Whatcom Word, the word of Whatcom
- by City of BellinghamBellingham’s first Mitigation Bank, budget hearings, new playgrounds, Halloween events, and more: a news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamIndigenous Peoples' Day, construction updates, Whatcom Housing Week, and more: a news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamTransparency and privacy remain central to the program.
- by City of BellinghamJoin us for a Middle Housing Walking Tour, Home Share Happy Hour, a conversation about changes in housing regulations, and more!
- by City of BellinghamPublic hearings, Free First Friday, Kratom ban, Bird Week, and more: a news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamPedestrian and bike improvements, City budget overview, dog photo contest, and more: a news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamRoad work, Sister City celebration, volunteer opportunities, and affordable housing progress: a news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamThe incentive reduces regulatory barriers and streamlines permit approvals for qualifying low-income housing projects.
- by City of BellinghamNew resources make it easier for those considering developing ADUs or middle housing.
- by City of BellinghamThe role was a key commitment in Mayor Kim Lund’s Executive Order on Advancing Economic Opportunity
- Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning biotoxin levels have dropped in shellfish in southern Whatcom County. As a result, the Washington State Department of Health has lifted the biotoxin closure for Bellingham Bay, Chuckanut Bay and all of Larrabee State Park.
- Mostly sunny today with rain moving in overnight, drying out as the day goes on tomorrow. Mostly sunny Sunday, but cooler. See earthquakes preparedness tips below.
- Recent water sampling at Toad Lake detected microcystin levels below the maximum safe level established by the US Environmental Protection Agency. We have lifted the warnings for residents to avoid water contact at Toad Lake.
- Today the Whatcom County Council approved a contract with Road2Home to operate a low-barrier night-by-night shelter during the 2026-2027 winter season. Ferndale Community Services to Operate Only Severe Weather Shelter outside Bellingham
- Public Utility District No. 1 of Whatcom County (PUD) is replacing a deteriorating water transmission pipeline in western Whatcom County. The project will require intermittent closures and traffic restrictions.
- The Washington State Department of Health is advising the public not to eat recalled Sierra Nevada Graziers Raw Milk Cheese products due to a nationwide recall. There are currently no E.coli cases in Washington reported in connection with this recall.
- Whatcom County will host a Flood Preparedness Week Oct. 12- 16, 2026.
- Executive Sidhu proclaims Oct. 12th to Oct. 18th "Flood Preparedness Week" and encourages everyone to take steps for potential rising waters this flood season
- The Whatcom Chief will add a supplemental refueling day on Thursday, October 8. The 1:00 p.m. run from Lummi Island and the 1:10 p.m. run from Gooseberry Point are canceled.
- Unsafe levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning biotoxin have been detected in molluscan shellfish in Bellingham Bay. Washington State Department of Health has closed recreational harvest for all species of molluscan shellfish on Bellingham Bay.
- We are seeing more positive flu tests in our region, meaning the flu might arrive early this year. Now is a great time to get vaccinated and have the best protection for yourself and your family against flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
- Ballot packets for the general election will be mailed to registered voters on October 14. Voters should receive their ballot by October 20.
- Drivers should use caution around crews and equipment and use alternate routes when possible.
- Join us this Weds for an inside look at YOUR county government
- The 2026 Change of Value Notices were mailed September 25, 2026
- Starting October 6, the Whatcom County Disposal of Toxics facility will be closed on the first Tuesday of January, April, July, & October.
- The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, to inspect and maintain the ferry terminal facilities at both Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point.
- All events will be held at the Lummi Island Ferry Office (island-side terminal).
- Event date: October 28, 2026 Event Time: 03:00 PM – 05:00 PMLocation: 5280 Northwest DriveBellingham, WA 98226
- Event date: October 28, 2026 Event Time: 06:00 PM – 07:30 PMLocation: 4106 Valley HwyDeming, WA 98244
- Event date: October 21, 2026 Event Time: 06:00 PM – 08:00 PMLocation: 5280 Northwest DrivePortable BuildingBellingham, WA 98226
- Event date: October 20, 2026 Event Time: 09:00 AM – 11:59 PMLocation: 311 Grand Ave1st FloorBellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: October 22, 2026 Event Time: 06:00 PM – 09:00 PMLocation: 5280 Northwest DrivePortable BuildingBellingham, WA 98226
- Event date: October 20, 2026 Event Time: 09:00 AM – 10:30 AMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: October 26, 2026 Event Time: 09:00 AM – 11:00 AMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: October 21, 2026 Event Time: 10:10 AM – 03:00 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: October 29, 2026 Event Time: 05:30 PM – 07:00 PMLocation: 322 N Commercial StWhatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: October 28, 2026 Event Time: 03:00 PM – 05:00 PMLocation: 322 N Commercial StreetBottom FloorBellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: October 20, 2026 Event Time: 04:30 PM – 06:00 PMLocation: 110 Unity StWhatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: October 26, 2026 Event Time: 08:30 AM – 04:30 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event dates: October 26, 2026 – October 30, 2026Event Time: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event dates: October 19, 2026 – October 23, 2026Event Time: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: October 26, 2026 Event Time: 03:30 PM – 05:00 PMLocation: 509 Girard StWhatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: October 27, 2026 Event Time: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PMLocation: 311 Grand Ave1st FloorBellingham, WA 98225