Safer connections for people walking and biking
Construction is underway to improve safety at key crossings, bike corridors, and walking routes at more than a dozen locations across Bellingham. New flashing beacons, upgraded curb ramps, and other safety improvements will make it safer, more comfortable, and more predictable for everyone.
Multiple crossings along Texas Street and E. Maple Street are receiving upgrades to improve safety and comfort along these important walking and biking corridors. Additional crossings on Barkley Boulevard, 32nd Street, Roeder Avenue, West Bakerview Road, and Garden Street are being upgraded with push button activated flashing lights and new curb ramps.
As work continues through the fall, residents may experience occasional traffic impacts near the construction areas. Visit our project page to see all improvement locations and follow our progress.
Learn about the City budget
It’s budgeting season for the City of Bellingham. Are you curious how your tax dollars support City services, or why we can’t simply shift funds between things like trails and water infrastructure? We put together a quick video explainer that walks through how our budget is developed, which you can watch on our Budget page.
There, you’ll also find a brief overview of the 2027 proposed budget, which will be introduced to City Council next Monday, Sept. 28. Following the introduction, the council will hold a series of work sessions and public hearings before final adoption in December. Find the schedule on our Budget page, too.
Last chance to enter dog photo contest
Got a cute pup you want to show off? We are down to the final few days of our We Scoop Photo Contest with Whatcom County. Submit a photo of your dog through Sept. 30 for a chance to win prizes that make scooping dog poop easier so you can help reduce pollution and protect our waterways. Learn more about the contest and the importance of cleaning up dog poop on our website, or you can see us in person this weekend at our booth at SeaFeast to play “Toss the Turd” and pick up some free scooping materials!
Two public hearings on Monday
During the City Council Regular Meeting at 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 28, there will be two public hearings for resolutions supporting proposed Charter amendments that’ll be on the November ballot:
- The first public hearing is for a resolution encouraging voters to approve Proposition 2026-06, which would remove the requirement that the Mayor be the highest paid City official or employee and make an independent salary commission responsible for setting the Mayor’s salary.
- The second public hearing is for a resolution encouraging voters to approve Proposition 2026-07, which would authorize the Mayor to select a designee to sign contracts and allow electronic signatures, bringing the City into alignment with federal and state contracting practices.
We recommend signing up to provide testimony, but it is not required. The signup form is open on the day of the meeting.
Night paving work planned on Lincoln Street
Night work along Lincoln Street between Elwood Avenue and E. Maple Street will take place Monday, Sept. 28–Friday, Oct. 2 between 8 p.m.–6 a.m. Drivers can expect single-lane closures and a temporary closure of the northbound I-5 on-ramp at MP 252, while crews grind and repave the roadway. We expect work in this area to wrap up in mid-October, weather permitting. This work is part of several repaving projects underway to address streets most in need of repair. Updates and more information can be found on our project webpage.
Double donkey duty
Last week, multiple City and County teams worked together to save two unexpected community members: a pair of wandering donkeys! After being corralled by Bellingham Police and the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the duo made themselves at home at Fire District #8. They were then safely picked up by Whatcom Humane Society Animal Control and transported to the WHS farm facility, where they are now being cared for. Fortunately, the owners have been located and the furry escapees will be back home soon.
Even when the call is a little unconventional, our public safety teams are ready to help.
