Whatcom County | Future 42

40+ Whatcom County Small Businesses Urge Legislature to Reject State Income Tax

Today, 40+ local businesses in Whatcom County sent a joint letter to the Washington State Legislature expressing their concerns regarding the proposed state income tax, SB 6346. The letter urges the Legislature to reject the income tax in order to avoid negative impacts on Washington’s economy. To the Honorable Members of the Washington State Legislature,...

Local Elected Officials Urge Legislature to Reject New State Income Tax

Local elected leaders from across Washington are speaking out against the proposal to create a state income tax, warning it could harm communities, small businesses, and the state’s economic competitiveness. In the letter below (and available as a pdf here), they urge lawmakers to reject the plan and instead pursue policies that support growth and...

Rep. Joe Timmons Casts Deciding Vote on HB 2489, Limiting Local Control

An important development for Whatcom County is happening now in Olympia. HB 2489, a bill that severely limits local governments’ ability to manage camping and encampments in public spaces, passed out of the House Housing Committee on a 9–8 vote. The deciding vote was cast by Representative Joe Timmons, our 42nd District State House Representative and a member of the Housing Committee. For many cities, those standards in this...

Update on the AltaGas Ferndale Terminal Project

Thank you for staying engaged and informed on the local issues shaping our county. As a follow-up to our recent email outlining the AltaGas Ferndale Terminal proposal and review process, we want to share an important update and a clear opportunity to participate. In 2024, AltaGas | ALA Energy submitted a regulatory application to Whatcom County for...

What to Know About AltaGas’ Ferndale Terminal Project and What Comes Next

Many in Whatcom County have heard about recent activity at the AltaGas / ALA Energy Ferndale Terminal, located in the Cherry Point industrial area near Ferndale. This overview provides context on the project and the permitting process now underway, and why it has drawn attention and support from the community. A Major Investment in an...

Flood Recovery in Whatcom County – Here’s How You Can Help

Severe flooding has impacted communities across Whatcom County, leaving many residents facing damage, displacement, and uncertainty. We want to start by thanking first responders, emergency management teams, public works crews, and local volunteers who have stepped up immediately to protect people, pets and property and support recovery and clean-up efforts. If you or someone you know needs...

Big Wins for Accountability, Improved Government Efficiency & Transparency in Whatcom County

When we shared our comprehensive voters guide to the 12 Charter amendments in October, our goal was to make it easier to understand what was on your ballot and why these once-a-decade proposals matter. Thanks to strong voter engagement, Whatcom County saw clear and encouraging results. Every one of the seven amendments we took a position on...

Whatcom County plans to raise your taxes TONIGHT (Nov. 5) — speak out now!

What’s Happening The Whatcom County Council will hold a public hearing tonight (Wednesday) to authorize a series of property tax increases for collection in 2026. Date: Wednesday, November 5, 6 pm Location: Whatcom County Chambers, 311 Grand Ave, Bellingham (Hybrid- in person and virtual) Agenda link: View on Legistar Most taxes (below) are proposed to increase by 1 percent, which...

Understanding the Whatcom County Charter Amendments on Your November Ballot

As ballots arrive today or over the weekend, Whatcom County voters are being asked to decide on 12 proposed amendments to the County Charter, which will appear on the ballot as Propositions 1 through 12. These measures range from minor housekeeping updates to significant changes in how our local government operates. At Future 42, our mission is...

Whatcom County Hosts First Government Open House September 3

On Wednesday, September 3rd (6:00–7:30 PM), Whatcom County is hosting its first County Government Open House at the County Courthouse on 311 Grand Ave., Suite 105, Bellingham, WA. This is more than a meet-and-greet, it’s an important opportunity to ask tough questions and demand accountability on the things affecting our community. Here’s why it matters: In...

2025 Whatcom County State Legislative Scorecard

Future 42 is proud to release its first-of-its-kind, comprehensive scorecard, providing an in-depth analysis of key votes taken by the six legislators representing Whatcom County during the 2025 legislative session. This vital resource ensures that Washingtonians are informed about the bills passed, their potential impact, and the legislators’ positions on these issues. The six legislators,...

Whatcom County 2024 Scorecard

Public Safety. Taxes and Fiscal Responsibility. Government Regulations. Agriculture/Environmental Policy Do these local issues relate to your life? These are issues the Whatcom County Council discusses on a regular basis. Future 42 Whatcom County has analyzed key 2024 votes in our annual scorecard linked below in order to help inform you how your local councilmembers...

Washingtonians in Seattle and two counties rise up to oppose tax hikes

Seemingly emboldened by the recent election results, some local elected officials in Seattle and in two of the largest counties in the state have been eager to propose and vote on various tax hikes before the end of the year. But they didn’t count on the response from constituents they’ve been seeing thanks to your...

Future 42 – Whatcom County announces new Project Director

Project 42 is pleased to announce Hannah Ordos as its new Future 42 Whatcom County Project Director. Ordos brings a wealth of leadership experience and love for her community through service to this role. You may recognize Ordos as she ran for the Whatcom County at-large council seat in 2023. She is known for her commitment...