BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Housing investments, an indoor recreation center and a sprawling new park are all on the docket for the upcoming year in Bellingham.

Mayor Kim Lund touted the city’s accomplishments from 2025 and previewed priorities for 2026 in a prerecorded State of the City address released today on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Lund acknowledged that last year posed many challenges for the city after dealing with a $10 million budget shortfall. She says this year’s budget is more sustainable and balanced while maintaining the community’s key values.

Lund cited several moves the city made to balance its budget, such as approving a new sales tax to fund criminal justice services, reducing over 40 positions and trimming budgets across the general fund.

She also highlighted some of its key projects from 2025.

Those included upgrades to the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, plans for a covered skate park on the waterfront and the opening of the North Haven Tiny Home Village.

Moving forward, Lund says investments in the future of housing will be at the forefront of the city’s priorities.

She went on to preview significant renovations that are in store for the Bellingham Central Library and further planning for an indoor community rec center.

Lund also teased the opening of the new waterfront Salish Landing Park, which will be three times the size of Boulevard Park once the cleanup on Bellingham Bay is finished.