Community and Economic Development Committee

**Severe Weather Shelter Operations Model** The discussion centered on the distinction between "winter shelter" and "severe weather shelter" programs. As Tara Sundin explained, winter shelters operate continuously throughout winter months, while severe weather shelters activate only during life-threatening conditions when temperatures hit 32 degrees or below. The county will operate from 4 PM to 9 AM during activations, providing 60 beds with surge capacity approved by fire and building officials. Chris D'Onofrio detailed operational improvements, including hiring a site supervisor and six shift leads rather than relying on health department staff working double shifts. The program will cost $400,000-$500,000, with fixed costs of $300,000 and $5,500 per night of activation. At 48 hours advance notice, outreach teams will notify the homeless community t…

**Tara Sundin (Community and Economic Development Manager):** Supported the agreement while acknowledging tension between emergency shelter funding and permanent housing goals. Emphasized the legal permissibility of using affordable housing sales tax for shelter services and noted the city's funding only triggers during severe winters. **Chris D'Onofrio (Whatcom County Housing Supervisor):** Advocated for the harm reduction model, describing the shelter as providing basic safety rather than comprehensive…

**Tara Sundin, clarifying the program distinction:** "When we refer to severe weather shelter, we're talking about activation during extreme weather condition. Sometimes in the past, we've referred to things as winter shelter. When we talk about winter shelter, which we're not proposing under this agenda bill, that's kind of a night by night for a duration of like three to four months. But this is for severe weather shelter." **Chris D'Onofrio, on the harm reduction approach:** "This is not a…

**Operational Improvements:** The shelter will operate with 60 beds instead of 80, providing more space and better conditions for guests. Whatcom County will hire dedicated staff rather than relying on health department employees working overtime shifts. **Enhanced Community Relations:** The county committed to proactive community meetings with neighbors and improved transportation to reduce morning loitering issues that generated complaints last year. **Funding Clarity:** The agreement establishes a clear tiered funding structure with…

### Meeting Overview The Bellingham City Council's Community and Economic Development Committee met on September 29, 2025 to consider an interlocal agreement with Whatcom County for operating a severe weather shelter during the 2025-2026 winter season. The committee unanimously approved the agreement, which provides city funding to support county-operated emergency shelter services for homeless individuals during dangerous weather conditions. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Severe Weather Shelter:** A temporary emergency shelter that opens only during extreme weather conditions (32 degrees or below with precipitation), distinct from winter shelters that operate continuously throughout cold months. **Interlocal Agreement:** A formal contract between two government jurisdictions (in this case, Bellingham and Whatcom County) to share costs and responsibilities for providing public services. **Affordable Housing Sales Tax:** A one-tenth of one percent sales tax approved by voters to fund affordable housing programs, authorized under House Bill 1590 in 2020. **Temperature Threshold:** The weather trigger for opening the severe weather shelter - a forecasted overnight low of 32 degrees or lower for four or more hours. **Request for Proposals (RFP):** A bidding process where governments seek private contractors to operate public services. Whatcom County received no applications for shelter operation in 2025. **Harm Reduction:** An approach to social services that focuses on reducing immediate dangers and negative consequences rather than requiring complete behavioral change. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Jace Cotton | Committee Chair, At-Large Council Member | | Dan Hamill | Committee Member, Third Ward Council Member | | Edwin "Skip" Williams | Committee Member, Fourth Ward Council Member | | Tara Sundin | Community & Economic Development Manager, City of Bellingham | | Chris D'Onofrio | Housing Program Supervisor, Whatcom County Health and Community Services | ### Background Context Homelessness remains a critical…