Reimagining the future of Civic Athletic Complex: We’re planning for the future of Civic Athletic Complex, home to so many of our community’s beloved recreational resources. Updating the Master Plan – the plan that summarizes the long-term vision and guides further development for Civic – is a unique and strategic opportunity to reimagine the Civic Athletic Complex as an exceptional community space for generations to come. We are also factoring in two new ideas to this Plan – the potential to relocate Carl Cozier Elementary School and the possibilities for an indoor community recreation center. Watch a video update, see upcoming opportunities to give your input, and learn more about this project on Engage Bellingham.
Seeking members for new work group: We are now seeking applicants for our newly established Keep Washington Working Act Advisory Work Group. This group will examine the City’s compliance with the Keep Washington Working Act, part of a series of state legislative actions to support immigrant rights in our state. The act honors the vital role of immigrants in the workplace and in our state’s economy, and it ensures Washington remains a place where the rights and dignity of all are protected, values City leaders embrace as well. The City’s work group will include community members with lived experience and/or connections to the immigrant community in Bellingham and people with experience and training in specified fields relating to the goals and requirements of the act. For more information, visit our Keep Washington Working Act Work Group page.
Beans and Badges: Meet Bellingham Police Department and Bellingham Fire Department leaders for Beans and Badges from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, at Cof&, 1209 Cornwall Ave. Beans and Badges is an opportunity for community members to gather in a low-stress, friendly setting to meet the City’s first responders, ask questions, and learn about public safety issues.
Another funding opportunity for downtown arts and culture: In July, we selected seven projects that will add beauty, interest, and enjoyable experiences downtown. Now, we’re looking for more! As part of our continuing efforts to improve downtown, we are seeking proposals for projects that can include artwork, interactive exhibits, events, and other features. Projects are selected through a competitive application process. The application deadline is Nov. 15. In total, $250,000 from lodging tax funds will be available to fund this round of projects. Have an idea you want to get funded? Visit our Downtown Activation and Beautification Proposals webpage for project and application requirements and to see what projects we selected in the first round of funding.
Signs, signs, everywhere there’s signs: Election season is in full swing, and that means political signs are popping up everywhere. While political speech is protected, there are a few things to keep in mind when placing signs. First, safety is key. Make sure your signs are not blocking sidewalks, obstructing traffic signs, or creating tripping hazards. Second, public property is off limits. Don’t place signs on City-owned land, such as parks, or next to public buildings. Third, respect private property. Always get permission from the property owner before placing a sign. What about right-of-ways? Generally, the public right-of-way — including the unpaved area next to the street — is only an easement, and the underlying property belongs to the abutting property owner. As such, only the property owner or the tenant has the authority to decide if and what political signs are placed in the adjoining right-of-way.
International ShakeOut Day: At 10:17 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, tsunami warning sirens along shorelines in Washington, including the two in Bellingham and 11 elsewhere in Whatcom County, will be tested with the wailing sound and alert messages used in an actual earthquake or tsunami. The test is part of International ShakeOut Day, which takes place on the third Thursday of every October. It’s a great time to learn about earthquake and tsunami risks in our area and learn how to protect yourself. The Bellingham Office of Emergency Management will also staff a booth at the base of the tsunami siren in Squalicum Harbor (near the commercial boat docks) from 9 a.m. to noon to provide information and answer questions. Learn more at shakeout.org/washington.
