City of Bellingham Greenways Advisory Committee

The most significant policy discussion centered on greenways levy fund expenditures. Committee member David raised serious concerns about $6 million allocated for civic field turf replacement and skate park construction using greenways funds, arguing these expenditures violate the greenways strategic plan and voter intent. He revealed that despite twice stating publicly that no greenways funds were being used for skate parks, he discovered the allocation buried in public works budgets rather than clearly itemized. David suggested the committee has failed in its advisory responsibility by not reviewing and making recommendations on greenways budget expenditures as required. He mentioned secondhand r…

**David (Committee Member):** Strongly opposed to using greenways levy funds for skate park and civic field turf, arguing these violate strategic plan and voter intent. Concerned about committee's failure to review greenways budget expenditures. Interested in exploring alternative governance models to better protect greenways funding. **Brian (Public Commenter):** Echoed concerns about greenways fund misuse, emphasized community desire for natural area restoration and trail connectivity. Noted volunteer program capacity limitations due to insufficient staffing despite strong public interest in participation. **Jim Marcotte (Public Commenter):** Representing King Mountain Trails Subcommittee, expressed support for current PROSE plan trail mapping …

**David, on greenways fund misuse:** "Greenways funding has to be spent consistent with the greenways strategic plan. You can't find anything about skate park in the greenways strategic plan. Can't find anything about turf at civic field in the greenways strategic plan." **Brian, on voter intent:** "When you talk to people about greenways, they say, yeah, I didn't vote for greenways for a skate park." **Brian, on volunteer program potential:** "The volunteer parties are full every week, whic…

**Leadership Transition:** Committee transitioned from Kelsey's three-year chairmanship to new leadership team of Zach (chair) and Neil (vice chair), bringing fresh perspective while maintaining institutional knowledge. **PROSE Plan Advancement:** Committee completed its trail mapping review process, moving recommendations forward after months of detailed analysis and public input. The approved mapping includes significant new access points to Galbraith Mountain and expanded neighborhood connectivity. **Governance Concerns Elevated:** Previously informal concerns about greenways fund expenditures became f…

### Meeting Overview The City of Bellingham Greenways Advisory Committee met on December 5, 2025, to discuss trail mapping for the PROS (Parks, Recreation & Open Space) Plan and elect officers for 2026. The meeting focused heavily on citizen concerns about greenways levy funding being used for purposes not aligned with the original voter intent. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Greenways Levy:** A voter-approved funding mechanism first passed in 1989 to acquire and maintain natural areas, trails, and open space in Bellingham. The current levy generates millions for parks and recreation but has specific requirements for how funds can be spent. **PROS Plan:** The Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan that guides the city's long-term vision for parks and recreation facilities. The committee was reviewing proposed trail mapping for inclusion in this plan. **Street Vacation:** A legal process where the city can sell unopened or unused public right-of-way to adjacent property owners. This requires technical review, public hearings, and City Council approval. **Urban Growth Area (UGA):** Areas outside the city limits but within the county that are planned for future city development and services. **Right-of-way:** Public property set aside for streets, utilities, or other public purposes, even if not currently developed or used. **Metropolitan Parks District:** An alternative funding model for parks that was mentioned as potentially replacing the greenways system. **Whatcom Land Trust:** A local nonprofit organization that acquires and manages conservation lands throughout Whatcom County. **Trail Mapping:** The process of identifying and officially designating future trail corridors in city planning documents to preserve opportunities for trail development. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Kelsey | Greenways Advisory Committee Chair (stepping down) | | Peter | City Parks and Recreation Staff | | Lena | City Staff | | David | Greenways Advisory Committee Member | | Zach | Greenways Advisory Committee Vice Chair (elected as 2026 Chair) | | Neil | Greenways Advisory Committee Member (elected as 2026 Vice Chair) | | Kathy | Greenways Advisory Committee Member | | Dina | Greenways Advisory Committee Member | | Sarah | Greenways Advisory Committee Member | | Brian | Member of the public providing comment | | Jim Marcotte | King Mountain Trails Subcommittee representative | ### Background Context The Greenways Adviso…