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Planning and Community Development Media Contact
Ryan Key-Wynne, Communication and Community Engagement Manager: rwkeywynne@cob.org
Permit Center News
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City staff Housing Week events will cover hot topics, and a lot of “ground”
Join us for a Middle Housing Walking Tour, Home Share Happy Hour, a conversation about changes in housing regulations, and more!
New low-income housing development incentive
The incentive reduces regulatory barriers and streamlines permit approvals for qualifying low-income housing projects.
New ADU and middle housing development quick guides
New resources make it easier for those considering developing ADUs or middle housing.
Land use application fees will increase this fall
On August 24, Bellingham City Council approved a resolution to adjust Bellingham’s land use permit fees. The minor fee increases go into effect October 1, 2026.
Rental Program and Protections News
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City appoints inaugural Landlord and Tenant Advisory Work Group
On August 24, 2026, the City appointed its first ever limited-term Landlord and Tenant Advisory Work Group to create more opportunities to hear from people who rent and people who manage rentals.
New rental protections go into effect Sept. 7
Bellingham City Council gives final approval for updated rental protections.
Inside Bellingham: July 23, 2026
Children’s craft fairs, new rental registration dashboard, and Cornwall Memorial Park restoration: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
Inside Bellingham: June 11, 2026
Home share, Landlord Tenant Advisory Group, tourism grants, Juneteenth flag raising, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
Housing and Human Services News
>> Subscribe to receive Housing and Human Services News in your inbox.
City staff Housing Week events will cover hot topics, and a lot of “ground”
Join us for a Middle Housing Walking Tour, Home Share Happy Hour, a conversation about changes in housing regulations, and more!
New low-income housing development incentive
The incentive reduces regulatory barriers and streamlines permit approvals for qualifying low-income housing projects.
Comment on affordable housing priorities by Sept. 15
Comment now on our report that shows how spending aligns with goals for affordable housing and shelter, first-time homebuyers, community facilities, human and social services, and other housing services.
City to build third tiny home village
The new Division Street community will be run by HomesNOW!
Arts and Tourism Opportunities
Inside Bellingham: August 27, 2026
Whatcom Water Week, new rental protections, salmon season, Fall Parks Playbook, and more: a news roundup from the City of Bellingham
Inside Bellingham: August 20, 2026
Little Squalicum Estuary work, new parking rules, library seeks artists, Ask Us Anything wrapped, and more: a news roundup from the City of Bellingham
Inside Bellingham: June 11, 2026
Home share, Landlord Tenant Advisory Group, tourism grants, Juneteenth flag raising, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
Inside Bellingham: April 23, 2026
Procession of the Species, Bellingham in Bloom, South Bay Trail closure, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
All Planning and Community Development News
>> Subscribe to receive Planning and Community Development Department News in your inbox.
City staff Housing Week events will cover hot topics, and a lot of “ground”
Join us for a Middle Housing Walking Tour, Home Share Happy Hour, a conversation about changes in housing regulations, and more!
New low-income housing development incentive
The incentive reduces regulatory barriers and streamlines permit approvals for qualifying low-income housing projects.
New ADU and middle housing development quick guides
New resources make it easier for those considering developing ADUs or middle housing.
City of Bellingham establishes Urban Transformation Strategist to support businesses
The role was a key commitment in Mayor Kim Lund’s Executive Order on Advancing Economic Opportunity
Comment on affordable housing priorities by Sept. 15
Comment now on our report that shows how spending aligns with goals for affordable housing and shelter, first-time homebuyers, community facilities, human and social services, and other housing services.
City appoints inaugural Landlord and Tenant Advisory Work Group
On August 24, 2026, the City appointed its first ever limited-term Landlord and Tenant Advisory Work Group to create more opportunities to hear from people who rent and people who manage rentals.
Land use application fees will increase this fall
On August 24, Bellingham City Council approved a resolution to adjust Bellingham’s land use permit fees. The minor fee increases go into effect October 1, 2026.
New rental protections go into effect Sept. 7
Bellingham City Council gives final approval for updated rental protections.
