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Housing for All - Monthly Report

Published on 3/10/2023

This month we report on three aspects of our focus on housing:

Upcoming Educational Programs
Affinity Group – Comprehensive Planning
Observer Corps – volunteer needed

Upcoming Educational Program

March 30, 2023 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Comprehensive Planning–What is it and How Can it Help? This second program from the Healthcare team will start our discussion of the decennial comprehensive planning process. We have invited Blake Lyon, City of Bellingham planning director to provide a “Comp Plan 101” overview, and Stacie Pratschner, Blaine planning director will share a perspective from a small city. Jennifer Lautenbach who is the Lynden Senior Center director and also an Everson City Council member (17 years!) will address the unique needs of seniors.

The program will focus on their planning processes for meeting affordable housing and affordable transportation needs of the aging and disabled populations. And, how we as a community can participate in the conversation. There will be plenty of time for Q&A.

All are welcome – please share the registration link with your neighbors.

Register here.

Housing and Homelessness Affinity Group

We are pleased Cynthia Stewart will lead a statewide affinity group on Housing and Homelessness. For the March 27 meeting, Cynthia will provide a workshop with Q&A on the League’s role in Comprehensive Planning and how we can support this process. This workshop will give tips for understanding the processes and engagement methods.

Why is this important?

Comprehensive Planning assures that our environment is protected and infrastructure is available for 20 years ahead.
Community engagement is needed to assure the process is equitable and complete.
The upcoming round of comp planning will involve complex new elements (housing & climate change).
Local Leagues can help assure that the community understands the process and is heard.

Please contact Cynthia Stewart to be added to her email list or contact housing@lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org for more information.

Observer Corps

This is a program Leagues do across the country. Volunteers attend various local housing meetings and take notes for the League. The state league did a toolkit because of increased need due to the decline of local media coverage. We are seeking someone who is willing to steer this activity. Training and resources provided!

What do you think? Are you interested in helping organize more housing educational programs? Or in providing ideas and topics for speakers? Reach out now at: housing@lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org

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