Community Development Advisory Board

Community Development Advisory Board — March 12, 2026

This was a regular meeting of the Community Development Advisory Board (CDAB), an advisory body that guides the City of Bellingham's use of federal housing and community development funds. Ten of eleven members were present (Andrew Calkins was absent), along with three members of the public. The meeting included an outside agency presentation, an overview of the annual federal funding plan, and a public hearing.

Whatcom County Health & Community Services Presentation

Chris D'Onofrio from Whatcom County Health & Community Services (WCHCS) gave an informational overview of the agency's role in the local housing and homelessness system. Key topics included WCHCS's practice of contracting with local nonprofits to deliver housing support services, the development of their 5-Year Housing Plan (completed in 2025) and current implementation efforts, an overview of the funding streams that support these services, and a general picture of the county's Homeless Housing System. The slide deck will be shared with board members. No action was taken; this was an informational presentation.

HUD Annual Action Plan Overview

Staff member Samya Lutz, Housing & Services Program Manager, walked the board through the City's Annual HUD Action Plan — the document that governs how the City allocates its federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and related funds each year. The overview covered HUD requirements and how the plan connects to the City's broader Consolidated Plan goals, available funding amounts, and proposed projects across four categories: Capital, Preservation, Homeownership, and Housing & Services programs. The board was advised that the draft (currently unbalanced, meaning expenditures and revenues have not yet been fully reconciled) is available for public review on the City's website through April 8, 2026. No vote was taken; this was an informational discussion to prepare the board for future action.

HUD Action Plan Public Hearing

The CDAB chair formally opened a public hearing on the draft HUD Annual Action Plan. No members of the public offered oral comments during the hearing. The written public comment period remains open through April 8, 2026, and residents wishing to comment may do so via the City's website.

Application Overview — I Street Property & Homeless Prevention (HOME-ARP)

Samya Lutz presented an overview of applications the City received in response to two Requests for Proposals (RFPs): one for the I Street property (a City-owned site being considered for affordable housing development) and one for Homeless Prevention projects funded through HOME-ARP dollars. Staff outlined several options for the board to consider. The board will take up a fuller discussion and make formal recommendations at next month's meeting. No action was taken this session.

Staff Updates

Staff shared that the City is actively discussing the development of a Day Center for people experiencing homelessness — a dedicated space that would serve as an alternative gathering location during inclement weather, reducing pressure on public facilities such as the library. This appears to be in an early planning stage; no details on location, funding, or timeline were provided.

Guest Presenter Survey Results & Future Agenda Items

Staff reported results from an informal survey of board members to prioritize future guest presentations. The top four requested presenters are: Brigid Collins, DVSAS Safe Shelter, NWYS PAD, and the Bellingham School District's Carl Cozier Family Resource Center. Additionally, Heather Aven will join next month's meeting for a board training session.

Consent & Procedural Items

January meeting minutes were approved by general consensus. During open public comment, Denise Catalano introduced herself and expressed interest in joining the CDAB. Brock Button noted he was attending in connection with a Western Washington University project. Alan Chapman attended as a general member of the public.

Key Takeaways