New program provides additional housing option
Whether you’re a homeowner with extra space or a renter, our new home share program provides a safe, supportive way to rent spare bedrooms. Conservative estimates put the number of unused bedrooms in Bellingham at around 4,000, but it could be upward of 10,000. At the same time, Bellingham needs more affordable housing options. Home sharing is a creative way to increase housing supply while supporting homeowners who could benefit from extra income. Learn more about this program during a presentation to Bellingham City Council on June 15 or on the Bellingham Home Share Program webpage.
Speaking of housing, apply for our Landlord Tenant Advisory Group
The Bellingham City Council recently passed a resolution approving a new, limited-term advisory group to help evaluate and identify improvements for City rental programs, policies and practices. The application for the group is now open.
We encourage community members with a wide range of tenant and landlord experiences to apply, especially those who are interested in working collaboratively with people from different backgrounds to support safe, affordable rental housing. Learn more and apply on our website by July 15.
Funding opportunity: Annual Tourism Grants
Do you have ideas that will draw visitors to Bellingham? Now’s the time to apply for our annual tourism grants. These grants support activities that increase economic activity and range from $5,000 to $100,000 (funded by lodging tax revenue from overnight stays). Learn more and apply by Friday, September 4. Past awards have supported Ski to Sea, SeaFeast, CASCADIA Women’s International Film Festival, Bellingham Symphony Orchestra, Max Higbee Center (April Brews Day), and many more.
Planning for Bellingham’s Wastewater Future
How do communities plan for wastewater systems that must serve residents for decades to come? We are updating our Comprehensive Sewer Plan, a long-term planning effort that will help guide future wastewater infrastructure, treatment, and investment decisions.
On Monday, June 15, the City Council’s Public Works and Natural Resources Committee will receive an introduction to the planning process and hear what staff are learning from utilities across the country as technologies, regulations, and wastewater treatment practices continue to evolve.
If you’ve been following our community conversations on wastewater management, this is a good chance to hear about where things are headed. Check the Public Works and Natural Resource Committee meeting page for details and how to watch.
Moving out? Please pack it out!
Even if well-intentioned, leaving furniture or other unwanted belongings outside when you move out or wrap up your spring cleaning can create health and safety issues in our community. These items often become litter that is hazardous to pedestrians, traffic, wildlife, and our waterways. Please be a good neighbor by properly donating, selling, recycling, disposing of, or otherwise removing these items. Find resources on our website.
Upcoming events + important dates
- Fan zone watch party: The first watch party is tomorrow, June 12, at Trackside Beer Garden. Find the details on the fan zone website.
- Juneteenth Flag Raising: Join us for a Juneteenth Flag Raising event 11:30 a.m. Monday, June 15, at the flag plaza in front of City Hall, 210 Lottie St. Learn more on our events calendar and by searching for Juneteenth in the Bellingham Public Library online catalog.
- Spray parks open: The Cornwall Memorial Park, Fairhaven Park, and Cordata Park spray parks open 11 a.m. on Monday, June 15, to help you beat the heat. They’ll be open through Sept. 15.
