it was a good meeting um but we didn't move the needle too far, but at least staff have a good idea of the direction some of us um on the committee would like to pursue.
>> Yeah. The gist to add at at the end of the meeting and the bottom line is the the discussion is basically going to uh determine what whatever priorities we feel that the group feels needs to be addressed.
But it's also got to be balanced with the um the resources we have to make that happen. [laughter] and um and how those uh decisions or how those concerns meet with the um with the requirements of people above us state level and all of that.
So, it it's it's going to be a lot of work and um but in the end, we will make a decision and make those recommendations to our to our bodies, the county, uh us here and the um and the uh water district in Sutton Valley.
So, >> thank you, Council Member Hamill. Uh thank you um council president. So um I serve um on the emergency medical services oversight board along with the mayor and chief Hwitt. Um EMS um oversight board largely oversees the management of the current levy and how those uh funds are spent.
Those are uh voter approved dollars. Also serve on the um EMS levy the current EMS levy committee um that will be working towards a a levy in 2028. I serve [clears throat] on the regional fire authority levy committee along with the mayor and chief huitt.
Um what I want to do is the next meeting is to provide a more comprehensive overview of what those um what those groups do. There's a lot of work going into this. Um I'm on my second meeting with both with all three of those groups.
So I feel like I'm still the new person. I'm trying to really um sift through um and leaning on the expertise of the the folks that are in the room including fire commissioners and people have been doing this for a lot longer than I have.
Um, I also serve on the um, behavioral health committee for the incarceration prevention and reduction task force. That group uh, meets tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. It's a public meeting. It's a Zoom meeting.
Please feel free to attend. You can find that on, pardon me, the Wakom County uh, website. Just look up behavioral health for the for the task force. And I also serve on the uh, justice project oversight and planning committee.
And that group will be meeting at 2 p.m. this coming Thursday. And just uh finally to wrap up um Bellingham [clears throat] Public Library on the lays on from the the council and that group meets tomorrow morning at 3:30 and that's a public meeting and everyone is welcome to attend as well.
>> Thanks. >> Thank you very much. Any other updates from assignments? No. >> Okay. Then we will move forward with committee meeting reports. So these are reports from committee meetings that took place earlier today.
We started this afternoon with public works and natural resources at 1:00 and that was chaired by council member Liiloquist. So I'll turn to him for a report. >> Thank you council president Stone. We had two items.
I'll present them in the order that we discussed them. The first is an update on the comprehensive sewer plan and also on emergency sorry emerging solids handling technology. Solids in the sewer that's referring to.
Staff provided an overview of the comprehensive sewer plan update. described how this work supports long-term wastewater system planning, infrastructure investment, and future solace management evaluation.
SAP provided an overview of the proposed community engagement approach to be coming up in the next few months, and discussed how changing technologies, emerging contaminants of concern, and evolving regulations are shaping wastewater planning efforts across the country, not just here in Bellingham.
The presentation provided context in how the city is planning for the future while remaining reliable and compliant wastewater operations today. Um it was really it was the conversation was embedded in uh what was described as a broader cont conversation across the country um and across the industry in wastewater sewage treatment.
Um basically there there's recognition that sewage waste is complex and has toxins in it that are not uh well handled by older technologies but that newer technologies also are problematic either in their reliability or their commonness or their expense or their effectiveness.
There's a lot of uncertainties that are known. Um it was mentioned by staff that sewage treatment is a complex process involving very long lived uh and expensive facilities uh governed by state laws that uh safeguard public health and the environment.
uh planning for a sewage system and long is a long-term process that requires forward thinking including consideration for projected population growth as adopted in our comprehensive plan and that sewage treatment plants must meet continuous operating operation and reliability without fail.
It's a 247 operation and there's no way around that. Um the sewage comprehensive sewer plan itself um is the document which does that long range planning. It talks about the things you might expect like the pipes and the pumps and the capacity for all parts of the sewage collection system all the way down to the treatment plant.
It talks about aging infrastructure with the finite lifespan of each component whether it's a pipe or the sewage treatment plant. And it also comprehensive sewer plan will talk about the capital investment calendar an you know year-by-year uh description of what would need to be done and also how that how much that would cost and how that might be financed through the rates.
Uh the comprehensive uh sewer plan is not however a final decision document on facility design. Uh nor is it designed to replace the uh the at the- moment engineering decisions and design decisions that we made at the time when new improvements are made or projects are adopted.
Um it was discussed that uh future decisions for sewage treatment plant will be guided by many different considerations including technical, operational, financial and also community priorities and values.
All those things will be included uh in the considerations for sewage treatment planning. And with regard to community produce and evaluation, one of the next steps is a public engagement process and a process to uh discuss the long-term uh plans and goals that we'd like to see for a sewage treatment uh both from a public safety uh and health perspective and an environmental perspective.
Um there then was an additional discussion having to do with a particular issue with regard to the solids handling portion of the sewage treatment process. Um solace handling is seen as a field undergoing significant change uh both technically and in terms of regulations and uh considerable uncertainty across the industry.
If there was an obvious and easy and best solution, we'd be adopting it. Staff discussed two examples of uh technologies that are being investigated uh both their pros and their cons. For example, uh city staff and members of our community have visited uh a gasification facility.
Earthare uh operates it in Bethl, Pennsylvania. Uh it has been successfully uh processing agricultural waste and is now processing municipal waste at a smaller scale. It is a private operation rather than a municipal operation.
So it's not run by city. It accepts treated sewage, digested municipal waste solids from other communities. So it's not necessarily a 247 all day every day reliability operation. It does go down for maintenance and then it can accept deliveries again.
One of the key differences was noted is that that gasification does successfully process municipal waste solids but these are digested municipal waste solids rather than what the city deals with which is undigested ones.
We actually canled our biodigestion uh program for various complicated reasons. Another example discussed was local in Edmunds. The city of Edmonds began at least 10 years ago a process to uh create a gapication facility to handle their municipal solids.
Unfortunately, that uh program has been plagued by difficulties largely due to site constraints. Um it is now still four years behind schedule and not in full operation. Um the challenge for them has been controlling the consistency of the feed stock that goes into the gasifier.
If you have reliable feed stock, the process is sort of self-reinforcing and operates very nicely. If you don't control the feed stock, the process shuts down. And again, we're looking for reliability.
Um it was noted that one of the contaminants of concern that's been talked about for years uh in recent years is PAS the so-called forever chemicals and that Edmonds estimates the destruction of their PAS with an additional RTO high temperature postexhaust treatment is up to 90 or 95% destruction of PAS.
Uh it should be noted that the RTO process that high temperature emissions control is part of the city's emissions control process that we're initiating right now. So we will be adding an RTO process as well which should help control emissions of many kinds and presumably also help with PAS.
Uh this was simply anformational and discussion uh um meeting this morning for the committee and as I said uh please look uh look out for a public engagement process over the next few months. The second item uh was a return item for the city council.
It was a resolution adopting the 2027 2032 transportation improvement program or the TIP. This is a six-year the six-year TIP is a transportation planning and funding document. Uh the city adopts the six-year plan annually.
So we roll it forward every year uh covering a six-year period and it covers city capital projects that improve and maintain Bellingham's multimmodal transportation network. The city council held a public hearing on the draft uh six-year tip at our previous meeting on June 1st.
We had a work session on it to discuss any further issues. Um the city is required to submit an updated six-year tip to the state by July 1st. And so we're hoping for approval tonight, this afternoon.
The committee unanimously recommend approving the resolution adopting the 2027 2032 six-year transformation improvement program. And I so move. >> Second. Motion's been made by council member Liiloquist and a second by council member Anderson.
Any discussion? Council member, >> I forgot to mention there was one change um that was made from the hearing which is that there is a program in the tip, a new program that has to do with uh citywide bike rack installation.
Um it is a relatively small program, but it's a program specifically for funding um bike rack installation. There are two sections in the tip, one for ongoing programs and one for projects. That program was in the project section.
It's been moved up to the program sections. That was one change from the hearing. >> Any other discussion or items for this before we call the vote? Seeing none, all in favor will say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions?
Okay. Seeing none, that passes 70. >> End of committee report. >> Great. So the next committee this afternoon was community and economic development. Um and that is ch committee is chaired by council member Cotton.
So I'll turn over to him for a report. Thank you council president. Um I'm joined on that committee by council members Huffman and Williams although all council members were present and participating.
Um we had one agenda item um for information discussion only which was a presentation on the Bellingham Home Share program. Council member Liquist, a little bit mad at you for stealing my thunder, but um uh the city of Bellingham has implemented a new home sharing program that connects homeowners who have extra bedrooms with good fit renters.
And the program um is in partnership with Nestrly um and is helping increase our community's existing housing supply um by turning underutilized bedrooms into successful living arrangements. Um, we have an estimate that there are maybe upwards of 4,000 underutilized bedrooms in the city.
And so this is a really cost-effective way for us to offer supportive rental options that build social connections, increase financial dep independence and helping including helping people age in place.
Um, if uh you think uh this might be a solution for you, I would encourage you to visit the city's website or email um homeshare co.org. org. Um, and the presentation should be available soon for those who want to learn more.
Uh, end of committee report. >> Thank you very much. Um, after that we had a brief committee of the whole meeting consisting of old and new business. Any items for old and new business this evening? Have one item um that I was hoping to request staff time from council.
Well, authorization from council for staff time to work with Iris not, our legislative um policy analyst. So, as you may or may not be aware, um the Port of Bellingham passed a resolution advancing community protection and civil rights at Port of Bellingham facilities restricting the use of Port of Bellingham property for civil immigration enforcement purposes and activities.
um that was passed by the port recently and in addition at the county council there was an ordinance proposed at their last meeting on June 9th that will be taken up for a vote next week on the 23rd. This is an ordinance imposing an interim moratorum on the acceptance or processing of applications and permits for the establishment of new or expansion of existing civil detention facilities.
Um and so through a discussion, Council Member Cotton joined me. Um we met with council members um Renstra and Scanland to talk about these in particular. And it was noted that the county ordinance would only apply to unincorporated areas.
So it doesn't include the entire county. So it would not include the city of Bellingham or the small cities. Um, so I was hoping to look at these two, the resolution and ordinance, hopefully not recreate the wheel, but look at what might be um possible here within the city and whether that's something that we would want to take on or not.
Um, I haven't had a chance to review that in great detail yet, but wanted to um see if there was support from the council to work with Iris on on that. >> Okay, great. I appreciate it. Um hopefully that will not be extensive time required but and then just reporting out to the community that this afternoon we just spoke briefly during old and new business about the upcoming appointment of council lobby team members.
So that will be brought forward at the next meeting for either rank choice voting or arm wrestling or we'll see to to come up with three three names to help represent the council in our lobby efforts down in Olympia.
So, um, that will be coming soon. There are no other items for old and new business. We did have several executive session items and several requiring action this evening. So, the first item was a potential property acquisition comprehensive update.
So, this item was with Peril Skin. Um, staff provided information on potential property acquisitions, but this was for information and discussion only. There was no action taken. The second item was potential litigation.
This item was with Chaplain and CRAM. Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter. Action coming forward is to entertain a motion to authorize the mayor to enter into litigation against various federal agencies regarding federal grant conditions.
>> Approval. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Doing that. >> Okay. So, motion from council member Hudsman and a formal second, I guess, from council member Cotton. Um, any discussion on that item. Okay, seeing none, all in favor will say I.
>> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Okay, seeing none, that passes 70. The next item is a potential litigation matter. This was with CRAM. Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter with the following action coming forward.
To entertain a motion to authorize the mayor to enter into an indemnification agreement with Mercy Housing regarding the Holly Street landfill site. >> Move approval. Second. >> Motion was made by Council Member Liiloquist and a second by Council Member Cotton.
Any discussion? >> Seeing none, all in favor will say I. I. Any opposed or abstensions? Okay, seeing none, that passes 70. Final item is also a potential litigation matter. This was with Chaplain and Cra.
Staff provided information on a potential litigation matter. The following action coming forward to entertain a motion to authorize the mayor to retain outside counsel to represent the city in antirust litigation against certain firetruck manufacturers.
>> Move approval. Second motion by council member Anderson and a second by council member Huffman. Any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor will say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? >> Seeing none, that passes 70.
Okay. Next, we have consent agenda. >> Move to approve. >> Second. Motion from council member Hamill and a second by council member Huffman. Um I just wanted to note that with respect to the first item on the consent agenda, this is 24964, a grant award from the Bureau of Justice Assistance for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program.
Um just confirming that I received information from legal after review. just confirming that there were um no stipulations required to acceptance of those grant funds related to um DEI or gender identity or immigration or other federal restrictions um that are currently in litigation.
So um with that confirmation feel confident moving forward. Any other discussion or items further consent? Okay. If not, all in favor will say I. >> I. >> Any opposed or abstensions? Okay. Seeing none, that passes 70.
Next, we have final consideration of ordinances. And this is an item that was added and coming back before the deputy clerk reads the title. I just wanted to note since there's been a passage of some time since this last came forward.
Um just noting that at the conclusion of a close record hearing on May 18th, 2026, the city council performed first and second reading of a street vacation ordinance for the eastern 1/2 of First Street abudding the petitioner's property at 3702 Silver Beach Avenue.
[snorts] The ordinance presented to the council included a requirement to reserve a small area within the subject right ofway being vacated for a public sewer main cleanout as follows. So it was section two.
The city reserves a utility easement for an existing public sewer main cleanout as legally described. It said in exhibit D and depicted in exhibit E. So those two exhibits were actually placeholders in our last packet on May 18th.
Um, so since the closed record hearing, the petitioner coordinated with the public works department to determine the exact location of the cleanout so that it could be described and depicted in exhibits D and E.
Initially, public works operations staff could not locate the cleanout in the field. Um, further site exploration with use of the city's historic utility maps was conducted and eventually the cleanout was found to be located further to the west than represented on city IQ mapping.
Public works staff then determined that there is sufficient space within the remaining western portion of First Street to access the cleanout such that an easement encroaching into the vacated right ofway is no longer necessary.
Accordingly, the easement reservation language has been removed from section two of the ordinance and so third and final reading of the subject street vacation ordinance can now proceed per protocol. So, I just didn't want to go straight to the third and final since there was a little bit more to that and some delay since the first and second which was on May 18th.
But any questions? That was just the the cleanup from um the closed record hearing. So, at this time, we could move forward with third and final. There's nothing further. So, I'll let you read the title.
It's not in our printed packet. It was added, but it's in was in the online packet. Agenda Bill 24940, an ordinance relating to the vacation of the eastern 1/2 15 feet of First Street abudding the western 110 ft block of block 13 Silver Heights add to Watcom in Bellingham, Watcom County, Washington.
>> Second motion was made by council member Hamill and a second by council member Husman. Any discussion? Council member Cotton, >> just a note for the public that the abuing property and rightway are not within the Lake Wacom wershed is a question.
>> Great. Thank you. >> Any other discussion? No questions. Okay, seeing none, roll call, please. >> Holly Huffman. >> Hi. >> Dan Hamill. >> Hi. >> Skip Williams. >> Hi. >> Lisa Anderson. >> Hi. >> Michael Loquist.
>> Hi. >> Jace Cotton. >> Hi. >> Hannah Stone. >> Hi. >> The motion passes 70. >> Great. Thank you very much. Okay. So with that, that item was added on June 8th. So um but was available online. Wonderful.
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