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Bellingham · BEL-CP-2025 · Pages 124-138

Community Wellbeing

The Community Wellbeing chapter addresses the social, economic, environmental, cultural, and civic factors that contribute to a connected, safe, and equitable Bellingham. It establishes policies to address health determinants including food security, housing stability, community safety, and social connection, while promoting arts, culture, and lifelong learning opportunities. The chapter also prioritizes equity and inclusion in City processes, meaningful community engagement, and strengthened relationships with tribal nations and indigenous community members.

Community Wellbeing Social Safety Governance Economy
Goals (6 total)
  • CW-A: Health and Wellbeing – Confront systemic and regional community health and wellbeing issues through social services, a resilient food system and interactive programming
  • CW-B: Vitality and Belonging – Foster community vitality, reduce loneliness and promote a positive sense of belonging through safety and connection
  • CW-C: Arts and Culture – Promote and celebrate Bellingham's arts and culture
  • CW-D: Equity and Inclusion – Expand and strengthen equity and inclusion throughout the City's civic processes and practices
  • CW-E: Community Engagement – Foster a welcoming environment for outreach and engagement by inviting community members to be involved in City government
  • CW-F: Tribal Relations – Strengthen relationships and engagement processes with tribal nations and indigenous community members
Stronger Policy Language (21 policies)
  • CW-24: Develop and implement a strategic plan to guide the City's work in building a more equitable and welcoming Bellingham for all.
  • CW-32: Continue implementing systems and strategies to inform the community of City processes and provide meaningful opportunities for public engagement.
  • CW-42: Uphold City government relationships and protocols with tribal governments, prioritizing early and ongoing consultation or communication about City plans, projects and processes.
  • CW-44: Standardize internal protocols, improving consistency and centralization of tribal engagement processes Citywide.
Aspirational / Monitoring Language (24 policies)
  • CW-5: Consider the importance of local and regional food systems assets and infrastructure in policy decisions, encouraging locally-based food production, processing, distribution and consumption.
  • CW-6: Encourage access to a diversity of nutritious, affordable, and culturally-appropriate food by exploring opportunities to support, incentivize, or encourage the location of food purveyors.
  • CW-10: Further a culture of support and belonging within Bellingham that aspires to be more understanding, respectful and accountable to those who experience marginalization.
  • CW-21: Integrate indigenous culture and history into the community dialogue, art installations and event programming, recognizing and respecting its importance in the region.

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