Homelessness. Affordable housing. Lack of childcare. These topics are on the minds of many people right now, both in our community and throughout the country. The City is seeking community feedback now on our Consolidated Plan, which influences how the City will respond to these and other complex issues over the next five years.
Every five years, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires the City of Bellingham to submit a Consolidated Plan, which identifies how the City will spend approximately $1.5 million in federal funding and $7.5 million in local funding per year for affordable housing and services for low-income residents of Bellingham.
Community feedback is a key component in developing the Consolidated Plan. The City is seeking feedback through our Engage Bellingham public engagement website for the 2023-2027 Consolidated Plan. Topics for community feedback include ensuring equitable access to housing, addressing and preventing homelessness, securing housing for vulnerable groups, community services and facilities, climate resiliency and disaster preparedness.
The Engage Bellingham 2023-2027 Consolidated Plan page includes options for asking questions and sharing ideas and feedback, including taking a 10-minute survey available in Spanish and English. People who identify as low-income, seniors, and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to respond.
The first topic area for input is housing equity and access to opportunities, with additional topic areas planned in the months ahead. Feedback will be incorporated into a draft plan expected to be available to the public in early 2023, at which time community members will be encouraged to provide another round of feedback before the 2023-2027 Consolidated Plan is considered and adopted by the Bellingham City Council.
For more information, visit the Engage Bellingham 2023-2027 Consolidated Plan page or contact the City’s Planning and Community Development Department.
