Field-testing climate action tools: We’re field-testing new tools to assess the benefits and costs of switching to electric home appliances, as one of several climate action projects currently underway to help lower community carbon emissions. Homeowner Dolores Sanchez-Swanberg, pictured above during a home visit with representatives from the City, Opportunity Council and electricians from CAZ Construction, is among the first Bellingham residents to participate in testing our new home electrification assessment tool. The team reviewed space and water heating systems in Dolores’ home, as well as appliances and other aspects of her electrical system, using the draft tool. As a result, she will receive a custom report that examines utility bill changes, appliance maintenance costs, user experiences and other factors to weigh as she considers a switch to electric appliances. Dolores said she was excited to host the team, referring to them as “guardian angels” as they shared ideas about potential cost savings and new incentive programs aimed at lowering or eliminating the cost of electric appliances. We’re grateful for her help, too, as our team fine tunes the tool and our process for using it. We hope to be ready soon to replicate this analysis in many homes throughout Bellingham. See our Climate Work page for more information about current climate action projects.
August 30 Overdose Awareness Day event: Our community continues to come together to address the growing fentanyl and meth use crisis. Whatcom County will recognize International Overdose Awareness Day with an event on Wednesday, August 30, noon to 6 p.m. on the Lee Memorial Park lawn (behind the Bellingham Public Library at 210 Central Avenue). The event will offer opportunities to learn about identifying and responding to an overdose, using and storing naloxone (a.k.a. Narcan), as well as interact with public health and emergency response experts. This is one of many activities planned as a multi-agency coordinating group convenes to foster a strong, coordinated approach among those already involved as well as those new to the important work of prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery. Visit whatcomoverdoseprevention.org to learn more.
Get involved: City boards, commissions and committees offer area residents volunteer opportunities to serve our community and influence the direction of City projects and activities. Most positions require residency within the City and some require specific credentials or experience. Current vacancies, application form and more details posted on the Boards and Commissions page.
Road work: Travelers in Bellingham are likely to experience some traffic delays this month as road projects continue. The Woburn Street closure, which began earlier this month, is anticipated to continue another two weeks. A detour in place takes traffic west to Orleans Street. While the project to replace 100-year-old sewer main has slowed travel in the area, businesses remain open and accessible from the north. On the southside, detours will be in place as W. College Way, abutting the Western Washington University campus, is closed for two weeks beginning Monday, August 14. This work includes replacing damaged asphalt with concrete to shore up the roadway for continued heavy use.
