Council Member Jace Cotton

Education/experience

• Bachelor of Arts, Western Washington University (2019)
• Associate of Arts, South Puget Sound Community College (2017)

Council committees

• Community and Economic Development, chair
• Parks and Recreation
• Public Works and Natural Resources

Council assignments

• Whatcom Council of Governments, Policy Board
• Whatcom Museum Foundation
• Whatcom Transportation Authority Board

Jace Cotton is your At-Large Councilmember. His focus on the Council is advancing policies to ensure a safe and vibrant Bellingham that is affordable for young people, working families, and retirees.

Jace grew up outside Olympia, WA, where he and his brother were lucky to be raised by parents – a registered nurse and public employee – who instilled in them both the values of hard work and community. He first came to Bellingham to attend Western Washington University, where he graduated with a BA in political science.

As a grocery worker and paraeducator, Jace saw too many co-workers struggling to make ends meet on minimum wage.As a renter, he has witnessed how rising rents impact his neighbors. This led to his active role in campaigns and elections, where he spearheaded efforts to raise the Bellingham minimum wage; adopt common-sense tenant protections; and support the election of pro-labor, pro-housing, and pro-public education leaders at the state and local levels.

Elected in 2023 at the age of 25, his biggest achievements in his first term were unanimously supported ordinances that protect renters and manufactured home owners from unfair and excessive fees. Jace has also focused on collaborating with Council Members and staff members to help implement the Mayor’s Executive Order on Housing, including expanding options for more affordable housing types.

In his upcoming term, he plans to continue working on increasing economic opportunities, affordable housing, and stability for vulnerable families and community members.