What I’ve Done Since 2019

Environment

• Secured property to preserve the heron colony at Post Point.
• Funded the acquisition of acreage around Lake Whatcom to preserve our watershed.
• Passed the single-use plastic ban.
• Began implementing recommendations in the Bellingham Climate Action Plan by passing the electrification ordinance, increasing the number of bike lanes, and investing over $2 million to install over 90 electric vehicle charging stations around the city.
• Halted the replacement of our current wastewater management system with a proposed sewer digester system due to budget concerns (exponential increases approaching $1 billion in costs) and end-product contamination concerns. I spoke out loudly to ensure that waste containing PFAS (forever chemicals) wasn’t going to create more and longer-lasting problems. We are reviewing options that will be fiscally and environmentally responsible.

Affordable Housing

• Provided rental, mortgage, and utility assistance during the pandemic to keep our neighbors in their homes.
• Passed a 0.1% sales tax, allowed by the state, to secure up to $3 million dollars a year for behavioral health and permanent supportive housing.
• Preserved affordable housing by passing protections for a Manufactured Home Park (MHP) Overlay and Regulations.
• Preserved 143 affordable housing units through an emergency purchase loan to a non-profit housing provider to ensure residents were not displaced.

Economy and Living Wage Jobs

• Proposed the Hazard Pay Ordinance for grocery workers that secured an additional $4 an hour for these essential workers, during the pandemic.
• Supported and passed the apprenticeship program on city contracts. This measure ensures city contracts over one million dollars will require paid apprenticeships. This will give workers experience towards a living wage career.
• Provided Federal and State COVID-funded grants to support struggling businesses. Allowing our local businesses to remain open, and employees could continue to earn a living.
• Working with union leaders to write a ‘Just Transition’ framework for our climate plan.

Public Health and Safety

• Partnered with Whatcom County, law enforcement, emergency medical response, human services, and community agencies for the formation of an Alternative Response Team (ART). An unarmed support response for substance use and non-violent behavior health concerns.
• Volunteered 98 hours over 7 days during the 2022 snowstorm. This provided direct assistance for an inclement weather shelter assisting our homeless neighbors.
• Authorized additional site locations for tiny homes that include the Gardenview Tiny House Village. The village provides 24/7 staff support, case management, and assistance to transition residents to permanent housing.
• Approved funding and supported the formation of the Racial Equity Commission.