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Whatcom County Council

WHA-CON-2025-12-09 December 09, 2025 Whatcom County Council Regular Whatcom County
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Whatcom County Council concluded its 2025 regular meetings with a procedurally heavy session dominated by contract approvals and final votes on several contentious issues. The most significant action was the adoption of AB2025-838, amendments to county zoning code for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and co-living standards, after rejecting a more restrictive alternative version. This represented a victory for those favoring more permissive ADU development, particularly in areas served by septic systems. Council also approved $648,568 in continued funding for on-site support services at the controversial 22 North permanent supportive housing facility, though the 5-2 vote reflected ongoing divisions about the program's effectiveness. The evening carried emotional weight as it marked the final meeting for Council Members Todd Donovan (10 years of service) and Tyler Byrd (8 years), who received recognition for their tenure. The meeting began with Deputy Executive Aly Pennucci reporting on an emergency proclamation issued earlier that day due to severe winter storms, high winds, flooding, and landslide risks across the county. This emergency declaration allows departments to enter necessary contracts and respond swiftly to weather-related challenges. Public Works is planning to go into "sector watch" mode as increased rainfall and river rise are forecast for the coming days. Beyond the major policy decisions, Council processed 40 consent agenda items worth millions in contracts, from body-worn camera systems to conservation district partnerships. The session also included passionate public testimony on issues ranging from WTA fare increases to health board restructuring to downtown public safety concerns. The meeting reflected both the routine business of county government and the ongoing tensions around housing policy, public safety, and service delivery that have defined much of this Council's work.

**Major Policy Actions:** - **AB2025-838 ADOPTED (5-2):** Amendments to county zoning code for accessory dwelling units and co-living standards, allowing more permissive ADU development including on septic systems. Staff recommendation: Support. Failed alternative AB2025-812 would have required city service connections. - **AB2025-832 APPROVED (5-2):** $648,568 contract with Opportunity Council for on-site support services at 22 North permanent supportive housing facility. Staff recommendation: Support. - **AB2025-847 APPROVED (5-2):** $77,000 contract with Whatcom Conservation District for Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) Program. Staff recommen…

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**Accessory Dwelling Units:** The central policy debate focused on two competing versions of ADU regulations. AB2025-812 would have required ADUs to connect to city sewer systems, while the adopted AB2025-838 allows ADUs on septic systems with appropriate capacity. Council Member Donovan argued that allowing septic-based ADUs in Urban Growth Areas (UGAs) could lead to low-density development that makes future annexation less attractive to cities. Council Member Elenbaas countered that septic regulations already provide sufficient limitations, and requiring city services would "functionally disallow" ADUs since cities don't service UGAs until full development. Planning staff confirmed ADU permits are "extremely popular" and processed frequently. The debate reflects broader tensions between encouraging housing development and managing growth patterns. **22 North Supportive Housing:** The $648,568 funding request for on-site services sparked philosophical debate about the effectiveness of the permanent supportive housing model. Council Member Stremler expressed frustration that despite substantial investmen…
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**Council Member Positions:** - **Todd Donovan:** Supported more restrictive ADU rules citing concerns about low-density UGA development; supported 22 North funding and most contracts - **Tyler Byrd:** Opposed restrictive ADU rules; reluctantly supported 22 North funding on final vote while urging better outcomes; opposed racial equity commission funding - **Ben Elenbaas:** Opposed restrictive ADU rules; voted against 22 North and PIC funding to pressure for program changes; opposed several other contracts - **Kaylee Galloway:** Supported permissive ADU rules; backed 22 North funding; generally supported social service contracts - **Jon Scanlon:** Supported permissive ADU rules; backed 22 North funding noting nearby business success; raised Keep Washington Working Act concerns for federal contracts - **Mark Stremler:** Supported permissive ADU rules; opposed 22 North funding q…
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**Council Member Donovan, on UGA development patterns:** "One of the things we've been talking about is for the areas that are potentially going to be UGA, is that get developed out at too low densities to be attractive for annexation." **Council Member Elenbaas, on enforcement approaches:** "I don't like that mindset. I think that if we treated the PIC program the way we did the HIP program, we would have a better outcome all the way around." **Council Member Byrd, final vote appeal to Oppo…
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**Immediate Actions:** - January 13, 2026: Next Council meeting; AB2025-854 (Bellingham paramedic contract) returns from hold - January 6, 2026: Deadline for county advisory board and commission applications - December 15: State deadline for tax levy certification (met with AB2025-883 approval) **Ongoing Processes:** - Justice Project planning continues with Crossroads Consulting facilitation ($39,900 approved) - Emergency weather response under proclamat…

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**Policy Implementation:** - County now allows more permissive ADU development on septic systems in compliance with state regulations, rejecting the more restrictive city-services-required approach - 22 North permanent supportive housing continues operations with $648,568 in approved support services for 2026 - Conservation district partnerships renewed with $77,000 for pollution identification work despite philosophical opposition **Budget Commitments:** - 2026 budget increased by $12.12 million; 2025 budget increased by $3.565 million - Racial Equity Commission secured $150,000 in administrative support (reduced from origina…
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# Whatcom County Council Says Goodbye to Two Members After Long Meeting on Housing, Public Safety On Tuesday evening, December 9, 2025, the Whatcom County Council held its final meeting of the year—and for two longtime council members, their final meeting altogether. The 2 hour and 45 minute session at the County Courthouse in Bellingham was marked by farewells, emergency weather declarations, heated debates over housing policy, and extensive discussion of contracts worth millions of dollars. ## A Night of Farewells Chair Kaylee Galloway opened the meeting by recognizing two departing council members. Todd Donovan, completing what Galloway initially said was 12 years of service (though there was some confusion over the exact number), and Tyler Byrd, finishing 8 years, received certificates of appreciation. "We just wanted to take a moment to recognize the both of you," Galloway said, adding that they could give farewell speeches at the end of the meeting. The departures weren't limited to elected officials. Deputy Executive Ali Panucci was also attending her last Whatcom County Council meeting before taking a new position in Seattle. "Just want to share my gratitude and appreciation for just the mountain you've moved in this county in the short time you've been here," Galloway told Panucci. ## Emergency Weather Declaration Panucci opened the executive's report with news of an emergency proclamation issued earlier that day. After the Sheriff's Office Division of Emergency Management reported severe winter storms, high winds, flooding, mudslides, and landslide risks across the county, the executive declared an emergency. "The current weather event last night had higher impacts …
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### Meeting Overview The Whatcom County Council met on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, for their final meeting of the year. This was the last meeting for Council Members Todd Donovan and Tyler Byrd, who were recognized for their years of service. The meeting focused primarily on routine business items and contract approvals, with significant discussion about accessory dwelling units and housing policy. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU):** A secondary housing unit on a single-family residential property, such as a basement apartment, garage conversion, or small detached unit. The council debated two versions of regulations to comply with state requirements. **Urban Growth Area (UGA):** Areas designated for future urban development and eventual annexation by cities. The council discussed how ADU policies might impact future development patterns in these areas. **Operation Stonegarden:** A federal grant program that provides funding to law enforcement agencies along U.S. borders for enhanced border security operations and equipment. **Keep Washington Working Act:** State legislation that limits local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, requiring compliance in any agreements with federal funds. **Permanent Supportive Housing:** Long-term housing assistance combined with intensive, coordinated services for individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness, such as the facility at 22 North. **Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) Program:** A county program that identifies pollution sources on rural properties and works with landowners to implement corrective measures, funded through partnerships with the Conservation District. **Inter-local Agreement:** A contract between different government jurisdictions (county, cities, state agencies) to share services, costs, or coordinate activities. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Kaylee Galloway | Council Chair | | Todd Donovan | Council Member (final meeting) | | Tyler Byrd | Council Member (final meeting) | | Barry Buchanan | Council Member | | Ben Elenbaas | Council Member | | Jon Scanlon | Council Member | | Mark Stremler | Council Member | | Aly Pennucci | Deputy County Executive (also final meeting) | | Mark Personius | Planning and Development Services Director | | Sheriff Don…
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Housing Government Operations AB 2025 812 AB 2025 832 AB 2025 838 AB 2025 847 AB 2025 854 AB 2025 868 22 North City Of Bellingham Lydia Place Opportunity Council Western Washington University Whatcom Community Foundation Whatcom Conservation District Wta Aly Pennucci Barry Buchanan Ben Elenbaas David Foreman Ethan Martez Jon Scanlon Kaylee Galloway Maddie Schacht Mark Personius Mark Stremler Todd Donovan Tyler Byrd Accessory Dwelling Units Budget Finance Consent Agenda Conservation Programs Emergency Management Emergency Proclamation Homelessness Homelessness Services Permanent Supportive Housing Pollution Identification Correction Public Safety Racial Equity Commission Septic Systems Urban Growth Areas Wta Fare Increases Zoning Regulations