Investments in affordable housing
On Thursday, March 6, Mayor Lund joined community leaders, residents, and Kulshan Community Land Trust (KCLT) staff, to break ground on a KCLT project to built 18 permanently affordable homes in the Birchwood neighborhood. The City has committed nearly $800,000 in local housing levy funds toward this development, which will ensure home ownership opportunities remain available for working families in Bellingham. We’re proud partners in community-driven investments, such as this one, that show how innovative solutions can help address housing challenges.
Runnin’ O’ the Green
Grab your kilt or favorite green attire and join us for our annual run/walk to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 15! Choose a 5k or 8k route, meet us for the 10 a.m. start, and enjoy a festive drink of choice downtown at the Boundary Bay finish line. This all-ages event requires registration. Sign up at the race page on our website.
Safer St. Patrick’s Day celebrations
Bellingham Police Department patrol shifts have made 85 DUI arrests since Jan. 1 of this year. In comparison, 53 DUI arrests occurred in the same time frame in 2024. Our patrol officers are dedicated to keeping our streets safe for those who live, work, and play in the city of Bellingham. We are thankful that most people adhere to the laws and drive sober. At the same time, we are asking those who drink or use drugs to make the choice for a sober ride before getting behind the wheel of a car. We will join Northwest Region Target Zero’s efforts to put additional officers on the road specifically for impaired driver investigations on St. Patrick’s Day, Monday, March 17. Make the commitment now to arrange for a sober ride or safe, alternative method of transportation.
Registration open for Native Plant Stewardship Course
Want to learn about Pacific Northwest native plants and how to protect them? Join the Washington Native Plant Society (WNPS) and City of Bellingham for a no-cost, six-week Native Plant Stewardship Course starting mid-April. Through classroom learning and field trips, participants will learn about the key roles that native plants play in our forests, rivers, shorelines, and other vital habitats. After completing the course, participants are asked to apply their knowledge through 30 hours of service to local conservation projects, including at City restoration sites and parks. Classes meet on Thursday evenings, with a few Saturday field trips. There is no tuition, but participants must be members of the WNPS. Memberships start at $20. Learn more and apply on the WNPS website.
Permits available for boating on local lakes
Get ready to hit the water! 2025 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) boating permits are on sale for Whatcom County lakes. Boat inspections begin at local boat launches on Saturday, April 26, but all boats are required to have a valid permit any time they are on the water at Lake Whatcom or Lake Samish to help stop the spread of invasive species to our local lakes. These harmful plants and animals can result in significant impacts to our water and our fun. Please note that AIS permit fees increased this year, marking the first increase in fees since 2019. To address the increased boating traffic and the growing risk of invasive species, we’re stepping up lake protection. This extra funding ensures our lakes remain safe and open for everyone. Learn more and purchase a 2025 permit.
Watch for wildlife as the clock springs forward
This Sunday, it’s time to “spring forward” and embrace longer evenings (and darker mornings!). Although our clocks will shift forward an hour, wildlife remains on nature’s schedule. Be extra cautious, especially at dawn and dusk, because deer and other animals may be more active on roads during these transitional times. Slow down, pay attention, and help keep our roads safe for all creatures. Visit our website for information about preventing and reporting collisions with wildlife.
Improving public spaces
Over the next couple of weeks, you may notice some increased construction activity on Woburn Street as part of our Woburn Street Site Improvements Project, including temporary one-lane closures. As the weather continues to warm up this spring, we will start to see more construction projects around town. Learn more about our current and upcoming projects on our City Projects page – it is a great place to start if you’re wondering what’s coming to your neighborhood.
