Recent actions
We are proud to be an inclusive, welcoming, and safe community, where the rights and dignity of all residents are maintained and protected. Key recent actions — which build on years of policy commitments and progress — include:
Lawsuits we have joined to protect community members
The City is involved in legal actions against the federal government initiated by other local governments. We have joined with coalitions of other cities to protect against what City leaders believe to be federal overreach and unlawful actions that impact community members and government services in cities like ours.
Bellingham’s participation in these legal actions is coordinated through the Public Rights Project.
Welcoming city for all
In June 2025, the Bellingham City Council unanimously approved Resolution 2025-09, reaffirming we are a welcoming city where people have a right to live free of discrimination, violence and systemic barriers that threaten their rights, safety and wellbeing.
Equal protection for LGBTQ+ community members
In July 2025, the Bellingham City Council approved Ordinance 2025-07-017, focused on providing equal protection and equal provision of municipal services for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The ordinance puts into action the values affirmed in the related Resolution 2025-09, with an emphasis on supporting LGBTQ+, especially transgender, community members.
Examining Keep Washington Working Act compliance
The Bellingham City Council established a work group to examine the City’s compliance with the Keep Washington Working Act, part of a series of state legislative actions to support immigrant rights. Our work group, which includes community members with lived experience and/or connections to the immigrant community, began in early 2025 and is expected to report findings in 2026.
Commitments to inclusive civic practices
Our new Bellingham Plan, the City’s Comprehensive Plan for Growth, recognizes and amplifies equity, belonging, and community engagement work underway for years while expanding these priorities in meaningful new ways. Areas of focus include access and inclusion, community engagement and tribal relations. The overall plan that includes these policy directions is anticipated to be adopted by City Council in December 2025.
Building Citywide capacity for equity and belonging
We continue to build capacity for equity and belonging initiatives with strategic investments in staff expertise, training for employees at all levels, using best practices in hiring, hosting and supporting cultural events, and developing partnerships throughout the community and beyond. Led by the Mayor’s Office, we are infusing equity and belonging values and practices throughout the City.
Past actions
Whatcom County Racial Equity Commission
With City financial and other support, the Whatcom County Council created the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission (WREC) in October 2022, after City Council members, Mayor and leadership staff were extensively involved in its development. Today, the community-led WREC represents all of Whatcom County, charged with leading antiracism work and creating systems that promote equity, justice and access for all.
Antiracism and public accountability
In 2020, after the tragic events that culminated in the murder of George Floyd and with awareness of the persistence of racism, City leaders co-hosted a Listening Series on Race and Justice. Actions following the Listening Series included development of the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission, City Council adopting Resolution 2021-26 Affirming that Racism is a Public Health Crisis and adopting Resolution 2021-30 establishing Juneteenth as a City holiday.
Equal protection regardless of immigration status
Several years earlier, by approving Ordinance 2017-02-008, the City Council declared that the policy of the City of Bellingham is that all people are valued, have inherent liberty interests, and should be afforded dignity and respect regardless of status or identity. The ordinance put into action the values affirmed in the related Resolution 2017-10 affirming the safety of all people living in Bellingham, with an emphasis on supporting the rights of immigrant community members.
Public safety alternative response systems
Bellingham and Whatcom County are leaders in establishing programs to meet the needs of people who lack adequate care for behavioral health or substance use challenges or other unmet medical needs. Without viable alternatives, many of these community members rely heavily on 911, crisis services, law enforcement, or are caught up in the legal system. City-supported programs developed in recent years that are providing successful alternatives include:
- Alternative Response Team, (ART): Dispatches appropriate professionals for emergency calls involving non-violent behavioral health and substance use concerns.
- Ground Level Response and Coordinated Engagement (GRACE): Connects frequent users of emergency systems and who have numerous contacts with law enforcement to appropriate services.
- Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD): Refers people at risk of criminal involvement to a team of specialists who work to keep them out of the judicial system.
With financial and other support provided by the City, these programs are operated by Whatcom County Health and Human Services. For more information, see Response Systems | Whatcom County, WA – Official Website
