The Lake Whatcom Management Program partners invite the community to attend their annual Lake Whatcom Joint Councils and Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, April 2, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will take place in person at Bellingham City Council Chambers with an online option available via Zoom. Local leaders from the Bellingham City Council, Whatcom County Council and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Board of Commissioners will gather to hear about the progress that has been made to protect and preserve Lake Whatcom and discuss future actions. This public meeting will also stream live on cob.org/btv.
“I look forward to the Lake Whatcom Joint Councils and Commissioners meeting each year as an opportunity to focus on our collaborative efforts to restore and maintain Lake Whatcom as a vital resource for our community,” said County Council Chair Kaylee Galloway. “This meeting is a chance to reflect on progress that’s been made and coordinate plans for the future.”
At the meeting, staff will highlight major accomplishments achieved under the 2020-2024 Lake Whatcom Work Plan and preview some of the work to be implemented under the recently approved 2025-2029 Work Plan. Topics will include:
- An overview of water quality monitoring results from the past year
- Progress made toward phosphorus reduction goals
- Investments in stormwater management
- Efforts to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, and more.
“Over the past five years, the City of Bellingham, alongside Whatcom County and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District, has demonstrated a sustained and comprehensive commitment to protecting Lake Whatcom. From policy development and strategic budgeting to on-the-ground project implementation, we’ve collectively driven significant progress in reducing phosphorus inputs and enhancing water quality,” said City Councilmember Hannah Stone.
“Having served on the District Board for over 25 years, it has been rewarding to participate in the evolution of this partnership and to witness tangible progress in protecting and enhancing the health of the Lake Whatcom watershed,” said Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Board President Todd Citron. “The annual Joint Councils and Commissioners meeting is not only time for further collaboration amongst the partners, but to also receive valuable feedback from the community.”
Public participation plays a crucial role in the ongoing success of the management program’s efforts. Community members can voice their thoughts during a public comment period at the beginning of the meeting. Those interested in providing input at the meeting must register in advance. Speakers can sign up via an online form or with paper sign-up sheets that will be available outside the Council Chamber doors starting at 6 p.m. the evening of the meeting. The sign-up period (both online and in-person) closes at 6:30 p.m.
Written comments can also be submitted by email to lakewhatcom@cob.org or by mail, addressed to: City Council, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225.
There are several options for community members to join the meeting:
- In-person at the Bellingham City Council Chambers in City Hall, 210 Lottie Street
- Via Zoom using this link: cob.org/lwjcc
- Live on BTV at cob.org/btv
Find more meeting details on the event page. Visit the Lake Whatcom Management Program website for additional program resources including the 2020-2024 Lake Whatcom Accomplishments Report, the 2025-2029 Lake Whatcom Work Plan, and the 2023-2024 Lake Whatcom Monitoring Project Report.
