In 2022, voters approved a Healthy Children’s Initiative (Proposition 5) to fund investments in early childhood learning, child care, and support for vulnerable children. (This proposition was supported by the League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County.)
Observers from LWVBWC’s Healthcare Issues Team (HIT) attend public meetings to follow progress of the Healthy Children’s Fund (HCF). Read on to find out how our tax money has been spent so far.
KEEPING TRACK OF THE HEALTHY CHILDREN’S FUND
The Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) Department administers HCF with guidance from the County Council. The Children and Family Wellbeing Task Force makes recommendations on planning priorities.
The Task Force holds open public meetings once a month. HIT observer(s) attend meetings and make notes on key discussion points. Observer notes are posted on the LWVBWC Healthcare webpage under Volunteers Observe Government Meetings. (After selecting a document, use the Subscribe button on the top left to get email notification when new meeting notes are posted.)
HOW IS THE FUND DOING?
Each year, WCHCS conducts an internal evaluation of HCF. County officials agree that fund implementation took longer than expected due to challenges of starting a new program. Lessons learned are being integrated into the HCF Implementation Plan for Years 3 and 4.
In addition, every two years an external audit must be conducted by an independent contractor. The next audit will be finalized in early 2026. Suggestions include improving public outreach, streamlining the application process for grants, and becoming more effective at working with community partners. Auditors report that staff and providers have reported a marked improvement in HCF functioning since late 2024.
The Child and Family Wellbeing Task Force writes a progress report for County Council each year. The task force’s 2025 Report Card acknowledges a “sluggish” start, but agrees that progress is being made and greater transparency is evident.
HOW HAS HCF MONEY BEEN SPENT SO FAR?
Actual spending from the HCF has been much lower than planned in the first few years. Tax revenue collected for HCF is close to $10 million a year. As of July 2025, HCF had awarded 38 contracts worth $8 million to 28 different organizations serving more than 41,000 clients.
WCHCS maintains a dashboard of funded and active projects so taxpayers can review contracts that have been finalized. It is helpful to understand the steps to launch a funded and active project:
- Anticipated funding: WCHCS and community partners decide which projects to implement next and anticipate spending the money. They develop a plan with clear requirements and expectations.
- Allocated funding: WCHCS publishes a Request for Proposal (RFP) announcing an opportunity to apply for grant money. At this step, the funds are allocated for these projects, but not spent.
- Contract in development: Projects for which grant applicants have been selected and are working through the contracts so they can get started. This money is committed, but not spent.
- Funded and active: Money is being spent.
This summary brings you up to speed on current status for the Healthy Children’s Fund. Go to LWVBWC’s Healthcare Issues Team website to continue following this topic. LWVBWC members can learn more on the Healthcare Issues discussion forum.