We’re welcoming a new year and with it our weekly summary of what’s happening in your City government. We’ll use this weekly email to share updates, news bits, special events, construction impacts, and more.
New Council officers for 2023: The Bellingham City Council held its annual reorganization meeting on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. City Council member Michael Lilliquist, 6th Ward, was selected to serve as Council President for 2023. Dan Hammill, 3rd Ward, will serve as Council President Pro Tempore and Hannah Stone, 1st Ward, will serve as Mayor Pro Tempore. All committee assignments will be posted on the Council webpage in the days ahead. Meanwhile, you’ll find Council agendas, minutes, recordings and all other meeting materials at meetings.cob.org.
Play and learn: The Winter 2023 Playbook, our popular quarterly guide to area recreation and education opportunities for all ages, interests and abilities, is now available online and at various locations in the community. See the Playbook page for details.
Southside safety improvements: The state Transportation Improvement Board recently announced the City is being awarded $400,000 for multimodal safety improvements for the corridor including Finnegan Way and 11th and 12th streets, anticipated to be constructed summer 2024. Details about this project can be found in the 2023-2028 Transportation Improvement Program.
Walkable Bellingham: We are updating our Pedestrian Master Plan and want to hear from you. We are currently accepting feedback on the draft plan update. Visit the Engage Bellingham project page to learn more and weigh in.
ICYMI – Good reads: Don’t miss Bellingham Public Library’s 2022 highlights, from services and stats to top items checked out by library patrons. Which of these popular titles have you enjoyed?
Improving Public Spaces
City projects currently underway may impact streets, sidewalks, trails, parks and other public spaces. Follow the links below for more details.
Charge up here: Work continues on our Electrification of Transportation project, installing the first round of eight electric vehicle (EV) chargers at six sites throughout Bellingham. The first EV charger – at 10th Street near Taylor Dock – is complete and ready for use. See details on the Electrification of Transportation page.
Nearly complete: Nevada Street between Carolina and Virginia streets is now reopened for vehicle travel as construction of our new Pacific Street Operations Center nears completion. We’re eager to show off our new buildings, the first fully electric buildings designed to meet our climate action goals. Stay tuned for grand opening details.
Winter Weather Ready
Ready for more winter? We are! Our crews monitor weather forecasts and prepare for more inclement weather by sweeping streets and laying down deicer. When snow or ice arrive, we plow, sand and salt, prioritizing arterials essential to first responders and buses. More information, including our snow route map, available on our Winter Weather Prep page.
By the Numbers
20 orca whales?! Our new sanitation and solid waste crew is cleaning up Bellingham! In its first four months of work the team removed nearly 90 tons of waste — that’s more than the combined weight of 20 orca whales! This work is essential to protecting public health and safety, preserving the beauty of Bellingham and caring for the natural resources that support local fish and wildlife. Learn more on the Solid Waste and Recycling page.
