Committee of the Whole

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.