Last Chance to Speak Before the Comprehensive Plan Vote on Tuesday

Hundreds of Whatcom County residents have participated in the Comprehensive Plan update process. If you’ve attended meetings, submitted comments, sent emails, or simply followed along since spring 2024—thank you. Your engagement has made a difference.

On Tuesday, July 14, the Whatcom County Council will hold a public hearing and final vote on the county’s Comprehensive Plan. This plan will guide land use, housing, economic development, transportation, environmental stewardship, and other county priorities for the next 20 years.

Over the past few months, several proposed amendments raised legitimate concerns about their potential long-term impacts on property rights, housing opportunities, agriculture, and economic growth. Thanks to the continued engagement of citizens, business owners, agricultural organizations, and community members, many of those concerns were brought to light, and the current draft plan reflects a more balanced outcome.

TAKE ACTION

Submit Your Comments or Attend the Public Hearing & Final Vote

Tuesday | July 14, 2026 |6:00 p.m.
Whatcom County Council Chambers
311 Grand Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225

While the current plan isn’t perfect, we believe it strikes a reasonable balance. We encourage the Council to adopt the current draft without significant last-minute amendments that could upset the balance that has emerged through months of public review and community engagement.

Planning to testify? (Speakers have up to three minutes)

• Attend in person: Arrive by 5:50 p.m. to sign up for public comment.

• Attend remotely: Register for a Zoom link by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Helpful Links

• Email the County Council: council@co.whatcom.wa.us

• County Council Agenda and registration link: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3415/Participate-in-Council-Meetings

• Comprehensive Plan Update, meeting information, and remote participation: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/4218/2025-Comprehensive-Plan-Updates

If you believe Whatcom County’s future should balance environmental stewardship with housing opportunities, agriculture, family-wage jobs, and a strong local economy, this is your final opportunity to make your voice heard before the Council votes.

Whether you attend the meeting, testify, or send an email, your participation matters. Thank you for staying informed, staying engaged, and helping ensure local government remains accountable to the people it serves. We hope you’ll join us one final time on July 14th or by submitting your thoughts via email.