Registering and Voting
The Whatcom County Auditor’s Office provides details on registering to vote, upcoming elections, and ballot measures.
Ballot Measures
Here are some facts about the 2016 Greenways IV Levy and the 2018 Bellingham Housing Levy.
2018 Bellingham Housing Levy
The 2018 Bellingham Housing Levy authorized $40 million over a ten-year period to provide, produce and preserve affordable housing in Bellingham with the goal of assisting low-income tenants and those experiencing homelessness. The Housing Levy funds four programs including (1) production and preservation of homes (2) rental assistance and support services (3) low-income homebuyer assistance and (4) acquisition and opportunity loans. The levy authorizes a property tax increase of $0.12/$1,000 in assessed valuation (to $2.25/$1,000) for collection in 2019-2028 and regular property tax levy of up to $0.24/$1,000 under RCW 84.52.105; each for ten years, together generating $4,000,000 annually.
More information on this measure is available at The Bellingham Home Fund.
2016 Greenways IV Levy
This Bellingham levy would collect up to 50 cents per $1,000 in assessed valuation over a period of seven years. It renews an existing levy that expires in 2016, and it lowers the rate from 57 cents. Levy proceeds will be used for greenways, open space, parks, park facilities and trails. The funds will be used for park property development, park property acquisition and park maintenance and operations consistent with the Park, Recreation, and Open Space plan.
The Bellingham City Council passed a resolution (PDF) putting this levy on the ballot in June, stating that residents must decide how to shape the future of the City’s parks and greenway system. The resolution was passed after numerous citizens, local organizations, and civic leaders expressed support for the continuation of a levy to provide funds for the continuing development, improvement, acquisition, and maintenance of current and future City greenways, open space sites, parks, park facilities and trails.
Contacts
City Council office
(360) 778-8200
ccmail@cob.org
