Government

According to the DOH, nearly 5,000 Whatcom County residents received support from the program last year. 

Open enrollment begins on Nov. 1 for residents who do not get their health insurance through an employer, spouse or government program.

Each candidate will give a brief overview of their career and experience before community members have a chance to give their feedback at the end of the event.

The public hearings will be announced next month, offering the public time to comment on both the increase to the budget and the prospect of increasing levies to cover the costs.

The new housing will be part of Lake Whatcom Center’s new Lincoln Street development.

If approved, the sales tax would go into effect on March 15, 2026, and cost $1 per $100 purchase made in the county.

Bellingham’s council adopted the plan and Whatcom County Council as well as the Lake Whatcom Water and District Commissioners will vote on the plan in the coming weeks. 

According to the Port, keeping this document up to date qualifies Whatcom County for funding opportunities through various state and federal agencies.

Construction of the new jail on LaBounty Drive will begin in 2026 and the county expects it to be finished by summer 2028 at the earliest. 

If you see a brightly colored police car roaming around town, it’s all for a good cause.