Great news, boaters: This weekend, the aquatic invasive species (AIS) check stations at Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish are opening for the season. Just a heads-up, you’ll need a shiny new 2024 AIS permit to hit the water on those lakes. Don’t forget to get your $10 discount and learn more about our wire seal program by visiting the Whatcom Boat Inspection program page. Remember, by working together to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species, we’re protecting our lakes, our drinking water, and the whole way of life we love here. See you out there on the water!
Deepening youth civic engagement: Six hundred middle school students participated this month in activities held in honor of Law Day 2024, hosted by Bellingham Municipal Court Judge Debra Lev and the entire Court team. Law Day is a national commemoration held on May 1st each year to celebrate the rule of law and cultivate an understanding of the legal system. The national theme for this year’s Law Day is “Voices of Democracy,” intended to encourage participation in the 2024 elections by deepening people’s understandings of the electoral process. During our local Law Day events at Municipal Court, Judge Lev and speakers such as Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund, City Councilmember Skip Williams, Bellingham Police Chief Rebecca Mertzig and others discussed their roles and perspectives on civic responsibilities, demonstrated court and law enforcement procedures, and answered students’ questions. Thank you to all Bellingham middle schoolers who attended!
Downtown revitalization grants open for businesses and event planners: Applications are now open for grants from the Downtown Bellingham Partnership and BECU for community events and beautification projects downtown! Storefront Improvement Grants will provide up to $2,000 to businesses to enhance their street-visible storefronts with signage updates, vibrant paint schemes or other upgrades, bringing more aesthetic appeal to the district. Want to have a block party, workshop or performance downtown? Those who want to host events in the 1300 block of Commercial Street, near the Commercial Street Plaza, can apply for $500 to $1,000 to cover events costs, and can also easily apply for street closures and a streamlined permit process with the City. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis on the Downtown Bellingham Partnership’s website.
Improving public spaces
Construction project updates: We are wrapping up work on the Valencia Street watermain replacement and the Illinois roundabout (Parkview Safe Routes to School project). Both projects are just waiting on some drier weather to put the finishing touches on the projects. Night work continues on Meridian to make needed street improvements and stormwater upgrades. Crews have been replacing manhole covers, rings, valve boxes, frames, and grates in the south bound lane of Meridian Street to improve the stormwater system. We are aware that some of the asphalt patches are sinking and we are making the necessary repairs. And crews are out this week re-aligning the lanes on Lincoln Street. Work in that area will be ongoing while we wait for the signals and crossing beacons to arrive.
Connecting community
Third annual May Bike Parade May 5: Kick off Bike Month this May by joining the 3rd annual Bellingham Bike Parade. To participate please meet at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 5, on Jersey Street, between E. Holly St and E. Chestnut St. Together we will ride down Holly Street to Waypoint Park. The ride will take place rain or shine. Bike decorations and costumes are encouraged. All ages are welcome. Please note: as a participant you will need to wear a helmet. The parade will be escorted by police. Riders are asked to follow the rules of the road. The parade is made possible by WTA, Smart Trips, Downtown Bellingham Partnership, and the City of Bellingham.
APIDA Festival – save the date! Everyone is welcome at a free community event to celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage month from 6 – 9 p.m. on May 14 at the Syre Student Center at Whatcom Community College. Hosted by a consortium of local educational institutions and community organizations, the “Connected Roots, Collective Futures” festival will be all-ages, family-friendly fun featuring a free community dinner, panel presentation, performances, local vendors, art, food, and more! Find all the event details at wwu.edu/apida.
