Updates from downtown
We joined the Bellingham Downtown Partnership at their annual neighborhood meeting on Wednesday, May 20. Mayor Kim Lund and her leadership team took questions from the crowd on everything ranging from the recent alley closure to the importance of building more housing, creating family-wage jobs, and even the volume of the train horn through Old Town.
Couldn’t make it and want the latest scoop on everything happening downtown? Check out our latest Downtown Forward Progress Report (PDF).
Planning for the future of Fire and EMS
Friday, May 22 marks the start of planning efforts to consider how to structure a Regional Fire Authority (RFA) to serve the Bellingham area. RFAs provide dedicated funding for fire and emergency medical services through an independent government organization governed by elected representatives.
In April, the Bellingham City Council and the Board of Commissioners for Whatcom County Fire District 8 both voted to form an RFA Planning Committee that will meet from now until November to prepare a proposal for voters to consider next year. You can join their first meeting this Friday, May 22 from 1-3 p.m. and learn more on the Bellingham RFA website.
Transportation projects on the horizon
From safer crosswalks and bike connections to neighborhood street improvements, the City’s annual Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) helps turn long-range plans into real projects across Bellingham. On Monday, June 1, the City will hold a public hearing and present the proposed 2027–2032 TIP during the City Council Regular Meeting at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
Required by state law, the Six-Year TIP outlines transportation projects and programs planned over the next six years and helps the City compete for state and federal grant funding. Projects are guided by the Bellingham Comprehensive Plan and other adopted transportation plans, including bicycle and pedestrian master plans.
Bellingham has a strong track record of turning TIP projects into funded improvements. Over the past several years, the City has secured an average of about $17 million annually in external grant funding for transportation and multimodal safety projects. The draft 2027–2032 TIP includes 24 projects and five annual programs, including the Community Streets Program and Non-motorized Transportation Improvements Program.
Honoring service members
This Memorial Day weekend, the City of Bellingham joins the community in honoring members of the military who died serving our country. The City is a sponsor of the annual Memorial Day Parade, which goes from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 23.
City Hall, Bellingham Public Library locations, and Arne Hanna Aquatic Center will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 25. Public Works and Parks emergency services can be reached at 360-778-7700. Police, fire, and emergency medical services are always available by calling 911.
Celebrating decades of clean water contributions
The Washington State Department of Health honored the City’s recently retired Water Quality Technical Supervisor, Peg Wendling, with a Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing her decades of contributions to the water industry. While presenting the award, Department of Health Regional Engineer Laura McLaughlin described Wendling as a true expert in laboratory methods and management, industry best practices, distribution systems, and drinking water regulations. Throughout her career, Wendling championed excellence in water quality and scientific expertise, helping ensure the City’s drinking water remains safe, reliable, and protected for generations to come. Congratulations, Peg!
Buy a book, support the library
Search for a new treasured read among hundreds of donated books at The Friends of the Bellingham Public Library Book Sale today through Saturday! Located on the Central Library ground floor, the sale features books for all ages and interests, most for $2 each. Credit card and cash payments are accepted. Hours for the sale are:
- Thursday, May 21, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday, May 22, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., half price
- Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., $5/bag
