Mission
Offer opportunities for people to thrive by ensuring access to quality, affordable homes.
Vision
Every person has the opportunity to live in a safe, secure, affordable home.
Purpose
The Housing Authority is a corporate public body, which exercises essential governmental functions, among which are the following:
- To acquire, lease, and operate housing complexes for families and senior citizens with limited incomes and provide for construction and maintenance of housing projects.
- To apply for funding to construct housing complexes for families and the elderly.
- To invest funds not immediately required for disbursement in property, securities, or bonds and other qualified investments.
- To investigate living, dwelling, housing, and substandard conditions and ways of improving them.
- Restrictions and guidelines governing operation, tenant selection, zoning and building laws, issuing bonds, etc., as covered under R.C.W. 35.82.080-35.82.230.
The Housing Authority may employ technical experts, agents, and employees, including legal assistance as it requires, and delegate powers to these individuals as it deems necessary.
The Housing Authority has developed a variety of low-income housing complexes serving various income levels. Inventory includes 542 elderly or disabled units and 670 family units. Housing assistance is given to 900 other households.
Typical Decisions
The Board of Commissioners is responsible for setting policies such as the Leasing and Occupancy Policy which establishes rules and procedures for tenants living in the housing complexes. The Board also makes annual budget decisions. They adopt resolutions to approve purchases and disposition of real property and also determine how funds are to be invested and/or spent.
Time Requirements
Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. at the Administrative Office at 208 Unity Street or in different locations around the county. These meetings last approximately two to three hours. Time spent outside of meetings is approximately two to four hours a month.
Membership
The combined Board of the Bellingham and Whatcom County Housing Authorities consists of five members, all of which are concurrently appointed by the Mayor of the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County government. Of these, three members are named by the Mayor. Terms of office are five years. No member shall be an officer or employee of the City. Commissioners receive no compensation for their service on the Authority but are entitled to expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties. No member may have a direct or indirect interest in any housing project, contract for materials, or services having a connection with any housing project. If an interest is present, the member must disclose this fact in writing to the Authority.
Resources
- Bellingham Whatcom County Housing Authorities
- Housing and Human Services
- Countywide Housing Affordability Task Force
