Whatcom Word, the word of Whatcom
- 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
- by City of BellinghamFire Department urges community members to continue exercising caution.
- by City of BellinghamComment now on our report that shows how spending aligns with goals for affordable housing and shelter, first-time homebuyers, community facilities, human and social services, and other housing services.
- by City of BellinghamThe official Bird of Bellingham, downtown parking changes, construction updates, and more: a news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamFree First Friday, Police K9s, construction updates, We Scoop Photo Contest, and more: a news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- Mostly cloudy today with possible showers. Tomorrow fog in the morning, sunny later in the day. Sunday looks sunny all day. County burn ban as well as DNR land burn restrictions are removed. Visit WhatcomReady.org for preparedness tips.
- This planned return-to-service date depends on completing the remaining dry dock work, including sea trials. If the date or time should change because of unforeseen circumstances, we will provide additional information.
- After patchy fog burns off we will be cloudy but mostly dry today. Mostly cloudy tomorrow. County burn ban as well as DNR land burn restrictions are removed. Visit WhatcomReady.org for preparedness tips.
- 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.
- After patchy fog burns off we will be mostly sunny today. Tomorrow is similar with a chance of rain later in the day. We are having our annual Winter Storm Briefing with stakeholders this morning. Visit WhatcomReady.org for preparedness tips.
- Ballot packets for the general election will be mailed to registered voters on October 14. Voters should receive their ballot by October 20.
- The official Logic and Accuracy (L&A) Test for the November 3, 2026 General and Special Election will be held on October 5, 2026 at 10:00 am.
- 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
- The closure originally scheduled through October 2 has ended early.
- Whatcom County will host a Flood Preparedness Week Oct. 12- 16, 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).
- Fresh-pressed apple cider is a favorite fall tradition in Whatcom County. Apple cider that has NOT been pasteurized can carry harmful bacteria that can make people sick. We recommend the following safety steps to keep your cider-making safe and fun.
- Whatcom County residents and businesses can now safely dispose of old or leftover household paint for free at our upcoming Paint Collection & Recycling Event.
- The agreement moves the long-planned replacement of the 64-year-old Whatcom Chief closer to construction.
- Event date: October 8, 2026 Event Time: 07:00 PM – 08:30 PMLocation: 322 N Commercial StreetBottom FloorBellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: October 8, 2026 Event Time: 08:30 AM – 10:00 AMLocation: 110 Unity StreetWhatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: October 6, 2026 Event Time: 09:30 AM – 09:55 AMLocation: 311 Grand Ave1st FloorBellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: October 15, 2026 Event Time: 05:00 PM – 07:00 PMLocation: 5044 Mt Baker HwyDeming, WA 98244
- Event dates: October 12, 2026 – October 16, 2026Event Time: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: October 14, 2026 Event Time: 05:00 PM – 07:00 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: October 6, 2026 Event Time: 04:00 PM – 06:00 PMLocation: 5280 Northwest DrivePortable BuildingBellingham, WA 98226
- Event date: October 8, 2026 Event Time: 06:00 PM – 09:00 PMLocation: 5280 Northwest DrivePortable BuildingBellingham, WA 98226
- Event date: October 5, 2026 Event Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AMLocation: 311 Grand Avenue Suite B3Bellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: October 14, 2026 Event Time: 01:00 PM – 02:30 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: October 7, 2026 Event Time: 05:40 AM – 02:40 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: October 7, 2026 Event Time: 05:00 PM – 07:00 PMLocation: 1530 E Bakerview RdBellingham, WA 98226
- Event dates: September 12, 2026 – October 4, 2026Event Time: 12:00 AM – 11:00 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: October 15, 2026 Event Time: 07:00 AM – 08:30 AMLocation: 509 Girard StreetBellingham, WA 98225Description:Open Public Meeting of the Public Health Advisory Board
- Event date: October 15, 2026 Event Time: 02:00 PM – 04:00 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: October 15, 2026 Event Time: 08:30 AM – 04:30 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: October 14, 2026 Event Time: 08:30 AM – 04:30 PMLocation: 311 Grand Ave Suite 103Bellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: October 14, 2026 Event Time: 08:30 AM – 04:30 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event dates: October 14, 2026 – October 16, 2026Event Time: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225