Whatcom County Council Public Works & Health Committee

The Whatcom County Public Works & Health Committee received a comprehensive presentation on the Healthy Children's Fund (HCF) draft implementation plan for 2025-2026, with significant discussion centering on emergency food assistance amid the ongoing SNAP benefits crisis. Sarah Simpson from Health and Community Services presented the culmination of extensive community feedback processes, revealing that the draft spending plan received strong community support with no recommended changes to funding allocations. The presentation highlighted $1.5 million in food bank contracts over four years, with discussions of potential flexibility to expand food purchases within existing diaper, wipes, and formula contracts. However, the Bellingham Food Bank has chosen to pause contract amendments for food purchases during the current SNAP upheaval, preferring to extend their existing contract timeline instead. Council members expressed interest in administrative solutions to provide immediate food bank relief, including potentially advancing 2026 General Fund money for 2025 use. The committee also received updates on capital project awards and subsidy RFP evaluations, with 321 potential new childcare slots in the pipeline through capital investments totaling $5.5 million over four years.

**Item AB2025-771:** Presentation and discussion only - no formal votes taken. **Key Staff Recommendation:** Adopt the draft HCF implementation plan for 2025-2026 as presented, maintaining current funding allocation priorities based on community feedback. **Council Discussion Points:** - Potential fourth focus area under "Supporting Vulnerable Children" for basic needs and food access - Administrative mechanisms to advance 2026 food bank funding to 2025 - Contract amendment flexibility for Bellingham Food Bank food purchases **What the Committee Directed:** The item will return to full Council in two weeks for adoption. Staff was directed to explore advancing 2026 General Fund food bank money to 2025 and prepare potential budget supplemental language.

**Sarah Simpson, on her work philosophy:** "I have this kid boss philosophy where I pick a kid when I'm either dropping off my kids at daycare or school, and I've decided that person, that child is my boss for the day because we have so many things we're navigating that are not, they're in the name of children, but they're really un-childlike, lots of processes, policies, paperwork, all those sorts of things." **Sarah Simpson, on community feedback:** "I think first and foremost, it was really invigorating for us to see a strong community investment. People were excited about the progress that we'd made and the things that we were choosing to spend our money on." **Sarah Simpson, on maintaining plan flexibility:** "I think it would create a precedent for all things to be called out. And so to me, the plan creates some level of flexibility about how we can spend our money." **Sarah Simpson, on formula adequacy:** "Families do receive formula if they're on WIC, but as we discussed during a much previous presentation, the formula provided is not enough to cover the needs of their baby." **Sarah Simpson, on multiple approaches to basic needs:** "I think those basic need access comes in in a lot of different ways in the Healthy Children's Fund. It isn't just explicitly paying for food at the food bank." **Council Member Mark Stremler, questioning WIC sufficiency:** "You mentioned that the WIC programme isn't sufficient for providing enough formula for families. Can you tell me more about that?"

--- ## MODULE S1: STUDY GUIDE ### Meeting Overview The Whatcom County Public Works and Health Committee met on November 5, 2025, for a special presentation on the Healthy Children's Fund Draft Implementation Plan for 2025-2026. Sarah Simpson from Health and Community Services provided updates on childcare funding progress, food bank support options, and upcoming priorities for the $1.5 million annual fund focused on improving kindergarten readiness countywide. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Healthy Children's Fund (HCF):** A Whatcom County fund created by ordinance to support kindergarten readiness through early learning and care services, childcare subsidies, and support for vulnerable children, with specific spending requirements for different categories. **Implementation Plan:** A detailed spending strategy that allocates HCF dollars across specific programs and services, requiring public input and County Council adoption every two years. **Working Connections:** Washington State's childcare subsidy program that helps low-income families afford childcare, though provider payments are often below actual costs, creating access barriers. **Capital Projects:** Physical improvements to childcare facilities, including new centers, expansions, and in-home provider licensing improvements, with $5.5 million allocated over four years. **Basic Needs Support:** Services including diapers, formula, wipes, and potentially food through partnerships like the Bellingham Food Bank contract. **SNAP Crisis:** Recent federal changes to food assistance programs creating increased demand at local food banks and requiring emergency response planning. **RFP (Request for Proposals):** Competitive process used to award contracts for services like childcare subsidies and capital improvements. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Jon Scanlon | Committee Chair | | Sarah Simpson | Health and Community Services, Children's and Family Programs Supervisor | | Kaylee Galloway | Council Member District 2 | | Mark Stremler | Committee Member | | Ben Elenbaas | Committee Member | | Kayla Schott-Bresler | Executive's Office | | Aly Pennucci | Executive's Office | ### Background Context Whatcom County identified a shortage of approximately 5,000 childcare slots, creating barriers for families and economic development. The Healthy Children's Fund, supported by voter-approved tax measures, addresses this through multiple strategies: building new childcare capacity, subsidizing costs for families, supporting childcare providers, and addressing basic needs that affect child development. The ordinance requires specific spending percentages: 9% for administration, 20-36% for vulnerable children support, and 55-68% for early learning and care. Recent federal changes to SNAP benefits have increased pressure on local food banks, creating urgency around the county's food security response. The implementation plan must balance immediate crisis needs with long-term kindergarten readiness goals while maintaining legal compliance with the fund's restrictions. ### What Happened — The Short Version Simpson presented the draft 2025-2026 Implementation Plan, highlighting community feedback themes and proposed spending allocations. Major discussion focused on food bank support options, including a potential contract amendment allowing up to 25% of the Bellingham Food Bank's HCF contract ($200,000) to be spent on food rather than just diapers, formula, and wipes. However, the food bank requested to pause this amendment due to SNAP program disruptions. Council members explored borrowing from 2026 General Fund money ($750,000) to provide immediate food bank support in 2025. Two RFPs are nearing completion: capital projects potentially creating 321 new childcare slots, and subsidy programs to make existing slots more affordable for families. The presentation emphasized that childcare expansion addresses food security indirectly by ensuring children receive regular meals in care settings, similar to school meal programs. ### What to Watch Next • County Council will consider adopting the Implementation Plan in two weeks • Discussion of advancing 2026 General Fund money for immediate food bank support at Committee of the Whole • Award letters going out for capital project funding, with some applications potentially receiving state Early Learning Facilities grants --- ## MODULE S2: FLASH CARDS **Q:** What is the Healthy Children's Fund's core goal? **A:** To produce more kindergarten ready kids across Whatcom County, regardless of their family circumstances. **Q:** How much money is allocated for childcare capital projects over four years? **A:** $5.5 million for capital projects to expand childcare capacity. **Q:** What percentage of HCF funds must go to early learning and care? **A:** Between 55% and 68% of annual funding. **Q:** How many new childcare slots could the capital projects create? **A:** Up to 321 new childcare slots if all 11 applications were funded. **Q:** What basic needs items does the Bellingham Food Bank contract cover? **A:** Diapers, formula, wipes, and potentially food under contract amendments. **Q:** How much HCF money has been dedicated to food bank services over four years? **A:** $1.5 million total, with current contracts of $867,000 and $600,000. **Q:** What is the "5,000 slot" childcare shortage referring to? **A:** The estimated gap between childcare demand and available licensed slots in Whatcom County. **Q:** Who supervises the Children's and Family Programs implementing HCF? **A:** Sarah Simpson from Whatcom County Health and Community Services. **Q:** What happens to the Implementation Plan next? **A:** County Council will vote on adoption in two weeks (approximately November 19, 2025). **Q:** How much could the food bank spend on food under the proposed amendment? **A:** Up to 25% of their contract amount, approximately $200,000. **Q:** What state program provides childcare subsidies that HCF supplements? **A:** Working Connections childcare subsidy program. **Q:** Why did the food bank request to pause the food contract amendment? **A:** Due to SNAP program upheaval creating uncertainty and administrative burden. **Q:** What County funding source could provide additional food bank support? **A:** General Fund and Community Priorities Fund, with $750,000 allocated for 2026. **Q:** How does childcare expansion address food security? **A:** Children in childcare receive regular meals, similar to school meal programs. **Q:** What age group does HCF primarily serve? **A:** Children zero to five years old, focused on early intervention for kindergarten readiness. **Q:** What organization helps expand in-home childcare providers? **A:** The IMAGINE Institute, funded through ARPA dollars for licensing support. **Q:** What is CREC and how does it relate to HCF? **A:** A partnership between Bellingham Chamber of Commerce and Opportunity Council focused on childcare expansion, funded by HCF. **Q:** When will the next Implementation Plan be developed? **A:** Co-design begins in 2026 for the 2027-2028 spending plan. --- ## MODULE S3: QUIZ WITH ANSWER KEY **Question 1: What percentage of Healthy Children's Fund dollars must be spent on early learning and care?** - A) 20-36% - B) 55-68% - C) 9% - D) 75-85% **Question 2: How many new childcare slots could be created through the capital projects RFP?** - A) 5,000 slots - B) 1,500 slots - C) 321 slots - D) 750 slots **Question 3: Who presented the Implementation Plan update to the committee?** - A) Jon Scanlon - B) Kaylee Galloway - C) Sarah Simpson - D) Kayla Schott-Bresler **Question 4: What is the total HCF funding dedicated to food bank services over four years?** - A) $867,000 - B) $1.5 million - C) $750,000 - D) $5.5 million **Question 5: Why did the Bellingham Food Bank request to pause the food contract amendment?** - A) They don't need additional funding - B) Legal restrictions prevent food purchases - C) SNAP program upheaval creating uncertainty - D) They prefer to focus only on diapers and formula **Question 6: What alternative funding source could provide immediate food bank support?** - A) State Emergency Fund - B) Federal SNAP replacement - C) General Fund and Community Priorities Fund 2026 money - D) Private donations **Question 7: What organization partners with the Opportunity Council on childcare expansion?** - A) IMAGINE Institute - B) Bellingham Chamber of Commerce - C) Peace Centres - D) WIC Program **Question 8: When will County Council vote on adopting the Implementation Plan?** - A) Immediately after this meeting - B) In two weeks - C) December 2025 - D) January 2026 **Question 9: What percentage of a food bank contract could be spent on food under the proposed amendment?** - A) 50% - B) 10% - C) 25% - D) 75% **Question 10: What is the primary reason for providing formula through HCF rather than relying on WIC?** - A) WIC doesn't provide formula - B) WIC provides exactly the right amount - C) WIC provides only the bare minimum with no flexibility for growth spurts or accidents - D) WIC is too expensive **Answer Key:** **1. B** — The ordinance requires 55-68% of HCF dollars go to early learning and care, making it the largest spending category. **2. C** — The 11 capital project applications totaled 321 potential new childcare slots if all were funded. **3. C** — Sarah Simpson, supervisor for Children's and Family Programs at Health and Community Services, presented the update. **4. B** — Over four years, HCF has contracted or recommended $1.5 million total for food bank services. **5. C** — The food bank requested to pause during SNAP program upheaval to avoid additional administrative complexity. **6. C** — The county has $750,000 in General Fund and Community Priorities Fund money allocated for 2026 that could potentially be advanced. **7. B** — CREC is a partnership between the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce and Opportunity Council for childcare expansion. **8. B** — Simpson stated she would return in two weeks for County Council to adopt the plan. **9. C** — The proposed amendment would allow up to 25% of contract funds to be spent on food. **10. C** — WIC provides the bare minimum formula with no cushion for growth spurts, accidents, or special needs. --- ## MODULE S4: Q&A — COMMON QUESTIONS **Q: Why is the county involved in funding childcare and food banks rather than leaving this to private markets or state programs?** A: Whatcom County identified a 5,000-slot childcare shortage that limits economic development and family stability. State programs like WIC and Working Connections provide inadequate support—WIC gives bare minimum formula amounts, while Working Connections pays providers below actual costs. The Healthy Children's Fund fills these gaps to achieve the voter-approved goal of kindergarten readiness for all children. **Q: How does spending money on childcare help with food security?** A: Children in licensed childcare receive regular meals and snacks, similar to school meal programs. Expanding childcare capacity means more children have consistent food access during the day. Additionally, when parents can work due to reliable childcare, family income increases, improving overall food security. **Q: What happens to families who can't access these services due to eligibility requirements or waitlists?** A: The Implementation Plan prioritizes expanding overall capacity through capital projects and reducing barriers through subsidies. The food bank services don't require age verification—they use statistical analysis showing high percentages of families with young children access services. Technical assistance will help smaller organizations apply for contracts to expand service reach. **Q: Why can't the food bank immediately use HCF money for food during the SNAP crisis?** A: Legal requirements restrict HCF spending to specific purposes outlined in the ordinance. The county worked with attorneys to determine they could amend the existing diapers/formula contract to include up to 25% food spending ($200,000), but the food bank chose to pause this option due to administrative complexity during SNAP changes. **Q: How do you know these investments will actually improve kindergarten readiness?** A: The Implementation Plan includes evaluation requirements and measurable outcomes. Research shows early intervention in childcare quality, family stability, and basic needs directly impacts school readiness. The county works with an evaluator to track progress and adjust strategies based on data. **Q: What prevents childcare providers from raising prices even higher with subsidy support?** A: The subsidies target both families (making care affordable) and providers (supporting Working Connections slots that currently lose money). Professional development funding helps providers operate efficiently. Capital investments create more supply, which should moderate price increases through competition. **Q: How does in-home childcare expansion help rural areas specifically?** A: Rural areas lack buildings suitable for large childcare centers. In-home providers can serve 6-12 children in residential areas where families live. HCF capital funding helps these providers meet licensing requirements like fencing and bathroom modifications, creating local options for rural families. **Q: When will families see actual results from this funding?** A: Some services are already active with existing contracts. Capital project award letters are going out now, with construction beginning in 2025. Subsidy programs are in final review. The two-week adoption timeline means full implementation begins January 2025, though some projects take 12-18 months to complete. **Q: Why not just give money directly to families instead of funding organizations?** A: Direct payments wouldn't address the core problem of insufficient childcare supply. The strategy combines supply-side investments (building more slots) with demand-side support (subsidies) and quality improvements (professional development). This comprehensive approach tackles multiple barriers simultaneously. **Q: What happens if federal or state funding for related programs gets cut?** A: The Implementation Plan maintains flexibility to adjust spending within ordinance categories. The county has multiple funding streams and can reallocate between programs. Community feedback processes help identify emerging needs, and the plan gets updated every two years to respond to changing conditions.

## MODULE S1: STUDY GUIDE **Meeting ID:** WHA-PWH-2025-11-05 ### Meeting Overview The Whatcom County Public Works and Health Committee met on November 5, 2025, for a special presentation on the Healthy Children's Fund Draft Implementation Plan for 2025-2026. Sarah Simpson from Health and Community Services provided updates on childcare funding progress, food bank support options, and upcoming priorities for the $1.5 million annual fund focused on improving kindergarten readiness countywide. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Healthy Children's Fund (HCF):** A Whatcom County fund created by ordinance to support kindergarten readiness through early learning and care services, childcare subsidies, and support for vulnerable children, with specific spending requirements for different categories. **Implementation Plan:** A detailed spending strategy that allocates HCF dollars across specific programs and services, requiring public input and County Council adoption every two years. **Working Connections:** Washington State's childcare subsidy program that helps low-income families afford childcare, though provider payments are often below actual costs, creating access barriers. **Capital Projects:** Physical improvements to childcare facilities, including new centers, expansions, and in-home provider licensing improvements, with $5.5 million allocated over four years. **Basic Needs Support:** Services including diapers, formula, wipes, and potentially food through partnerships like the Bellingham Food Bank contract. **SNAP Crisis:** Recent federal changes to food assistance programs creating increased demand at local food banks and requiring emergency response planning. **RFP (Request for Proposals):** Competitive process used to award contracts for services like childcare subsidies and capital improvements. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Jon Scanlon | Committee Chair | | Sarah Simpson | Health and Community Services, Children's and Family Programs Supervisor | | Kaylee Galloway | Council Member District 2 | | Mark Stremler | Committee Member | | Ben Elenbaas | Committee Member | | Kayla Schott-Bresler | Executive's Office | | Aly Pennucci | Executive's Office | ### Background Context Whatcom County identified a shortage of approximately 5,000 childcare slots, creating barriers for families and economic development. The Healthy Children's Fund, supported by voter-approved tax measures, addresses this through multiple strategies: building new childcare capacity, subsidizing costs for families, supporting childcare providers, and addressing basic needs that affect child development. The ordinance requires specific spending percentages: 9% for administration, 20-36% for vulnerable children support, and 55-68% for early learning and care. Recent federal changes to SNAP benefits have increased pressure on local food banks, creating urgency around the county's food security response. The implementation plan must balance immediate crisis needs with long-term kindergarten readiness goals while maintaining legal compliance with the fund's restrictions. ### What Happened — The Short Version Simpson presented the draft 2025-2026 Implementation Plan, highlighting community feedback themes and proposed spending allocations. Major discussion focused on food bank support options, including a potential contract amendment allowing up to 25% of the Bellingham Food Bank's HCF contract ($200,000) to be spent on food rather than just diapers, formula, and wipes. However, the food bank requested to pause this amendment due to SNAP program disruptions. Council members explored borrowing from 2026 General Fund money ($750,000) to provide immediate food bank support in 2025. Two RFPs are nearing completion: capital projects potentially creating 321 new childcare slots, and subsidy programs to make existing slots more affordable for families. The presentation emphasized that childcare expansion addresses food security indirectly by ensuring children receive regular meals in care settings, similar to school meal programs. ### What to Watch Next • County Council will consider adopting the Implementation Plan in two weeks • Discussion of advancing 2026 General Fund money for immediate food bank support at Committee of the Whole • Award letters going out for capital project funding, with some applications potentially receiving state Early Learning Facilities grants ---

## MODULE S2: FLASH CARDS **Meeting ID:** WHA-PWH-2025-11-05 **Q:** What is the Healthy Children's Fund's core goal? **A:** To produce more kindergarten ready kids across Whatcom County, regardless of their family circumstances. **Q:** How much money is allocated for childcare capital projects over four years? **A:** $5.5 million for capital projects to expand childcare capacity. **Q:** What percentage of HCF funds must go to early learning and care? **A:** Between 55% and 68% of annual funding. **Q:** How many new childcare slots could the capital projects create? **A:** Up to 321 new childcare slots if all 11 applications were funded. **Q:** What basic needs items does the Bellingham Food Bank contract cover? **A:** Diapers, formula, wipes, and potentially food under contract amendments. **Q:** How much HCF money has been dedicated to food bank services over four years? **A:** $1.5 million total, with current contracts of $867,000 and $600,000. **Q:** What is the "5,000 slot" childcare shortage referring to? **A:** The estimated gap between childcare demand and available licensed slots in Whatcom County. **Q:** Who supervises the Children's and Family Programs implementing HCF? **A:** Sarah Simpson from Whatcom County Health and Community Services. **Q:** What happens to the Implementation Plan next? **A:** County Council will vote on adoption in two weeks (approximately November 19, 2025). **Q:** How much could the food bank spend on food under the proposed amendment? **A:** Up to 25% of their contract amount, approximately $200,000. **Q:** What state program provides childcare subsidies that HCF supplements? **A:** Working Connections childcare subsidy program. **Q:** Why did the food bank request to pause the food contract amendment? **A:** Due to SNAP program upheaval creating uncertainty and administrative burden. **Q:** What County funding source could provide additional food bank support? **A:** General Fund and Community Priorities Fund, with $750,000 allocated for 2026. **Q:** How does childcare expansion address food security? **A:** Children in childcare receive regular meals, similar to school meal programs. **Q:** What age group does HCF primarily serve? **A:** Children zero to five years old, focused on early intervention for kindergarten readiness. **Q:** What organization helps expand in-home childcare providers? **A:** The IMAGINE Institute, funded through ARPA dollars for licensing support. **Q:** What is CREC and how does it relate to HCF? **A:** A partnership between Bellingham Chamber of Commerce and Opportunity Council focused on childcare expansion, funded by HCF. **Q:** When will the next Implementation Plan be developed? **A:** Co-design begins in 2026 for the 2027-2028 spending plan. ---