## Meeting Overview On a crisp May evening in 2025, the Bellingham City Council convened for what would prove to be a substantive discussion about the future of housing and planning in the city. With all seven council members present in the chambers at City Hall, Council President Hollie Huthman called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM, beginning with the traditional land acknowledgment that recognizes the Lummi, Nooksack, Samish, and Semiahmoo peoples as the original stewards of the land. The meeting agenda was packed with forward-looking initiatives that would reshape how Bellingham approaches urban planning and housing development. From comprehensive planning reforms to rental fee protections, from tiny home villages to greenways funding, the council grappled with complex policy questions that touched on affordability, equity, and sustainable growth. What made this particular meeting notable was the confluence of several major housing-related initiatives moving through the pipeline simultaneously, each representing different facets of the city's response to Washington State's evolving housing mandates and local affordability challenges. The tone throughout the evening was one of methodical progress, with council members demonstrating deep engagement on technical planning issues while maintaining their focus on the human impact of these policy decisions. Six residents spoke during public comment, their voices adding texture to the policy discussions that had unfolded throughout the day's committee sessions. ## Planning for Bellingham's Future: From Neighborhoods to Citywide Systems The most far-reaching discussion of the day centered on a fundamental shift in how Bellingham approaches land use planning. Council Member Michael Lilliquist, chairing the Planning Committee, reported on two extensive work sessions that would reshape the city's planning framework for decades to come. The first major initiative involves moving away from neighborhood-specific plans toward a unified citywide planning process. As Lilliquist explained to his colleagues, "We've been planning using neighborhood plans, but those neighborhood plans are variable in quality and value and specificity. Some of them are outdated, some of them are conflicting." The current system, built around individual neighborhood plans, has created a patchwork of regulations that sometimes conflict with each other and with state requirements for housing development. Long Range Planning Manager Chris Behee had presented the rationale for this shift: creating "simpler, more transparent policies and regulations that are easier to understand and administer fairly and consistently in all areas of Bellingham." The change isn't just about administrative efficiency—it's essential for implementing new state requirements that expand opportunities for housing supply and variety throughout the community. The discussion revealed the complexity of untangling decades of neighborhood-specific planning. Much of what was once contained in neighborhood plans has already migrated to citywide documents covering infrastructure, parks, and transportation. Zoning tables, a critical component of land use regulation, were moved out of neighborhood plans some time ago. But significant challenges remain. "We still want to have—when you get rid of the neighborhood plans, you still have neighborhood specific zoning tables," Lilliquist noted. "And so the discussion had to do with the need to also reform those zoning tables for the same reason, to bring those into alignment so there's not too much complexity, too much conflict with state law." Staff outlined an ambitious long-term vision: collapsing the city's approximately 400 zoning designations into a more manageable system. All residential low-density zones, for instance, could potentially be treated as one category, with similar consolidation for medium and high-density residential areas. "Staff expressed a long-term hope we might have one large master zoning table for the city," Lilliquist reported. But even as council members embraced the efficiency gains, they grappled with ensuring that neighborhood character and local input wouldn't be lost. "This is still a community of neighborhoods," Lilliquist emphasized. "We will continue to celebrate the neighborhoods. And, for example, the Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Commission will still have neighborhood representatives." The committee only made it halfway through the presentation, with much more work ahead. As Lilliquist summarized: "The council is still—at least the committee members are still expressing and looking for assurances that we still have kind of like the right degree of local input, but nonetheless still have aligned values across the city." ## Implementing Middle Housing: The HB 1110 Challenge The second major planning discussion focused on implementing House Bill 1110, the state law requiring cities to allow multiple middle housing units on all residential lots. This mandate represents one of the most significant changes to local zoning law in decades, and Bellingham must fundamentally restructure its residential zoning to comply. Staff presented six key questions to guide the implementation, though the committee only managed to address two of them in their initial discussion. The core challenge involves determining minimum densities or maximum lot sizes for areas currently zoned for single-family homes, and deciding whether to implement a single density pattern citywide or a tiered approach based on location and infrastructure capacity. The technical complexity is daunting. As lots become smaller or get subdivided to accommodate additional housing units, a cascade of other issues emerges: How do utilities serve these smaller lots? How are impact fees calculated? What happens to requirements for lot coverage, height limits, and setbacks that affect how much housing can actually fit on a property? "All in all, I summarize this by saying we're looking for more effective ways of doing our residential zoning to allow for and create more opportunities for housing," Lilliquist concluded. "What can we do to our zoning and housing regulations to provide more opportunities for housing without creating unintended consequences, or some other negative impacts in the community?" The city plans to adopt an interim ordinance allowing middle housing types, but that's just the beginning. The real work lies in restructuring the underlying zoning framework to support these new housing options while maintaining neighborhood livability and managing infrastructure impacts. ## Protecting Tenants: Landlord-Tenant Relations Reform While the planning committee grappled with long-term zoning changes, the Committee of the Whole spent considerable time refining two ordinances designed to protect tenants from excessive fees. These proposals represent Bellingham's effort to address affordability challenges that extend beyond simply building more housing. The first ordinance addresses residential rental fees, prohibiting landlords from charging tenants "unfair or excessive fees" in rental agreements and leases. The second covers similar protections for manufactured and mobile home residents, a particularly vulnerable population given the limited mobility of their housing. Council Member Jace Cotton, chairing the Community and Economic Development Committee, reported that extensive amendments had been made during the afternoon work session. The ordinances had already gone through public engagement, with staff presenting feedback from the community at a March meeting. Now the council was fine-tuning the regulatory language to ensure the protections are meaningful without creating unintended consequences for the rental market. The details of the amendments weren't fully captured in the evening meeting, but Cotton indicated that both ordinances would return for further discussion, potentially at the next meeting. The measured approach reflects the council's recognition that rental regulations require careful calibration—too weak and they fail to protect tenants, too strong and they might discourage investment in rental housing. ## Greenways Success: $9.28 Million in Parks and Open Space Investment The Parks and Recreation Committee received an encouraging report on the Greenways Program, demonstrating how voter-approved funding continues to expand Bellingham's open space network. Council Member Skip Williams, the committee chair, detailed how $9.28 million in levy funds had been invested in 2024, marking the first year of a ten-year funding cycle. The program's structure represents a thoughtful approach to balancing acquisition with stewardship. Thirty-five percent of funds go toward land acquisition and completing trail connections, while 20% each supports property development and ongoing maintenance. An additional 15% targets climate resiliency improvements, with 10% held as flex funds for emerging opportunities. The results in 2024 were impressive: four property acquisitions totaling 127 acres of new parkland and open space. The acquisitions strategically filled gaps in the city's trail network, including purchases along Telegraph Road, the Squalicum Creek corridor, and areas adjacent to existing parks like Arroyo Park and Connelly Creek Nature Area. Williams highlighted specific improvements that residents can already enjoy: "To complete safety and access improvements to the pier at Little Squalicum Park. And I've been down there a number of times and it's fantastic." The program also funded protection of cultural resources at Woodstock Farm and construction of the new King Mountain Community Garden. Looking ahead, the Greenways priorities include continuing the Hundred Acre Wood Phase One improvements, the Sunset Pond Loop Trail project, and various facility upgrades throughout the park system. The program demonstrates how dedicated funding can systematically build community amenities while addressing climate resiliency and equity goals. Park Impact Fees provided additional resources for expanding the park system, funding everything from Cordova Community Park construction to sports facility improvements. The geographic distribution of these fees ensures that development in different neighborhoods contributes to park improvements where they're most needed. ## North Haven Tiny Home Village: Public-Private Partnership Success One of the evening's most tangible policy successes involved the imminent opening of North Haven, Bellingham's newest tiny home village in the Birchwood neighborhood. The project represents a successful public-private partnership between the city and Homes Now, consolidating two existing tiny home villages into a permanent location. Mayor Kimberley Lund provided updates both during her evening report and through the Community and Economic Development Committee presentation. After investing nearly $2 million to acquire and improve property along Northwest Avenue, the city has been working closely with Homes Now to relocate the Swift Haven and Unity Villages from their current temporary locations on city property. The project demonstrates how creative partnerships can address homelessness while managing public resources responsibly. Rather than operating tiny home villages indefinitely on city property, the partnership enables a nonprofit organization to establish a permanent location while the city recovers its investment and maintains its ability to use the original sites for other public purposes. Council Member Cotton noted the project's significance: "We're very excited to see that partnership with Homes Now reach culmination here." The village is planned to open by the end of May, providing stable housing for residents while freeing up city land for other community needs. The project also generated a practical benefit highlighted during the Consent Agenda discussion. Surplus tiny homes from Swift Haven will be sold to the United Way of Skagit County, extending the impact of Bellingham's investment to help address homelessness in neighboring communities. ## Federal Housing Funding: The Annual Consolidated Action Plan The council unanimously approved (with one abstention) the 2025 HUD Consolidated Action Plan, the city's blueprint for spending federal housing and community development funds. Housing & Services Program Manager Samya Lutz had presented the plan, which coordinates funding from the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership programs. The action plan serves multiple purposes beyond federal compliance. It also guides the city's use of local housing levy funds, affordable housing sales tax revenue, and related general fund expenditures. This coordination ensures that federal and local resources work together strategically rather than operating in silos. Council Member Cotton noted the persistent challenge underlying all housing funding: "The need far outpaces our available resources." But he also expressed satisfaction with the impact of local investments, saying "it's great to see our local dollars continue to do great work." Council Member Lisa Anderson abstained from the vote due to her position on the board of an organization that receives funding through the plan, demonstrating the council's attention to potential conflicts of interest in funding decisions. ## Art and Culture: Downtown Forward in Action Mayor Lund's report included a celebration of downtown revitalization efforts that extend beyond housing and planning to encompass arts and culture. She had attended the opening of the Immersive Experience project during the First Friday Art Walk, where Western Washington University design students had transformed vacant and transitional commercial buildings with custom window art. "It was inspiring to listen to the artists explain their creative process to transform a vacant space into a one of a kind alternative reality, or embellish the windows of a transitional commercial space into vibrant canvases," Lund said. The project directly supports goals outlined in the Downtown Forward Plan: creating active public spaces, fostering arts and culture, and making downtown "the community's gathering place, with artwork woven into the public and private realm in ways that surprise and delight." The mayor expressed particular gratitude to property managers and building owners who agreed to host the installations, recognizing that such projects require both public funding and private cooperation to succeed. Additional opportunities for public engagement are planned through July, extending the project's impact throughout the summer months. ## Expanding the Fire Service: Women in Fire and EMS Mayor Lund also reported on her participation in the Future Women in Fire and EMS workshop, a two-day event designed to encourage women to consider careers as first responders. The initiative represents part of the city's broader effort to diversify its workforce and expand the pipeline of qualified candidates for essential public safety positions. "The workshop includes insights into a day in the life of a first responder, with guidance on navigating the hiring process, hands on skill training, and it helps to inspire the academy participants while also furthering the city's goal to have more women serving our community as the firefighters of the future," Lund explained. The mayor's hands-on participation—she "ran a hose, set a ladder, and crawl[ed] around in a pitch black dark skills course"—demonstrated leadership by example and provided authentic insight into the physical and mental demands of fire service. The workshop drew nearly 20 attendees, suggesting genuine interest in expanding career opportunities in traditionally male-dominated fields. ## Community Celebrations: Legal Professionals and Species Parade The meeting included personal reflections from council members about recent community events that strengthened civic bonds. Council Member Hannah Stone shared her participation in a May Day oath renewal ceremony for local legal professionals at the county courthouse, where Judge David Freeman administered the oath to what may have been the largest gathering of attorneys in Whatcom County history. "It was really inspiring. Just the number of people who showed up," Stone reflected. "It was just nice to see the solidarity just everybody coming out from, you know, sort of all different types of work within the legal field and throughout the county and community, but all coming together sort of to unite around that commitment to the Washington State Constitution and the US Constitution." Council President Huthman celebrated the return of the Procession of the Species, a beloved community parade that returned after a six-year hiatus. With approximately 600 participants registered and a celebration afterward at Maritime Heritage Park, the event demonstrated the community's hunger for shared traditions and family-friendly downtown activities. "I took my little harbor seal down there," Huthman said, describing her personal participation in the parade. "I think it was just a really nice event and it felt wonderful to be out and about with a bunch of kids downtown." She thanked the Parks Department for coordinating the event, noting the pleasure of seeing police officers "talking to some frogs" during the festivities. ## Routine Business and Consent Agenda The evening's formal business moved efficiently through several routine matters. The council approved three budget amendments without controversy, adjusting appropriation authority and reconciling beginning reserve balances. These technical adjustments are typical housekeeping measures that ensure city finances align with actual conditions rather than earlier estimates. The consent agenda passed unanimously, including authorization for routine payroll and accounts payable transactions. The sale of surplus Swift Haven tiny homes to United Way of Skagit County, highlighted during discussion, demonstrated how the city can extend the value of its investments beyond Bellingham's boundaries. ## Looking Forward: Upcoming Public Hearings Before concluding the formal meeting, Council President Huthman announced an upcoming public hearing on May 19th to consider amendments to the Multi-Family Tax Exemption Program. This program provides tax incentives for developers who include affordable housing units in their projects, representing another tool in the city's housing strategy toolkit. The timing of this hearing, following the extensive planning discussions earlier in the meeting, underscores how multiple housing initiatives are moving through the policy pipeline simultaneously. Each addresses different aspects of the affordability and supply challenges facing Bellingham residents. ## Closing and What's Ahead The meeting concluded at 7:52 PM after a public comment session that drew six speakers, though their specific concerns weren't detailed in the available transcripts. The transition from broadcast coverage to Zoom-only viewing for public comment reflects the city's hybrid approach to public engagement, balancing in-person and remote participation. As council members prepared to adjourn, the breadth of issues covered during the day's committee sessions and evening meeting demonstrated the complexity of municipal governance in a growing community facing state mandates, federal requirements, and local pressures around housing, transportation, and quality of life. The next regular council meeting on May 19th would bring the Multi-Family Tax Exemption hearing, along with likely continuation of the landlord-tenant fee discussions and ongoing planning reform conversations. With multiple major initiatives moving toward implementation—from zoning consolidation to tiny home village openings to rental fee protections—Bellingham's council appeared engaged in the detailed work of governing a community in transition. The evening reflected a council comfortable with complex policy discussions while remaining attentive to community celebration and civic engagement. From technical zoning regulations to parade permits, from federal housing funds to local art projects, the scope of municipal responsibility requires both analytical rigor and authentic connection to residents' daily experiences. By all appearances, Bellingham's elected officials were managing that balance with thoughtful deliberation and genuine care for their community's future.

### Meeting Overview The Bellingham City Council held its regular meeting on May 5, 2025, addressing long-range planning changes, housing policy, and budget adjustments. The meeting featured extensive committee discussions about shifting from neighborhood-specific to citywide planning processes and implementing new state housing requirements. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Neighborhood Plans:** Local planning documents that guide development in specific areas of Bellingham, which the city is considering consolidating into citywide approaches for more consistent regulation. **House Bill 1110:** State legislation requiring cities to allow multiple "middle housing" units (duplexes, triplexes, etc.) on all residential lots, necessitating changes to local zoning codes. **Greenways Levy:** A 10-year property tax approved by voters that funds parks, trails, and open space acquisition and development, generating $9.28 million in 2024. **HUD Consolidated Action Plan:** Federal requirement outlining how Bellingham will use Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds for housing and community development programs. **Tiny Home Villages:** Temporary housing communities for people experiencing homelessness, with North Haven being the newest village opening in the Birchwood neighborhood. **Park Impact Fees:** Fees paid by developers to fund new parks and recreation facilities needed due to population growth from new development. **Committee of the Whole:** A meeting format where all council members participate in detailed discussions before formal votes at the evening meeting. **Consent Agenda:** Routine and non-controversial items that can be approved together in a single vote to streamline meetings. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Kim Lund | Mayor | | Hollie Huthman | Council President, Second Ward | | Hannah Stone | Council Member, First Ward | | Daniel Hammill | Council Member, Third Ward | | Skip Williams | Council Member, Fourth Ward | | Lisa Anderson | Council Member, Fifth Ward | | Michael Lilliquist | Council Member, Sixth Ward | | Jace Cotton | Council Member, At-Large | | Chris Behee | Long Range Planning Manager | | Nicole Oliver | Parks & Recreation Director | ### Background Context Bellingham faces pressure to increase housing supply while maintaining neighborhood character. State law now requires cities to allow more diverse housing types on residential lots, forcing Bellingham to overhaul its complex zoning system. Currently, the city has over 400 different zoning designations across neighborhoods, creating inconsistencies and barriers to housing development. The city's planning approach has historically been neighborhood-specific, but staff argues this creates unequal treatment and complicates compliance with state housing mandates. The proposed shift to citywide planning aims to simplify regulations while still preserving local input through other mechanisms. Bellingham also continues expanding its response to homelessness through tiny home villages, with North Haven representing a $2 million investment to relocate existing villages from city property to a permanent location. ### What Happened — The Short Version The council spent most of the day in work sessions discussing major planning reforms. In the planning committee, they reviewed proposals to eliminate neighborhood-specific plans in favor of citywide approaches and discussed how to implement state requirements for middle housing. The committee of the whole received updates on domestic violence services, refined two ordinances limiting landlord fees, and heard about the new North Haven tiny home village. In the evening formal meeting, the council appointed Kathy Furtado to the Greenways Advisory Committee, passed a resolution adopting the 2025 HUD Consolidated Action Plan for housing programs, approved three budget amendment ordinances, and processed routine consent agenda items. ### What to Watch Next - May 19 public hearing on Multi-Family Tax Exemption program amendments - Continued discussions on neighborhood plans vs. citywide planning approaches - Final action on landlord-tenant fee ordinances after further amendments - North Haven tiny home village opening by end of May 2025 ---

**Q:** Who did Mayor Lund appoint to the Greenways Advisory Committee? **A:** Kathy Furtado, to her first full term ending May 5, 2028. **Q:** How much revenue did the Greenways levy generate in 2024? **A:** $9.28 million, the first year of a new 10-year levy period. **Q:** What is North Haven? **A:** Bellingham's newest tiny home village opening by end of May 2025 in the Birchwood neighborhood. **Q:** How much did the city invest in acquiring and improving the North Haven property? **A:** Nearly $2 million along Northwest Avenue. **Q:** What percentage of Greenways funds goes to land acquisition? **A:** 35% for land acquisition and trail connections. **Q:** How many zoning designations does Bellingham currently have? **A:** Over 400 different zoning designations across the city. **Q:** What does House Bill 1110 require? **A:** Cities must allow multiple middle housing units on all residential lots. **Q:** Who chairs the Planning Committee? **A:** Council Member Michael Lilliquist, with members Hannah Stone and Lisa Anderson. **Q:** How many people attended the Future Women in Fire and EMS workshop? **A:** Nearly 20 attendees over the two-day event. **Q:** Which three ordinances did the council pass unanimously? **A:** Three 2025 budget amendments numbered 2025-05-005, 2025-05-006, and 2025-05-007. **Q:** Why did Council Member Anderson abstain from the HUD Consolidated Action Plan vote? **A:** She serves on a board of directors that will receive some of the funding. **Q:** How many acres of open space did Bellingham acquire in 2024? **A:** 127 acres totaling four properties throughout the city. **Q:** What was the vote count for the HUD Consolidated Action Plan resolution? **A:** Passed 6-0 with one abstention (Anderson). **Q:** Which villages will North Haven replace? **A:** Swift Haven and Unity Villages currently on city property. **Q:** Where will surplus Swift Haven tiny homes go? **A:** To United Way of Skagit County per the consent agenda. **Q:** What happened to the Procession of the Species event? **A:** Returned after a six-year hiatus with about 600 participants. **Q:** When is the next public hearing scheduled? **A:** May 19, 2025 on Multi-Family Tax Exemption program amendments. **Q:** Who provided the domestic violence commission update? **A:** Susan Marks, Director of the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence. **Q:** How many public comments were heard? **A:** Six individuals provided public comment during the session. **Q:** What time did the meeting adjourn? **A:** 7:52 PM after beginning at 7:00 PM. ---