The City of Bellingham provides easy access to public records in several ways. If the record you are looking for is not readily available online, you can submit a public records request. You will receive an initial response to your public records request within five business days.
Records readily available online
Many commonly requested records are readily available online through the City of Bellingham website and databases. If you are unable to locate the records you are looking for on the City website or databases listed below, you can submit a public records request.
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View solicitations, results, and award information. Registered users may download solicitation documents and addenda and receive notification of new opportunities. |
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Available records include adopted budgets, financial reports, revenue and expenditure summaries, and prior‑year budget documents. |
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Agendas, minutes, and links to media for City Boards and Commissions meetings. Searchable by date and keyword. |
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Agenda bills searchable by specific topic, departments, and or dates. |
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Agendas, minutes, and links to media for City Council meetings. Searchable by date and keyword. |
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CityIQ (GIS map database) |
Allows you to search for Bellingham-area information and create custom maps which include aerial photos, property boundaries, location of utility services and much more. . |
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Contracts between the City of Bellingham and other agencies searchable by department, contracting parties and or project numbers or names. |
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Access existing permits and projects filed with the City of Bellingham. |
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Searchable by specific topics and or hearing date. |
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Explore and search the Bellingham Municipal Code and Charter. |
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Court files and records are exempt from state public records laws, but many court records can be viewed. To see court records, submit a request to the Municipal Court. |
Submit a public records request
If you are unable to locate the records you are searching for on the City website or databases, the best way to submit a public records request is to follow the link below and submit an online form through the GovQA portal.
Public records laws and policies
City of Bellingham staff and elected officials uphold the Washington State laws that preserve people’s right to access information about the decisions their government makes. Find more information about City policy and state laws below.
- City of Bellingham – Request Public Records Policy (PDF)
- Washington State Office of the Attorney General – Public Records and Open Public Meetings
- Washington State Office of the Attorney General – List of Public Disclosure Exemptions
Contacts
Additional questions? For general questions contact the City Public Records Officer, Kelley Goetz, by email at publicrecords@cob.org or by phone at (360)778-8165, or contact a specific department to reach their records coordinator from the list below.
