Everyone is welcome here
This week, we installed a new sign in the lobby of our historic City Hall. It says “welcome” in 13 languages to invite people into the heart of our City government. We are proud to be an inclusive, welcoming, and safe community, where the rights and dignity of all are maintained and protected. To learn more about this work, visit our Protecting the rights and dignity of all webpage.
View our video of the sign being installed.
Get ready for more downtown art and activity
The downtown activation and beautification grant program — which brought us projects like Sunset Alley, Find Billy, and the Lakeway underpass mural — just announced a third round of awardees. This means even more activity and beauty is coming to downtown as early as this spring. Upcoming projects include outdoor family movies by the Pickford Film Center (including one with live music from the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra), pop-up flower installations, and Procession of the Species. Projects were chosen through a competitive application process and are funded by lodging tax revenue from overnight stays. Visit our website to see more upcoming and past projects.
Thank you, author Isabel Wilkerson!
Last Friday, Feb. 6, we welcomed author Isabel Wilkerson to Bellingham. The sold-out event was put on in partnership with the Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham Public Library, and Village Books. Wilkerson spoke on the lasting impact of the Great Migration, how America’s racial caste system continues to shape American life today, and the power of empathy in creating change and bridging divides.
Didn’t make it to the talk and looking for a way to recognize Black History Month? Check out the Bellingham Public Library’s reading lists for every age group, plus films featuring Black stories. Or, stop by the Central Library’s drop-in event on Feb. 24 to learn about recent Black fiction.
Good news: The Mt. Ker Theatre is back to the Mt. Baker Theatre
Speaking of Mt. Baker Theatre, we’re happy to report the spire is once again sporting the theatre’s full name. Back in October, the first two letters had to be removed after coming loose. Check out the reinstallation on Mt. Baker Theatre’s Facebook page.
Remaining winter ready
While we may be experiencing a bit of “false spring,” nighttime temperatures are still dropping below freezing. It’s a good time to disconnect any outdoor hoses and cover those outdoor faucets if you haven’t already. Our street crews have been deicing roadways in case of frosty mornings and we remain ready to respond to any kind of weather that comes our way. More information about how you can be prepared is on our website.
