BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whatcom County’s first-annual government open house is taking place on Wednesday night.

County Executive Satpal Sidhu, members of the county council and staff from across county departments will be available to answer any questions from the public.

People who attend will be able to hear the latest updates on the new jail, upcoming construction projects, details on the county budget and more.

Participants can also compete for prizes in Whatcom County trivia.

County spokesperson Riley Sweeney says the event will offer a unique chance for the community to interact with elected officials that they just can’t get in county council meetings.

“We’re hoping that this will be an opportunity for people to talk face-to-face, neighbor-to-neighbor, and have those conversations that we always hope that we have where we learn about what’s going on and you find out about what’s going on right here in our community,” Sweeney says.

Tonight’s open house takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the County Courthouse.