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Whatcom County

Whatcom County government provides an enormous variety of services to its citizens. There are nineteen county departments that provide or support the delivery of these services. Whatcom County is a Home Rule Charter County - one of only six in the State of Washington. The Home Rule Charter was adopted by 1978. The county covers 2119 square miles that border the province of British Columbia, Canada, to the North; Okanagan County to the East and Skagit County to the South and the Strait of Georgia to the West.

Whatcom County government provides an enormous variety of services to its citizens. There are nineteen county departments that provide or support the delivery of these services. Whatcom County is a Home Rule Charter County - one of only six in the State of Washington. The Home Rule Charter was adopted by 1978. The county covers 2119 square miles that border the province of British Columbia, Canada, to the North; Okanagan County to the East and Skagit County to the South and the Strait of Georgia to the West.

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2 days ago
The Behavioral Health Fund supports mental health and substance use services, including school-based youth programs, the Alternative Response Team, mental health court, and behavioral health services in jail and juvenile detention. The new report shares the success of several local programs, including: Youth Prevention: During the 2024-2025 school year, 2,582 youth received direct mental health and substance use support. Most of these services (75%) reached students living outside of Bellingham. Research shows that every $1 spent on these school programs can save $18 down the road. Alternative Response Team (ART): Launched in 2023, this team of behavioral health specialists is dispatched instead of police officers to non-violent 911 calls. In 2025, ART responded to 2,140 unique non-emergency calls, freeing up police to focus on criminal complaints. Mental Health Court: This program celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025. Over the last decade, more than 155 participants have completed the program. Graduates get help with treatment and can have their legal charges reduced or dismissed, making it easier to pursue education, find housing, and get a job. Behavioral Health Fund money comes from a dedicated sales tax and state and federal grants. Recently, sales tax revenue has slowed as people spend less and fewer visitors come here to shop. To keep the fund healthy, HCS worked with county leaders to cut vacant staff positions, adjust contracts, and reallocate short-term funds to cover costs. Reducing costs will continue into 2027 and 2028 to make sure the fund stays healthy. Read our full news flash to learn more: https://bit.ly/4a7MgNB
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    3 days ago
    *Reminder: June 17 Service Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry* The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, to inspect and maintain the ferry terminal facilities at both Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point. o The last morning run from the Gooseberry Point side will be 9:50 a.m., and the last morning run from the Lummi Island side will be 10:00 a.m. o To thoroughly inspect the terminal facilities, no additional morning runs will be made after the 10:00 a.m. run from Lummi Island. o Public Works is now scheduling inspections and maintenance approximately every two months. o Inspection and maintenance activities are weather-dependent. If schedule changes occur, updates will be posted on the ferry’s webpage. If you have questions about this or other ferry-related issues, please contact the Whatcom County Ferry Division at ferry@co.whatcom.wa.us.
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    3 days ago
    *Reminder: Feedback Requested on Jackson Road Bridge Design Concepts* On May 20, Public Works attended the Birch Bay Community Advisory Committee meeting to share updated design concepts for the Jackson Road Bridge Replacement Project, including options for bridge railings and lighting. There is still time to review the concepts and provide feedback! The presentation slideshow is available on the project website for anyone who was unable to attend the meeting or would like to review the information again. • View the presentation slideshow on the project website (linked below) to review railing and lighting options. • Share feedback, questions, or comments by emailing aohanlel@co.whatcom.wa.us. Thank you for your continued interest and participation in the project. Project website: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3529/Jackson-Road-Bridge-No-81-Replacement-Pr
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    12 Jun
    *June 15–16: Potential Ferry Service Impacts Due to Extreme Low Tides* Extreme low tides may affect service for the Whatcom Chief on Monday, June 15, and Tuesday, June 16. Any potential impacts are expected to be limited to sailings around midday when the lowest tides occur. • On Monday, June 15, the 11:20 a.m., 11:40 a.m., and 12:00 p.m. sailings may be canceled on short notice due to low tide conditions. • On Tuesday, June 16, the 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. sailings may be affected. At this time, no cancellations have been confirmed. However, conditions may require temporary service suspensions during these periods. Riders are encouraged to plan accordingly and allow extra time for travel. Because service impacts may occur on short notice, riders should monitor the Ferry Division's X account for the latest updates and operational information. NOAA Tide Predictions & Currents page: https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9449211&units=standard&bdate=20260601&edate=20260630&timezone=LST/LDT&clock=12hour&datum=MLLW&interval=hilo&action=monthlychart
    Tide Predictions - NOAA Tides & Currents
    · tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov
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