BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – If you’ve noticed less dirt and grime in Bellingham’s downtown, the city says it’s all part of Mayor Kim Lund’s recent executive order.

The order mainly focuses on combatting the growing fentanyl crisis in our city, but also deals with a more literal clean-up of our streets, with new monthly scheduled deep cleanings.

The deep cleans will utilize pressure washers and specialized Vactor trucks – specialized vehicles designed to efficiently remove dirt – in the city’s alleyways that will remove debris and pollutants to prevent them from getting into our local water ways.

The cleanings align with the broader goals of the executive order to improve public health and safety in the heart of Bellingham. Specifically, the order also directs actions toward increased police presence, expanded social services and improved public education regarding public health and safety. A downtown emergency response hub was opened last month to be a center for the efforts.