A reason to celebrate: We are thrilled to announce that our Little Squalicum Estuary project has been recognized as one of the nation’s most outstanding engineering achievements, receiving the 2024 Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). This esteemed award, given annually to projects demonstrating exceptional innovation and complexity, highlights the dedication and expertise poured into restoring this essential coastal habitat. The award specifically recognizes the unprecedented complexity involved in navigating various challenges, including securing funding, site cleanup, land acquisition, permitting, and construction. Beyond its impressive engineering, the estuary is expected to provide critical salmon habitat, contributing significantly to the health of the local ecosystem for generations to come.
Speaking of engineering: Think you’ve got what it takes to be a future LEGO® Master Builder? We’d love to see it! From February 7 – March 22, the Whatcom Museum will be accepting entries for their community LEGO® competition. All ages are welcome, but here’s the catch: to be eligible for one of our top three prizes, your creation must be original and reflect the upcoming Free First Friday theme of “Community Building.” What does that look like to you? Show us in bricks! Visit the Whatcom Museum website for more info.
Hiring for seasonal jobs: What are you doing this summer? Get outside and get paid for it with one of our seasonal positions. We’re currently recruiting for Public Works maintenance aides and utility workers, Parks Ambassadors, aquatic center staff and more. Browse our list of open seasonal positions and apply today!
Seeking Whatcom Racial Equity Commission members: Imagine a community where everyone gets a fair shot at being their healthiest, fullest self. Help make that happen! Recruitment is underway for the inaugural slate of Whatcom Racial Equity Commission members. When seated, the Commission will serve as a county-level advisory body providing recommendation on advancing racial equity locally. Application materials and more information about applying to join the Commission is available in several languages. Applications are accepted through February 29, 2024.
Track our progress implementing state housing legislation: Over the past several years, the Washington State Legislature has passed bills responding to the housing crisis. These bills address topics such as permit streamlining, renter protections, affordable housing funding, expanded options for different housing types (such as accessory dwelling units – ADUs), allowing more homes per lot, and so much more. We’ve created a tracker that will show you recent state legislation affecting housing and where the City is in implementing each bill. Follow our progress.
Speaking of the state legislature: City officials are engaged in the 2024 Washington State Legislative Session as we work to strengthen the partnership between state and local governments, advocate for legislation that supports City needs and priorities, and seek the resources we need to implement policies and goals adopted at the state level. For example, this week Police Chief Rebecca Mertzig joined law enforcement and justice system leaders from across the state for Law and Justice Day in Olympia, where they learned more about proposed state budget allocations to help local law enforcement agencies hire more staff. While there, Chief Mertzig had the opportunity to talk with state representatives about the challenges facing law enforcement and the impacts of recent and proposed legislation in our state.
Improving public spaces
Street, sidewalk and water system upgrades: While some street projects have been stalled while we wait on supply chain issues (looking at you Lincoln Street), we have some other projects moving forward this month. Construction is slated to begin updating pedestrian and bike access on Telegraph Road and along West Illinois Street. You can expect minor traffic impacts over the coming months from both projects. The week of February 12, Crews will also be out on Woburn between Carolina and Texas making improvements to the stormwater systems, and Valencia Street will be closing between Frasier and Iowa for watermain replacement. Water service will continue during this time. Thanks for your patience and understanding as we get our streets, sidewalks and water systems updated!
