BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Bellingham City Council could reduce public comment quotas as it explores ways to hear from a wider range of residents.

Council member Jace Cotton proposed the idea of reducing the time limit from 3 to 2 minutes per speaker at the council’s meeting on Monday night.

“I care less about our time because we’re paid to be there, but for the members of the public who are waiting to address the council, I think having an opportunity to hear from more people in those public comment periods is part of my intent,” Cotton said.

He also floated the idea of expanding the council’s public engagement forums through issue-specific town halls or open houses.

Several other members voiced their support for the time limit reduction. But council member Lisa Anderson expressed some hesitation about the proposal.

“I look at it with the lens of someone who works in education and, knowing public speaking, not everyone is very comfortable getting up to the mic, not everyone gets into a flow of speaking right away,” Anderson said.

The council ultimately decided to table the discussion until its upcoming retreat.

Meanwhile, the city council chose a familiar face to lead it in 2026.

Council members voted unanimously to elect Hannah Stone as council president. She takes over for Holly Huthman, who will be president pro tempore.

Stone previously served as council president in 2021 and 2022.

Meanwhile, Skip Williams was named Mayor Pro Tempore.

Huthman, Williams, Jace Cotton and Michael Lilliquist all return to the council after being reelected by voters in November.