Two public hearings Monday, Oct. 5
More flexibility for small home businesses
We are proposing changes to Bellingham’s home occupation code designed to give home-based businesses more flexibility, such as allowing them to operate in an accessory building on their property, sell goods made on-site, and have up to three employees.
This proposal is an initial first step toward a potential future expansion of small-scale commercial uses in Bellingham neighborhoods — a change community members said they want to see and that supports City goals to promote walkability, placemaking, and employment in neighborhoods. That change could be introduced as early as 2027.
The proposed 2027 City budget
Last week, we shared an initial draft of the 2027 City budget. The proposed budget maintains our current levels of service while we seek a long-term budget solution: a Regional Fire Authority.
At Monday’s City Council meeting, there will be a public hearing on the proposed budget, and public comment is welcome. In addition to public input, City Council will hold a series of working sessions on the budget before the final version is adopted in December.
Learn more about Monday’s public hearings on our meetings website.
Free First Friday: Forested
Join us this Friday to celebrate the Whatcom Museum’s newest exhibition, From the Vault: Forested, with works on display by local and regional artists. With activities throughout the day and evening on Oct. 2, there’s something for everyone! Walk the new exhibit with Museum staff, create forest-inspired crafts, peek into the fascinating world of fungi, listen to live music, or gather around a fire pit. Our Community Trees Program will be giving away free tree saplings to Bellingham residents to take home! Find a full list of activities on the Whatcom Museum’s website.
Fairhaven sidewalk repairs start next week
We’ll be replacing sections of sidewalk and several street trees along the 1100 block of 11th Street in Fairhaven starting Oct. 5. Work is expected to take about two weeks. Business access will be maintained, though on-street parking will be temporarily limited. The project will address sidewalk tripping hazards, replace dead or damaging trees, and enlarge some tree wells to give new trees more room to grow and help prevent future sidewalk damage. New trees will be planted after the sidewalks are complete. Thanks for your patience while we make these improvements!
City bans sale and distribution of Kratom
To support community health, the City has adopted an ordinance prohibiting the preparation, distribution, and sale of kratom products within city limits, effective Oct. 13, 2026. This ordinance amends Chapter 10.08 of the Bellingham Municipal Code.
Kratom is a plant-derived substance often sold in powders, capsules, extracts, and similar products. Its alkaloids can bind to opioid receptors and mimic effects similar to stronger opioids. The ban aims to reduce accidental overdoses, misuse, and long-term harm. Learn more by watching the Sept. 28 presentation on the ban to City Council or reading the PDF Packet (see page 118) on our meetings website.
All library locations closed Oct. 7
All locations of Bellingham Public Library will be closed Wednesday, Oct. 7 for their annual Staff Learning Day. This is an opportunity for library staff who usually work at separate branches to gather for a full day of meetings and professional development. The Library will reopen on its regular schedule on Thursday, Oct. 8.
Soar into Bellingham Bird Week activities next week
Hoo-hoo-hoo’s heard the news about Bellingham Bird Week?! The North Cascades Audubon Society and Audubon Washington are hosting this celebration Oct. 5–11 with a variety of activities. Join the Library for bird-themed children’s Storytimes and the Whatcom Museum for a bird drawing session and a screening of Lights Out Texas followed by a panel discussion. There will also be an opportunity to vote for Bellingham’s official bird! Mayor Kim Lund will announce the winner on Friday, Oct. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. Learn more on the Bellingham Bird Week website.
