Council Member Michael Lilliquist

Education/experience

• Advanced Paralegal Certificate, Edmonds Community College
• Patent Paralegal Certificate, IP Legal Education, Inc.
• B.A. History and B.S. Psychology, University of Washington
• Ph.D. Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin
• Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership, Assoc. of Washington Cities

Community involvement

• HomesNOW! volunteer
• Road2Home volunteer
• Association of Washington Cities: Member of Large Cities Advisory Committee, past member of Legislative Committee
• Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) of Whatcom County, past board member
• Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship Board of Trustees, past president
• Futurewise Whatcom, past member of steering committee

Council committees

• Climate Action Committee
• Finance Commitee
• Planning Committee
• Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity Committee

Other assignments

• Whatcom EMS Oversight Board
• Justice Project: Stakeholders Advisory Committee and Finance and Facilities Advisory Committee
• Whatcom Council of Governments: Executive Board and Policy Board
• Whatcom Transportation Authority Board
• Working Waterfront Coalition liaison

Michael Lilliquist has served on the Bellingham City Council since 2010. His colleagues elected him to serve as Council President for the years of 2017 and again in 2023. Over the past decade, he has chaired several key committees, including Public Works & Natural Resources, Planning and Community Development, Parks, and Finance.

His community involvement extends beyond city government. Michael has served in an ex officio capacity on the boards of several local organizations, including the Mt. Baker Theatre, Downtown Bellingham Partnership, Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, Sustainable Connections, and the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce. With a background in scientific research, psychology, and paralegal work, he brings a diverse skill set and a deep commitment to civic engagement. His years of volunteer work in public schools, youth programs, and nonprofit organizations further inform his approach to public service.

Michael was first drawn to local government by the challenge of preserving Bellingham’s quality of life through thoughtful, sustainable growth. He is particularly focused on balancing development with environmental stewardship – especially in protecting and restoring the Lake Whatcom reservoir, a vital source of drinking water threatened by water pollution and by urban sprawl.

His top priorities include improving housing availability and affordability through zoning reforms, public private partnerships, and direct public investment in low-income housing and interim housing for people facing homelessness. Another priority has been developing effective responses to climate change with local actions, such as improved energy codes and public EV charging infrastructure. Michael is also committed to long-range fiscal planning, budget transparency, tax equity, and smart public investment in growth – particularly in the Downtown, Waterfront, and urban centers – while preserving the city’s unique character.

Michael views city government as a key player in promoting local prosperity, not only through quality public services but also through collaboration with community partners. A fifth-generation Washingtonian and recent empty-nester, he enjoys hiking local mountain trails and hands-on projects in his spare time.