**Meeting Overview** The Whatcom County Council Committee of the Whole held a comprehensive 2.5-hour session addressing economic development, health officer appointments, regulatory reforms, and capital project financing. The meeting demonstrated significant council engagement on multiple complex policy issues. **Major Decisions & Actions** - APPROVED: Healthy Children's Fund goals resolution (substitute version) - APPROVED: Board of Equalization membership amendments (with modifications) - APPROVED: Economic Development Investment Board restructuring (with three amendments) - DISCUSSED: Health officer appointments for Dr. Harley and Dr. Lelonek - DISCUSSED: SSB 5290 regulatory implementation - DISCUSSED: Capital project financing framework **Key Themes** 1. **Process Improvement**: Emphasis on streamlining operations and increasing transparency 2. **Stakeholder Engagement**: Multiple instances of incorporating external input 3. **Financial Responsibility**: Careful consideration of debt financing and spending accountability 4. **Regional Collaboration**: Focus on cross-border economic partnerships and small city representation **Critical Issues Identified** - $15 million Healthy Children's Fund spending timeline deemed unrealistic by staff - Potential $350+ million debt burden from upcoming capital projects - Need for better council involvement in major financial decisions - Ongoing challenges with regulatory reform implementation ---