Whatcom County | Future 42

2026 Whatcom County State Legislative Scorecard

FUTURE 42 recently released our second annual comprehensive scorecard highlighting key votes taken by all 147 legislators during the 2026 legislative session. That full scorecard can be viewed here. Today, Future 42 Whatcom County is releasing an abbreviated legislative scorecard specifically highlighting the key votes taken by legislators representing Whatcom County during the 2026 legislative session. 40th...

Whatcom County Land Policy Changes Could Affect Property/Land Use Decisions

Whatcom County is in the final stages of updating its Comprehensive Plan — the 20-year planning document required under Washington’s Growth Management Act that helps guide future decisions on land use, housing, public lands, permitting, resource lands, infrastructure, and economic development. Most residents are not following every detail of this process, but several recently approved amendments...

2025 Bellingham City Council Scorecard

How Did Your Local Officials Vote in 2025? Future 42 Whatcom County is a local county project committed to advocating for key issues such as public safety, housing affordability, and tax relief. As a grassroots effort, we believe local government works best when citizens are informed, engaged, and willing to speak up on the decisions...

2025 Ferndale City Council Scorecard

How Did Your Local Officials Vote in 2025? Future 42 Whatcom County is a local county project committed to advocating for key issues such as public safety, housing affordability, and tax relief. As a grassroots effort, we believe local government works best when citizens are informed, engaged, and willing to speak up on the decisions...

2025 Whatcom County Council Scorecard

How Did Your Local Officials Vote in 2025? Future 42 Whatcom County is a local county project committed to advocating for key issues such as public safety, housing affordability, and tax relief. As a grassroots effort, we believe local government works best when citizens are informed, engaged, and willing to speak up on the decisions...

Let Voters Decide: Whatcom County Sales Tax Increase Proposal — Tuesday @ 6 PM

The Whatcom County Council is considering a new 0.1% sales tax that some councilmembers are proposing for criminal justice purposes. Future 42 Whatcom’s position is that the decision should be put to voters, not implemented solely by a majority of the County Council. Major tax decisions are often put before voters and regularly are by...

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...