The WCBCC is made up of local business owners and government reps. Committee members, community and government personal are concentrating on Whatcom County’s affordable housing crisis, water management (why are we flooding 2+ months per year and have drought 2+ months per year in the same areas?), Whatcom County’s increasing crime and need for a new jail, and the lack of available childcare. New and current businesses to Whatcom County have also been part of the meetings.
The May agenda included Troy Muljat, Muljat Group, and Dan Dunne, CAZ Construction, presenting Working Draft Remedies to Whatcom County’s Affordable Housing Crisis as prepared by the WCBCC Housing Crisis Sub Committee group. Sub committee members are: WCBCC Committee Members Troy Muljat, Sarah Rothenbuhler, Ryan Allsop, Pete Dawson & Community Members: Dan Dunne CAZ Construction, Lance Calloway – AGC, Ken Bell Port Commissioner, Michael Chiavario Community Member, Andrew Reding Community Member, John Huntley Mills Electric.
There was also an introduction by Rob Janicki of the RJGroup and his company’s innovative approach to housing development in Whatcom County.
In April, County Sherrif Bill Elfo and Bellingham Police Chief Flo Simon talked about factors behind dramatically rising crime rates including lack of jail space/accountability for people committing crimes, recent state laws limiting law enforcement ability to contact suspected criminals and difficulties recruiting new officers. The group also met Jack Timmons, owner Jack’s BBQ , with multiple locations in Seattle and now open in downtown Bellingham.
The Whatcom County Council created the WCBCC in 2018 for feedback on regulations and policies impacting local businesses, industry or economic development. Anyone interested in the current and future health of Whatcom County can attend meetings in-person at the Port of Bellingham Mount Baker Room or via Zoom. If you would like to be added to the committee email list and receive monthly meeting agendas and minutes, please email wcbcc@portofbellingham.com with your request.
