Governance
Orcas fire district levy defeat forces ‘austerity’ budget
Two-time “no” vote on levy proposal and turnover fire district board elections conclude campaign characterized by “turmoil.”
Bellingham’s minimum wage, rental relocation initiatives pass. Now what?
Strong voter support propels measures forward; employees and management react.
Multimodal trail in San Juan Valley opposed by farmers
San Juan County’s six-year Transportation Improvement Plan hearing to be continued, with proposed Zylstra Lake trail in the balance.
Votes are in, early results out for general election
Update: Preliminary general election counts are in for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties.
Developer Harcourt in contract default on Bellingham waterfront
Bellingham’s Port and City officials will continue working with Harcourt to complete residential construction in the city’s waterfront district, with the developer in default of contract.
Worra fired as Port of Anacortes executive director
Citing “different ideas and different working styles,” Port of Anacortes commissioners voted to terminate employment of the Port’s executive director.
Anacortes Port’s executive director placed on paid leave
Anacortes Port Executive Director Dan Worra was placed on administrative leave after a 4–0 vote at the Port Commission’s regular meeting Oct. 19.
Minimum wage increases, renter protections high priority among young voters
Initiatives on Bellingham’s general election ballot to raise the minimum wage and strengthen renter protections are personal for many young voters in the city, and they plan to show it when ballots drop on Oct. 20.
Who to vote for? Read what the candidates have to say
November’s general election will decide who will lead Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham in 2024. Ballots will be mailed on Oct. 20 for the Nov. 7 election. In collaboration with Salish Current, Whatcom Watch queried candidates for their stances on crucial issues, to help voters make their choices.
As San Juan County workers switch to 32 hours a week, some are taking second or third jobs
Some San Juan County workers are taking second — or even third — jobs, after the county voted to move most County employees to a 32-hour work week.
Primary’s done: on to the general election
Who will make the cut? Auditors in Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties have updated primary election vote counts that determine which two candidates will face off in November’s general election.
Does military service influence the veteran vote?
Military veterans have served their country and reintegrated into civilian life. When it comes to local elections, do they vote?
Bellingham mayoral candidates field forum questions in primary quest
What should be the way forward for downtown Bellingham vitality, a new jail, waterfront development and housing? Bellingham mayoral primary candidates offered responses in an online forum this week.
Four of six Whatcom executive candidates respond in forum
Responses in a candidates forum from four (of six) vying for Whatcom County Executive sketched out four differing perspectives on how to serve.
Paradox of passion, apathy impacts young voter turnout
Younger voters care deeply about renter protections, homelessness, social justice and racism — but will they go to the polls to make their voices heard in this year’s election?
San Juan County permit woes result in director firing
Months of complaints of delays, discourtesy and interpretation led to a decision by the San Juan County council to “part ways” with the county’s Community Development director.