Show off your pup and win fun prizes
There’s still time to enter the annual We Scoop Photo Contest! Send us a cute photo of your dog by Sept. 30 for a chance to win poop-scooping prize packs and get your pup featured as a Scooping Star in future promotions. By entering, you’re also making a commitment to scoop the poop at home and on walks to help protect our local waterways and community health. We’ll be at SeaFeast this weekend, so stop by to learn more, grab some goodies, and celebrate responsible pet ownership!
Mayor introduces 2026 proposed budget Monday
Mayor Kim Lund and City staff members will present the 2026 proposed budget at the Monday, Sept. 29 Bellingham City Council Committee of the Whole meeting. There is a forecasted $10 million gap between projected revenues and expenses in the City’s General Fund for 2026. The proposed budget addresses this gap with an increase to a local sales tax and reductions in spending. City Council Members will discuss and amend the proposed budget at a series of special work sessions, with the first session taking place on Oct. 6. There will also be public hearings for the proposed budget on Oct. 6 and Nov. 3. You can learn more about the current budget, City budget basics, and City revenue and spending policies on our budget webpage.
Get pumped up to protect salmon, save money, and drive safer
Don’t wait to inflate! Keeping your tires properly inflated is a simple way to make a big impact. Underinflated tires wear down faster, releasing toxic particles that wash into streams and harm salmon. Proper tire pressure also boosts gas mileage, extends tire life, and helps prevent dangerous blowouts. Check your tire pressure when your car is “cold” and compare it to the recommended levels in your owner’s manual. Visit our Car Washing and Maintenance webpage to learn more ways to reduce pollution.
Improving public spaces
Traffic signal installation begins in Fairhaven next week
Work resumes next week on safety improvements along the 12th Street and Finnegan Way corridor in Fairhaven. Starting Sept. 29, crews will install a new traffic signal at the intersection of 12th Street, Mill Avenue, and Finnegan Way, with construction expected through mid-October. More than 10,000 vehicles use this intersection daily, and the new signal will boost visibility and safety for everyone on the road. This is the final step in a project that added flashing crosswalks, sidewalks, and on-street parking in the area earlier this year. Expect delays and consider alternate routes during construction. Thanks for your patience as we work to make this area safer!
Know the parking rules around town
With fall quarters now underway at local colleges and universities, Bellingham is welcoming many new and returning residents. This is a great time to remind everyone that parking rules apply citywide — even if signs aren’t posted or curbs aren’t painted.
- Vehicles can’t stay parked in the same spot on city streets for more than 72 hours.
- Park at least 30 feet from stop signs, 20 feet from crosswalks, and 15 feet from hydrants.
- Keep intersections clear for visibility and safety.
- Respect time limits where posted and in residential permit zones around WWU.
Following parking rules helps keep our streets safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone. Visit our Parking webpage for a full guide to parking in Bellingham.
