The Committee of the Whole convened for a comprehensive 5-item agenda focusing on major economic development, health services strategy, and tenant protection legislation. The meeting highlighted significant progress on the Waterfront District redevelopment, with both city and port officials providing updates on completed projects like the 83-unit Mercy Housing development and upcoming initiatives including marine trades expansion and World Cup 2026 fan zone preparations. A key milestone was achieved with unanimous approval of $54,000 in lodging tax funding for the Nocturnal Lanterns art installation at the Whatcom Museum's Lightcatcher building. The committee also received an extensive briefing from the new Strategic Initiatives Manager for Health and Human Services, Jason Cornelissen, who outlined his six months of community networking and future plans for addressing homelessness and addiction services. The meeting's substantial focus was on refining two landlord-tenant ordinances designed to regulate rental fees. Council Member Cotton presented extensive amendments to both the general rental fee ordinance and the manufactured home-specific version. While the committee accepted staff-proposed redline amendments and directed additional review of Cotton's proposals, significant work remains on both ordinances, with continuation scheduled for May 5, 2025. The session concluded with council expressing support for the House version of state rent stabilization legislation over Senate amendments that would allow inflation-indexed rent increases, directing city lobbyists to advocate for the more restrictive approach.
Committee of the Whole
Executive Summary
Key Decisions & Actions
& Actions **AB 24506 - LTAC Funding Recommendation:** APPROVED 7-0 - **Action:** $54,000 grant to Sparks Design for Nocturnal Lanterns installation - **Staff Recommendation:** Approve (LTAC-recommended) - **Key Details:** Art and lighting installation on Lightcatcher building alley wall - **Impact:** Adds downtown activation and beautification element for summer 2025 **Rental Fee Ordinance Amendments (AB 24501):** Multiple motions approved 7-0 - **Action 1:** Direct staff to clarify late fee time period language - **Action 2:** Accept all redline amendments in staff packet - **Action 3:** Direct administration to review Cotton's proposed amendments - **Timeline:** Return to council May 5, 2025 after legislative session ends **Manufactured Home Fee Ordinance Amendments (AB 24502):** Multiple motions approved 7-0 - **Action 1:** Amend title to specify "manufactured/mobile home/lot lease agreements" - **Action 2:** Accept redline amendments in packet - **Action 3:** Replace "total monthly payment" with "base rent" in sections 2 and 5 - **Timeline:** Return May 5, 2025 **State Rent Stabilization Position:** APPROVED 7-0 (amended) - **Action:** Support House version over Senate amendments, direct city lobbyists - **Rationale:** Prefer 7% cap versus Senate's inflation-indexed approach - **Impact:** Clear municipal position for legislative negotiations
Sign up free to read the full briefing
Unlock Full Access — It’s FreeNotable Quotes
Sign up free to read the full briefing
Unlock Full Access — It’s FreeWhat's Next
**May 5, 2025:** Return of both rental fee ordinances after legislative session ends and administration review of Cotton amendments **Summer 2025:** Implementation of Nocturnal Lanterns art installation and Northwest Tune-Up event (third year) **2026:** World Cup fan zone activation in Waterfront District for six Seattle matches, Bellingham Shipping Terminal rail connection design completion **2026-2027:** Marine trades sub-area plan amendment through full legislative process, Bay Street Connector potential construction depending on development thresholds **Late 2025/Early 2026:** Millworks Phase 2 construction start (109 workforce housing units), waterfront skate park construction timeline TBD pending budget **Ongoing:** North Haven tiny home village completion by mid-May 2025, followed by site identification for additional village
Sign up free to read the full briefing
Unlock Full Access — It’s Free