## Public Comment Overview Five residents spoke during public comment at the February 23, 2026 Bellingham City Council meeting, addressing diverse topics ranging from local priorities and park stewardship to housing affordability and public health concerns. The comment period lasted approximately 15-20 minutes total, with speakers covering both praise for infrastructure improvements and criticism of city priorities. The tone was notably varied — some speakers were constructive and collaborative, while others expressed frustration with perceived inaction on key issues. ## Housing Affordability — 2 Speakers **Adam Bellinger**: Called for focusing on local priorities that unite rather than divide the community, specifically praising infrastructure projects like the Samish Way road paving project and calling for a bike lane on James Street between Sunset and King Mountain. "So let's keep up on those kinds of things... There's a lot of places where we can just come together and just say, hey, this is great for everybody." **Brian Gas**: Delivered an impassioned critique of the city's housing policies, arguing that officials have control over housing affordability but choose not to act. Referenced a Whatcom County planning director who reportedly declined a position because they couldn't afford to live in the county. "You have control of your housing right now, and you do nothing about it. I listened to the mayor's message today. I should have counted how long she spent on affordable housing, but really any actions on what that's going to do or how that's going to change everybody." ## Parks and Greenways Funding — 1 Speaker **Brian Armstrong**: Provided detailed testimony about his ongoing advocacy for proper use of Greenways levy funds, responding to previous council comments about his input. Emphasized his consistent attendance and listening at meetings while advocating for adherence to voter-approved priorities. "From my perspective and from the conversations
City of Bellingham City Council
The Bellingham City Council addressed seven action items in a meeting dominated by tree preservation policy and immigration rights during turbulent national times. The evening's most significant actions were extending the interim landmark tree ordinance for another six months and adopting a resolution reaffirming the city's commitment to immigrant rights while denouncing federal enforcement actions deemed unconstitutional. The landmark tree ordinance extension passed 7-0 after a public hearing featuring diverse testimony from arborists, development industry representatives, and environmental advocates. The ordinance, which has been extended multiple times since its emergency adoption in May 2024, protects trees with trunks 36 inches in diameter or greater while staff continues developing permanent regulations through a Type VI legislative process. Three significant transportation grants totaling over $12 million were approved unanimously, including $2.3 million for Samish Way and Maple Street overlay work and $10.46 million for Electric Avenue Bridge reconstruction. These grants represent major infrastructure investments with minimal local match requirements. The immigration resolution sparked extensive council discussion about constitutional protections, due process, and local government's role during federal enforcement actions. Multiple amendments were adopted to strengthen language around celebrating diverse voices and clarifying that federal actions are "unlawful" rather than "lawless." Council members shared deeply personal perspectives on their oath to uphold the Constitution and concerns about civil rights violations. Mayor Lund premiered an innovative State of the City address delivered via video rather than traditional speech format, highlighting 2025 accomplishments including infrastructure improvements, housing initiatives, and downtown activation efforts. The presentation emphasized stewardship of taxpayer resources while addressing a $10 million bu
- **Landmark Tree Ordinance Extension (AB 24843):** Approved 7-0 with amendment correcting the public hearing date. Extends interim regulations six months through September 26, 2026. - **Samish Way/Maple Street Overlay Grant (AB 24837):** Approved 7-0. $2.315 million WSDOT grant for pavement resurfacing and street lighting improvements between Bill McDonald Parkway and Ellis Street. - **Electric Avenue Bridge Grant (AB 24838):** Approved 7-0. $10.46 million WSDOT grant for bridge reconstruction with $1.4 million local match requirement. - **Lake Whatcom Water District Agreement…
- **March 9, 2026:** Next regular city council meeting - **March 17, 2026:** Second community forum on immigration issues hosted by Whatcom Racial Equity Commission and Connect Ferndale in Ferndale - **February 27, 2026:** Ribbon cutting ceremony for Sunset Pond loop trail at 3:00 p.m. - **April 2026:** Keep Washington Working Act advisory group recommendations expected to come to council - **End of April 2026:** Whatcom County Executive seeking decisions on Justice Center scope and funding - **September 26, 2026:** Landmar…