Bellingham City Council

The Bellingham City Council's March 9, 2026 meeting was highlighted by a comprehensive presentation on the results of a 2025 survey of landlords and property managers regarding the city's rental fee regulations implemented in August 2025. The presentation, delivered by Legislative Policy Analyst Iris Knot, revealed significant operational changes particularly among property managers, with Council voting unanimously to refer the matter to the Planning Committee for further discussion. The meeting also featured the confirmation and swearing-in of Nicholas Henry as Bellingham Municipal Court Judge Position Two, marking a significant expansion of the court's capacity to handle trials. Henry, who has served as municipal court commissioner since January 2022, was confirmed unanimously and sworn in by Judge Debra Lev during the meeting. Mayor Marilyn Lund provided updates on the city's ambitious day center planning initiative, aiming to open a facility by fall 2026 to serve homeless individuals, particularly in anticipation of the central library branch closure for renovations. The House capital budget has included $1.03 million for the project, though final legislative approval remains pending as the session concludes. Council Member Hamill reported on his participation in updating the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM), a community resource mapping tool for behavioral health and criminal justice services, with Council voting to receive a presentation on the findings at the April 13 Public Health, Safety, Justice, and Equity Committee meeting. The session included routine business with all consent agenda items passing unanimously, along with the extension of interim landmark tree development regulations for an additional six months. The meeting concluded with a public comment period featuring 12 speakers.