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Home My WebLink AboutPacket Special Council Dec 4 2024Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360) 778-5010 Meeting Agenda COUNCILMEMBERS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND A GROWTH MANAGEMENT COORDINATION WORK SESSION FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS - A QUORUM OF THE COUNCIL MAY ATTEND THIS EVENT COUNCILMEMBERS Barry Buchanan Tyler Byrd Todd Donovan Ben Elenbaas Kaylee Galloway Jon Scanlon Mark Stremler CLERK OF THE COUNCIL Cathy Halka, AICP, CMC Council (Special) Wednesday, December 4, 2024 2 PM Hybrid Meeting - Ferndale City Hall Annex, 5694 Second Avenue, Ferndale, WA December 4, 2024Council (Special)Meeting Agenda Call To Order Roll Call Discussion AB2024-312 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update and UGA Review Adjournment Page 2 Printed on 8/12/2025Whatcom County Agenda Bill Master Report Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360) 778-5010 File Number: AB2024-312 1AB2024-312 Status:DiscussedFile ID:Version: DBrown@co.whatcom.wa.us05/02/2024File Created:Entered by: DiscussionCouncil OfficeDepartment:File Type: Assigned to:Council (Special)Final Action:02/20/2025 Agenda Date:02/20/2025 Enactment #: Primary Contact Email: DBrown@co.whatcom.wa.us TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM: 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update and UGA Review SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE: See attached agenda and letter. HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE Action: Sent To: Date: Acting Body: DISCUSSED05/08/2024 Council (Special) DISCUSSED08/02/2024 Council (Special) DISCUSSED08/29/2024 Council (Special) DISCUSSED09/11/2024 Council (Special) DISCUSSED12/04/2024 Council (Special) DISCUSSED01/23/2025 Council (Special) DISCUSSED02/20/2025 Council (Special) DISCUSSED05/21/2025 Council (Special) Attachments:Executive Letter to Elected Officials 10.11.2023, Elected Officials Meeting Agenda 5.8.2024, SEPA Presentation 5.8.2024, HB 1220-HAPT Presentation 5.8.2024, Population and Employment Presentation 5.8.2024, Elected Officials Meeting Agenda 8.2.2024, Elected Officials Meeting Agenda 8 29 2024, Elected Officals Meeting - Presentation 8 29 2024, Elected Officials Meeting Agenda 9 11 2024, Elected Officials Meeting Agenda 12.4.2024, Presentation 12.4.2024 (Non-Binding Resolution), Presentation 12.4.2024 (Housing), Presentation 12.4.2024 (EIS), Elected Officials Meeting Agenda 1.23.2025, Elected Officials Meeting Agenda 2.20.2025, Elected Officials Meeting Agenda 5.21.2025 Page 1Whatcom County Printed on 8/12/2025 Agenda Bill Master Report Continued (AB2024-312) Page 2Whatcom County Printed on 8/12/2025 Satpal Singh Sidhu Whatcom County Executive 311 Grand Avenue Bellingham WA, 98225 (360) 778-5200 ssidhu@whatcomcounty.us To: Honorable City Mayors, City Managers, and City Council Members Honorable County Council Members From: Satpal Singh Sidhu, County Executive Date: October 11, 2023 Subject: 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update and UGA Review The Growth Management Act (GMA) requires Whatcom County and the seven cities within the County to update our comprehensive plans and review urban growth areas by June 30, 2025. The GMA expects the County and cities to work cooperatively in this endeavor, and it is to our advantage to do so. That is why each interlocal agreement for planning, annexation and development signed in 2022 includes a clause that the County Executive may convene a group of elected officials from the County and cities to discuss and review issues associated with growth management planning. It is critical to coordinate planning efforts between the County and cities for this important endeavor. Therefore, I am inviting elected officials from the County and the cities to a series of informal meetings to discuss matters relating to growth planning and the urban growth area review. The 1st meeting date and location is: • Wednesday November 8, 2023 - Lynden City Hall, 300 4th Street, Lynden at 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. (this will be a hybrid meeting, so a virtual option will be provided). I am requesting that each city and the County Council provide representation at these meetings. The purpose of the meetings will be to engage in discussions, come to mutual understanding of the goals and issues of each jurisdiction, and coordinate land use planning activities. However, there will not be voting or final decisions made at these meetings. Rather, elected officials will take the information back to their respective jurisdictions for consideration in their own decision making processes. While there is no set number of representatives from each jurisdiction, it must be less than a quorum of the legislative body. Thank you for considering my invitation and I hope to see representatives from each city and the County Council at these meetings. Staff will send out a meeting agenda prior to the meeting. Sincerely, Satpal Singh Sidhu County Executive City/County Elected Officials Meeting Growth Management Coordination – 2025 Update Agenda May 8, 2024 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Bellingham City Hall, 210 Lottie Street Mayor's Boardroom in Mayor's office on 2nd floor (virtual option also provided) 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Population and Employment Growth Projections 3. Housing: House Bill 1220 and Housing for All Planning Tool 4. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) - Status update 5. Discussion – Elected Officials and Staff 6. Next Meeting, Wednesday September 11 7. Wrap-up and Adjourn Microsoft Teams meeting Join on your computer, mobile app or room device Click here to join the meeting Meeting ID: 211 728 377 510 Passcode: H9vf8X Download Teams | Join on the web Or call in (audio only) +1 929-352-1870,,849265777# United States, New York City Phone Conference ID: 849 265 777# Find a local number | Reset PIN Learn More | Meeting options City of Bellingham City of Blaine City of Everson City of Ferndale City of Lynden City of Nooksack City of Sumas Whatcom County EIS Update | May 8, 2024 2025 Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations Update & Urban Growth Areas Review Whatcom County Photo Credit: Rich Stratman SEPA Process SEPA Process Final EIS •Definition of Preferred Alternative •Impact Evaluation •Proposed Mitigation •Response to Comments •County Adoption DEIS Publication •30-day Public Comment Period •Public Hearing Draft EIS Preparation •Definition of Alternatives •Existing Conditions •Impact Evaluation •Mitigation Strategies Notice of Intent and Scoping •30-day Public Comment Period •Scoping Summary 3 Growth/Land Use Alternatives •The No-action Alternative would assume that the existing Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and growth projections are carried forward, which represents a lower growth option (275,450 total County population in 2045). •Alternative 1 would use the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM) medium population projection (292,714 total County population in 2045) and allocate growth to each UGA and the area outside the UGAs using recent historic population shares. •Alternative 2 would use a population projection and allocations to each UGA and the area outside the UGAs requested by the cities and County. •Alternative 3 would use a higher population projection than both the OFM medium projection and the population projection requested by the cities and County for 2045 and allocate growth to each UGA and the area outside the UGAs similar to the growth allocations requested by the cities and County. •Alternatives may include, where appropriate, changes to land use/zoning designations, residential densities, and/or urban growth area boundaries to accommodate projected housing and employment growth through the year 2045. 4 Existing Conditions •SEPA required element for baseline evaluation •Areas of the environment included in the EIS: •Earth •Air Quality/Climate •Water Resources •Plants and Animals •Land and Shoreline Use •Plans and Policies •Population, Housing, and Employment •Environmental Justice •Cultural Resources •Transportation •Public Services and Utilities •Input from County departments on existing issues 5 Next Steps in the EIS Process Publication of the Draft EIS for public comment is anticipated in early fall of 2024. Public hearing on the Draft EIS Publication of the Final EIS is anticipated in the first quarter of 2025. Complete impact analysis/comparison of the alternatives and mitigation strategy development. 6 Project Duration Topic-Specific Citizen Advisory Committees December 2023 Project Kickoff Orientation Interviews June-July 2024 Interactive Community Survey Regional Pop-Ups and Workshops Planning Commission Meetings County Council Meetings Aug-Oct 2024 Draft EIS Release Planning Commission Meetings County Council Meetings Non-binding multi-jurisdictional resolution regarding allocation of growth to UGAs Fall 2024 Open House: Plan Recommendations Planning Commission Meetings County Council Meetings 2025 Final EIS Planning Commission Work Sessions, Hearings, and Recommendations County Council Meetings, Hearings and Adoption Timeline 7 Questions on the Process? Project Contacts Matt Aamot Senior Planner Whatcom County 2025Update@co.whatcom.wa.us 360.778.5939 Sharese Graham (Consultant) Senior Environmental Planner SCJ Alliance Consulting Services bill.grimes@scjalliance.com 509.835.3770 https://www.whatcomcounty.us/4218/2025-Comprehensive-Plan-Updates Project Website 9 City/County Elected Officials Meeting | May 8, 2024 House Bill 1220 and Housing Planning for All Tool Whatcom County Photo Credit: Rich Stratman LELAND CONSULTING GROUP HB 1220 amended the GMA in 2021 to require that jurisdictions “plan for and accommodate housing affordable to all economic segments of the population of the state” Additionally, RCW 36.70A.070(2) now requires that Commerce project housing needs including “units for moderate, low, very low, and extremely low-income households and emergency housing, emergency shelters and permanent supportive housing.” HAPT generates total Countywide need based on population projections. County then allocates units to jurisdictions by income band (as a % of Area Median Income) Jurisdictions must show land capacity to accommodate the units through zoning, and document potential barriers to production and racially disparate impacts in housing policy. Housing Allocation & HB1220 Overview Further details in HB 1220 Book 1: Establishing Housing Targets for your Community and HB 1220 Book 2: Guidance for Updating Your Housing Element https://deptofcommerc e.box.com/s/chqj8wk1 esnnranyb3ewzgd4w0 e5ve3a https://deptofcommerc e.app.box.com/s/1d9d 5l7g509r389f0mjpowh 8isjpirlh 2 HAPT Tool Introduction •Excel tool developed by Commerce •Housing units categorized by the income bands that they could potentially serve •Income expressed as a % of Area Median Income (AMI), HUD’s measurement of family income adjusted for household size (1.34) –standard income measurement for subsidized housing eligibility. •Whatcom County AMI: $102,600•Tool projects net new units needed by 2045 based on OFM population projections: 3 Baseline and New Units Categorized by Income •2020 baseline units categorized by income band that they serve. •Data from Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy and Public Unit Microdata Sample (HUD/Census datasets)•New units needed broken down by income band accounting for several categories of need: •Emergency Housing and Permanent Supportive Housing needs determined using Monte Carlo model •Many factors, including disability rate, evictions, incarceration rate, number of one-person households, severe rent-burden, receipt of cash benefits, unemployment, current estimate of homelessness based on the point-in-time count and a number of other data sources. •Full methodology on pp. 43-58 of Book 1. 4 Total Whatcom County Need Step 1 Select a County Whatcom ✔Low Medium High Projected Population (2045)258,231 292,714 337,551 Step 2 Select a Projection Year Table 2: Projected Countywide Housing Needs Based on User Inputs 2045 ✔Whatcom County Population Target = 292,714 Total Non-PSH PSH 30-50%50-80%80-100%100-120%120%+ Step 3 Total Future Housing Needed (2045)130,841 11,062 3,836 15,955 28,123 16,778 14,015 41,072 1,295 Enter Population Target in Range Estimated Housing Supply (2020)*95,217 2,996 404 9,108 24,150 14,457 11,771 32,331 775 292,714 ✔Net New Housing Needed (2020-2045)35,624 8,066 3,432 6,847 3,973 2,321 2,244 8,741 520 * Note: Supply of PSH in 2020 is beds. However, projections of Net New Housing Needed (2020-2045) are in housing units. See Overview tab for details. Emergency Housing/Shelter Beds Table 1: OFM GMA Population Projections, 2045 Whatcom County Projected Population, 2045 0-30% Affordability Level (% of Area Median Income) •Initial Whatcom County housing baseline and net new units needed based on OFM Medium Projection: •Baseline units updated by Leland Consulting Group (LCG) from Commerce-generated 2020 baseline to 2023 using permit data from cities and the County 5 2023 Baseline Units 2023 Revised Baseline by UGA Emergency % of Total Total Non-PSH PSH >30-50%>50-80%>80-100%>100-120%>120%Housing Needs Bellingham Total 49.8%47,564 1,207 586 4,119 16,782 6,400 5,029 13,442 693 Bellingham City 45.6%43,575 1,137 586 3,767 15,503 6,016 4,539 12,027 693 Bellingham Unincorporated UGA 4.2%3,989 70 0 352 1,279 384 490 1,415 0 Birch Bay Unincorporated UGA 5.6%5,322 197 0 975 1,292 1,155 425 1,278 0 Blaine Total 3.9%3,746 169 0 246 728 918 401 1,284 0 Blaine City 3.7%3,548 158 0 230 681 900 374 1,205 0 Blaine Unincorporated UGA 0.2%198 11 0 16 47 18 27 79 0 Cherry Point Unincorporated UGA 0.0%6 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 Columbia Valley Unincorporated UGA 1.6%1,541 153 0 432 727 38 28 163 0 Everson Total 1.1%1,085 30 0 120 371 207 81 277 0 Everson City 1.1%1,053 29 0 116 359 201 78 270 0 Everson Unincorporated UGA 0.0%32 1 0 4 12 6 3 7 0 Ferndale Total 6.3%5,980 203 0 568 1,385 915 694 2,216 0 Ferndale City 6.1%5,818 197 0 552 1,346 889 674 2,160 0 Ferndale Unincorporated UGA 0.2%162 6 0 16 39 26 20 56 0 Lynden Total 6.9%6,576 76 0 328 1,462 1,175 922 2,614 0 Lynden City 6.8%6,521 75 0 325 1,451 1,165 914 2,591 0 Lynden Unincorporated UGA 0.1%55 1 0 3 11 10 8 23 0 Nooksack Total 0.6%546 0 0 29 150 140 51 175 0 Nooksack City 0.6%542 0 0 29 149 139 51 174 0 Nooksack Unincorporated UGA 0.0%4 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 Sumas Total 0.7%701 30 0 83 272 168 58 90 0 Sumas City 0.7%701 30 0 83 272 168 58 90 0 Sumas UGA 0.0%0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 LAMIRDS 9.9%9,407 335 0 853 990 1,471 1,459 4,299 12 Area Outside UGAs and LAMIRDS 23.5%22,410 797 0 2,032 2,369 3,508 3,476 10,228 70 Total 100.0%95,477 2,862 586 8,933 25,538 14,626 11,164 31,768 763 0-30% 6 Allocating Countywide Need to Jurisdictions •HAPT Tool allocates housing units by income band to Cities and unincorporated County areas •LCG modified tool to allocate units to: •Cities + UGAs •Unincorporated UGAs (Birch Bay and Columbia Valley) •Limited areas of more intensive rural development (LAMIRDS) •Rural/Resource Land Areas (Outside LAMIRDS and UGAs) •Counties can choose method of allocation: •Commerce baseline method (Method “A”) allocates an equal share of new units at each income band to each jurisdiction •Commerce is in the process of updating this methodology to reflect specific considerations of low -income units in rural areas 7 Income Bands and Housing Types •Commerce “Guidance for Updating Your Housing Element” broadly connects income bands to housing types. 8 Method A –Modified Geographies and Base Year Method A -Equal Share of Countywide Income Band to All Jurisdictions 0-30%Emergency % of Total Total Non-PSH PSH >30-50%>50-80%>80-100%>100-120%>120%Housing Needs Countywide Net New Units 2023-2045 31,334 8,055 3,250 6,652 2,155 1,514 2,218 7,490 520 Share of Countywide Net New Units 2023-2045 100%26%10%21%7%5%7%24% 0-30%Emergency % of Total Total Non-PSH PSH >30-50%>50-80%>80-100%>100-120%>120%Housing Needs Bellingham City & UGA 49.7%15,570 4,002 1,615 3,305 1,071 752 1,102 3,722 258 Birch Bay UGA 3.0%931 239 97 198 64 45 66 223 15 Blaine City & UGA 4.5%1,408 362 146 299 97 68 100 336 23 Cherry Point UGA 0.0%0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Columbia Valley UGA 1.5%470 121 49 100 32 23 33 112 8 Everson City & UGA 1.4%449 115 47 95 31 22 32 107 7 Ferndale City & UGA 9.8%3,055 785 317 649 210 148 216 730 51 Lynden City & UGA 11.0%3,448 886 358 732 237 167 244 824 57 Nooksack City & UGA 0.6%194 50 20 41 13 9 14 46 3 Sumas City & UGA 1.6%495 127 51 105 34 24 35 118 8 LAMIRDs 5.7%1,771 455 184 376 122 86 125 423 29 Area Outside UGAs and LAMIRDS 11.3%3,543 911 367 752 244 171 251 847 59 Total 100.0%31,334 8,055 3,250 6,652 2,155 1,514 2,218 7,490 520 9 Method A -Modified Method A (Adjusted for Rural Areas to 50% AMI) 0-30%Emergency % of Total Total Non-PSH PSH >30-50%>50-80%>80-100%>100-120%>120%Housing Needs Bellingham City & UGA 49.7%15,570 4,820 1,945 3,980 777 546 800 2,701 311 Birch Bay UGA 3.0%931 288 116 238 46 33 48 162 19 Blaine City & UGA 4.5%1,408 436 176 360 70 49 72 244 28 Cherry Point UGA 0.0%0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Columbia Valley UGA 1.5%470 146 59 120 23 16 24 82 9 Everson City & UGA 1.4%449 139 56 115 22 16 23 78 9 Ferndale City & UGA 9.8%3,055 946 382 781 153 107 157 530 61 Lynden City & UGA 11.0%3,448 1,068 431 882 172 121 177 598 69 Nooksack City & UGA 0.6%194 60 24 50 10 7 10 34 4 Sumas City & UGA 1.6%495 153 62 126 25 17 25 86 10 LAMIRDs 5.7%1,771 0 0 0 285 200 294 992 0 Area Outside UGAs and LAMIRDS 11.3%3,543 0 0 0 571 401 587 1,984 0 Total 100%31,334 8,055 3,250 6,652 2,155 1,514 2,218 7,490 520 10 Next Steps / Discussion •County and Cities refining housing allocations •Land Capacity Analysis test run 11 Permanent Supportive Housing •Definition from RCW 36.70A.030 •"Permanent supportive housing" is subsidized, leased housing with no limit on length of stay that prioritizes people who need comprehensive support services to retain tenancy and utilizes admissions practices designed to use lower barriers to entry than would be typical for other subsidized or unsubsidized rental housing, especially related to rental history, criminal history, and personal behaviors. Permanent supportive housing is paired with on-site or off-site voluntary services designed to support a person living with a complex and disabling behavioral health or physical health condition who was experiencing homelessness or was at imminent risk of homelessness prior to moving into housing to retain their housing and be a successful tenant in a housing arrangement, improve the resident's health status, and connect the resident of the housing with community-based health care, treatment, or employment services. Permanent supportive housing is subject to all of the rights and responsibilities defined in chapter 59.18 RCW. 12 Elected Officials | May 8, 2024 Population and Employment: Growth Projections and Preliminary Allocations Whatcom County Photo Credit: Rich Stratman LELAND CONSULTING GROUP Population and Employment Forecasts Growth Fundamentals •The State of Washington OFM makes demographic projections at the state and county level •Statewide and Whatcom County forecasts both assume decreasing average annual % growth in future years 3.3% 2.2%2.1% 1.7% 0.9% 1.5% 1.2%1.1%1.0%0.9%0.9%0.8% 0.00% 0.50% 1.00% 1.50% 2.00% 2.50% 3.00% 3.50% 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 p2025 p2030 p2035 p2040 p2045 p2050 Whatcom Average Annual Growth Rates (OFM Middle) 3 7.1% 7.5% 6.5% 6.1%6.0% 5.7% 5.2% 5.5%5.6% 5.2% 5.0%4.9% 3.9%4.1%3.8%3.9%3.7%3.7% 4.1% 4.8% 4.4% 4.9% 5.2%5.3% 0.0% 1.0% 2.0% 3.0% 4.0% 5.0% 6.0% 7.0% 8.0% 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 births deaths Births minus Deaths = Natural Increase •The fundamental dynamics behind that assumption are decreasing birth rates in the face of increasing death rates. OFM Middle Scenario Projections 4 5-yr Births & Deaths as a Pct. of Population actual (estimated)projected 7.4% 13.9% 8.6% 8.7% 6.5% 2.5% 6.9% 5.2%4.6%4.9%5.0%4.8% 0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16% 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 Net Migration is a More Volatile Factor •OFM assumes a relatively steady, but conservative net migration rate going forward OFM Middle Scenario Projections 5 actual (estimated)projected 5-year Net Migration as % of Population Updating Countywide Growth Projections •Updates to countywide population and employment growth projections –and allocations of that growth to UGAs –generally followed methods used in the 2016 Comprehensive Plan Update. •Review of OFM Middle projections for population, 2023 to 2045 •Revision of Low and High ranges --general tightening to make extremes more actionable for jurisdictions’ planning purposes •As with 2016, the OFM Low range was deemed too conservative relative to historical growth •OFM High range projection was also adjusted --but not as much, to remain conservative for infrastructure planning (i.e. avoiding risk of under-building infrastructure in the face of higher-than-expected growth pressure). 6 OFM vs. Adjusted Population Growth •Baseline (Middle) growth trajectory is tapering as natural increase declines and region depends more on net migration inflows. OFM High is further from Middle than Low is. We preserve that relationship but tighten the range for both (via adjustments to the more volatile migration rate assumptions). 7 Allocation of Population Growth to UGAs •After settling on a countywide growth trajectory and high/low range, we allocated overall population gains to UGAs •Based on shares of recent (10-year) growth within each UGA boundary (and areas outside UGAs as a rural/resource lands category) UGA Pop. 2013 Pop. 2023 Growth 2013 to 2023 Share of County Population 2023 Share of 10-yr. County Growth Bellingham 92,915 105,529 12,614 44.8%42.4% Birch Bay 7,698 8,908 1,210 3.8%4.1% Blaine 5,277 6,728 1,451 2.9%4.9% Cherry Point 35 61 26 0.0%0.1% Columbia Valley 3,060 3,577 517 1.5%1.7% Everson 2,683 3,171 488 1.3%1.6% Ferndale 12,962 16,762 3,800 7.1%12.8% Lynden 13,208 16,696 3,487 7.1%11.7% Nooksack 1,389 1,573 184 0.7%0.6% Sumas 1,445 1,810 365 0.8%1.2% Areas outside UGAs 65,349 70,985 5,637 30.1%18.9% Total 207,937 235,800 29,779 100.0%100.0% 8 Allocation of Population Growth to UGAs •Distributing shares for each of the scenario/ranges: Allocated Growth by Scenario(2023 to 2045) UGA Allocation Share Low Middle High Bellingham 42.5%16,242 24,158 36,462 Birch Bay 4.1%1,555 2,313 3,490 Blaine 4.9%1,865 2,774 4,186 Cherry Point ---- Columbia Valley 1.7%665 988 1,492 Everson 1.6%627 933 1,408 Ferndale 12.8%4,883 7,262 10,961 Lynden 11.7%4,481 6,665 10,060 Nooksack 0.6%237 352 531 Sumas 1.2%468 697 1,052 Areas outside UGAs 18.9%7,243 10,773 16,260 Total Population Growth 100%38,265 56,914 85,902 9 Employment Growth •After looking at historical small area employment by industry, GIS-matched to UGA boundaries •We computed shares by industry type (in broad groups of Industrial, Retail, Commercial, Resources) and by UGA to guide allocation across UGAs: Middle Scenario UGA Resources Industrial Retail Comm'l Total Bellingham 138 2,820 1,841 10,373 15,172 Birch Bay 0 22 10 92 124 Blaine 4 327 48 322 701 Cherry Point 0 450 0 43 493 Columbia Valley 0 6 3 4 13 Everson 10 88 24 81 203 Ferndale 19 961 201 961 2,141 Lynden 20 606 183 991 1,799 Nooksack 0 29 7 44 79 Sumas 2 98 8 43 150 Area outside UGAs 736 927 172 1,567 3,403 Whatcom Total 928 6,333 2,497 14,521 24,279 10 City of Bellingham City Council Special Meeting Agenda August 2, 2024, 1:00 PM Mayor: Kimberley Lund Council Members: Hannah Stone, Hollie Huthman, Daniel Hammill, Edwin H. “Skip” Williams, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and Jace Cotton Legislative Assistant: Jackie Lassiter Contact: (360) 778-8100, mayorsoffice@cob.org Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org https://cob.org/council Members of the public wishing to view the meeting in person may do so in the Mayor’s Boardroom on the second floor of City Hall, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA. This will be a hybrid meeting with remote access available via Microsoft Teams. To join the meeting remotely, use the following information: Click here to join the meeting Meeting ID: 223 032 587 622 Passcode: diL629 Or call in (audio only) +1 929-352-1870 Phone conference ID: 181 177 107# Call to Order 24195 1.Growth Management Coordination Workgroup p. 2 Adjournment Accessibility The Mayor’s Boardroom is fully accessible. Elevator access to the second floor is available at City Hall’s west entrance. Hearing assistance is available, and a receiver may be checked out through the Mayor’s reception desk. For additional accommodations, contact the Legislative Assistant at 778-8200 in advance of the meeting. WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE Notice is hereby given that a quorum of the Whatcom County Council will attend and participate in the Growth Management Coordination – Workshop for Elected Officials on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Lynden City Hall Annex (Council Chambers), 205 4th Street, Lynden, WA 98264. This is a hybrid meeting with both in-person and remote participation. Please see the agenda below including remote participation join link. Growth Management Workshop Agenda August 29, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Lynden City Hall Annex (Council Chambers) 205 4th Street, Lynden, WA 98264 Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 210 172 803 726 Passcode: pbGgBf 1. Introductions (5 minutes) 2. A brief overview of the UGAs in the county by Scott Korthuis (5 minutes) a. UGA planning moderated by Greg Hansen (20 minutes) 3. A brief overview of industry and jobs in the county by Scott Korthuis (5 minutes) a. Industrial growth planning moderated by Tyler Schroeder (20 minutes) 4. A brief overview of agriculture in the county by Scott Korthuis (5 minutes) a. Agricultural planning moderated by Ben Elenbaas (20 minutes) 5. Open session to take public comment on the Whatcom County Comprehensive plan (2 minutes per person) 6. What’s next (5 minutes) For more information, please contact the County Council Office at 360.778.5010. Notice Distribution Date: August 26, 2024 CLERK OF THE COUNCIL Cathy Halka, AICP, CMC COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360) 778-5010 COUNCILMEMBERS Barry Buchanan Tyler Byrd Todd Donovan Ben Elenbaas Kaylee Galloway Jon Scanlon Mark Stremler Growth Management and Comprehensive Planning Meeting of Elected Officials from Whatcom County August 29, 2024 1:00 Lynden City Hall Annex Bellingham City Limits and UGA City Limits: 18,048 acres (excludes 1487 acres of water) 2023 Population: 95,960 Density: 5.3 people per acre UGA Area: 4,934 acres Data Source: City area and maps from October 2020 data set from geo.wa.gov/datasets/ Blaine City Limits and UGA City Limits: 3,571 acres (excludes 1,964 acres of water) 2023 Population: 6,310 Density: 1.8 people per acre UGA Area: 499 acres Data Source: City area and maps from October 2020 data set from geo.wa.gov/datasets/ Everson City Limits and UGA City Limits: 8864acres (excludes 19 acres of water) 2023 Population: 3,135 Density: 3.6 people per acre UGA Area: 413 acres Data Source: City area and maps from October 2020 data set from geo.wa.gov/datasets/ Ferndale City Limits and UGA City Limits: 4,499 acres (excludes 64 acres of water) 2023 Population: 16,330 Density: 3.6 people per acre UGA Area: 1,436 acres Data Source: City area and maps from October 2020 data set from geo.wa.gov/datasets/ Lynden City Limits and UGA City Limits: 3,475 acres (excludes 13 acres of water) 2023 Population: 16,520 Density: 4.8 people per acre UGA Area: 535 acres Data Source: City area and maps from October 2020 data set from geo.wa.gov/datasets/ Nooksack City Limits and UGA City Limits: 557 acres (no acres of water) 2023 Population: 1,560 Density: 2.8 people per acre UGA Area: 0 acre Data Source: City area and maps from October 2020 data set from geo.wa.gov/datasets/ Sumas City Limits and UGA City Limits: 941 acres (no acres of water) 2023 Population: 1,810 Density: 1.9 people per acre UGA Area: 27 acres Data Source: City area and maps from October 2020 data set from geo.wa.gov/datasets/ Overview of Land Base and Population Data Total Area Land Area Water Area 2023 Density Population City Acres Acres Acres Population Pop/Acre UGA Area in UGA Bellingham 19,526 18,048 1,478 95,960 5.3 4,934 37,108 Blaine 5,517 3,571 1,946 6,310 1.8 499 Everson 883 864 19 3,135 3.6 413 Ferndale 4,563 4,499 64 16,330 3.6 1,436 Lynden 3,488 3,475 13 16,520 4.8 535 182 Nooksack 557 557 -1,560 2.8 - Sumas 941 941 -1,810 1.9 27 Data Source Population in UGA: WA City Population in Urban Growth Area (2020) Projected Growth Population Source: WA OFM Whatcom County 2013 2023 Total 2013-2023 Annualized 2045 Total 2023-2045 Annualized Bellingham 82,148 95,960 13,812 16.8%1.6%132,422 36,462 27.5%1.5% Blaine 4,886 6,310 1,424 29.1%2.6%10,496 4,186 39.9%2.3% Everson 2,557 3,135 578 22.6%2.1%4,543 1,408 31.0%1.7% Ferndale 12,387 16,330 3,943 31.8%2.8%27,291 10,961 40.2%2.4% Lynden 12,886 16,520 3,634 28.2%2.5%26,580 10,060 37.8%2.2% Nooksack 1,364 1,560 196 14.4%1.4%2,091 531 25.4%1.3% Sumas 1,423 1,810 387 27.2%2.4%2,862 1,052 36.8%2.1% Total Urban WC 117,651 141,625 23,974 20.4%1.9%206,285 64,660 31.3%1.7% Unincorporated Whatcom County 88,370 94,175 5,805 6.6%0.6%115,417 21,242 6.6%0.9% Whatcom County 206,021 235,800 29,779 14.5%1.4%321,702 85,902 26.7%1.4% WA OFM Growth Projected Growth PLANNING DATA Growth Source: Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan: Growth Projections May 22, 2024, p. 11, Fig. 7 Whatcom County Zoning Map Open discussion •Based on the UGA maps, is this where your city wants to grow? •Does each city have enough UGA for the next 20-year plan? •Is your city growing fast enough; or too fast? •What does the housing look like for your future population? •Is it possible to create enough housing to get ahead of the curve? • Industry and Jobs Data Source: 2022 Whatcom County Economic Profile Government 14,000 Health Care and Social Assistance 13,000 Retail Trade 11,000 Manufacturing 9,000 Accommodation and Food Service 9,000 Construction 8,000 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 4,000 Administration and Waste Services 4,000 Agricultural, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting 4,000 Other 17,000 Total 92,000 People with Jobs Job Type Industry and Jobs Data Source: 2022 Whatcom County Economic Profile Government 14,000 Health Care and Social Assistance 13,000 Retail Trade 11,000 Manufacturing 9,000 Accommodation and Food Service 9,000 Construction 8,000 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 4,000 Administration and Waste Services 4,000 Agricultural, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting 4,000 Other 17,000 Total 92,000 Whatcom County Population 2022 230,677 Whatcom County Population 2045 321,702 Percent increase 39% People with Jobs Job Type Industry and Jobs Data Source: 2022 Whatcom County Economic Profile Government 14,000 5,500 Health Care and Social Assistance 13,000 5,100 Retail Trade 11,000 4,300 Manufacturing 9,000 3,600 Accommodation and Food Service 9,000 3,600 Construction 8,000 3,200 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 4,000 1,600 Administration and Waste Services 4,000 1,600 Agricultural, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting 4,000 1,600 Other 17,000 6,700 Total 92,000 36,800 Whatcom County Population 2022 230,677 Whatcom County Population 2045 321,702 Percent increase 39% People with Jobs New Jobs by 2045 Job Type Whatcom County Historical Employment Growth by Sector, 2010 to 2021 Industry 2010 2021 Growth Percent Change Resources & Utilities 2,829 3,343 514 18.2% Construction 4,885 7,556 2,671 54.7% Manufacturing 7,738 8,699 961 12.4% Wholesale Trade 2,425 2,629 204 8.4% Retail Trade 8,099 8,450 351 4.3% Transport & Warehousing 2,073 2,344 271 13.1% Healthcare Services 9,347 13,494 4,147 44.4% Accommodations & Food Services 6,413 6,148 -265 -4.1% Other Services 15,893 17,247 1,354 8.5% Government 13,718 12,247 -1,471 -10.7% Industry 2010 2021 Growth Percent Change Resources & Utilities 2,829 3,343 514 18.2% Construction 4,885 7,556 2,671 54.7% Manufacturing 7,738 8,699 961 12.4% Wholesale Trade 2,425 2,629 204 8.4% Retail Trade 8,099 8,450 351 4.3% Transport & Warehousing 2,073 2,344 271 13.1% Healthcare Services 9,347 13,494 4,147 44.4% Accommodations & Food Services 6,413 6,148 -265 -4.1% Other Services 15,893 17,247 1,354 8.5% Government 13,718 12,247 -1,471 -10.7% Data Source: US Census LEHD On The Map; Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan: Population and Employment Projections, (p. 16, Fig. 12) Total Employment –Middle Projection Data Source: US Census LEHD On The Map; Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan: Population and Employment Projections, (p. 24) Industry 2010 2021 Growth Percent Change Resources & Utilities 2,829 3,343 514 18.2% Construction 4,885 7,556 2,671 54.7% Manufacturing 7,738 8,699 961 12.4% Wholesale Trade 2,425 2,629 204 8.4% Retail Trade 8,099 8,450 351 4.3% Transport & Warehousing 2,073 2,344 271 13.1% Healthcare Services 9,347 13,494 4,147 44.4% Accommodations & Food Services 6,413 6,148 -265 -4.1% Other Services 15,893 17,247 1,354 8.5% Government 13,718 12,247 -1,471 -10.7% 2023 2025 2031 2035 2045 2023 to 2045 Growth Bellingham 70,384 70,243 75,049 78,176 85,556 15,172 Birch Bay 577 576 615 641 702 124 Blaine 3,251 3,244 3,466 3,610 3,951 701 Cherry Point 2,288 2,284 2,440 2,541 2,781 493 Columbia Valley 62 62 66 69 75 13 Everson 943 941 1,006 1,048 1,147 203 Ferndale 9,934 9,914 10,592 11,034 12,075 2,141 Lynden 8,345 8,328 8,898 9,269 10,144 1,799 Nooksack 369 368 393 410 448 79 Sumas 695 694 741 772 845 150 Other / Rural 15,785 15,753 16,831 17,532 19,188 3,403 County Total 112,633 112,407 120,098 125,101 136,912 24,279 Industrial –Middle Projection 2023 2025 2031 2035 2045 2023 to 2045 Growth Bellingham 13,083 13,057 13,950 14,531 15,903 2,820 Birch Bay 103 103 110 114 125 22 Blaine 1,518 1,515 1,618 1,686 1,845 327 Cherry Point 2,089 2,085 2,228 2,321 2,540 450 Columbia Valley 26 26 28 29 32 6 Everson 407 406 434 452 495 88 Ferndale 4,457 4,448 4,752 4,950 5,418 961 Lynden 2,809 2,803 2,995 3,120 3,415 606 Nooksack 134 134 143 149 163 29 Sumas 452 452 482 502 550 98 Other / Rural 4,302 4,293 4,587 4,778 5,229 927 County Total 29,381 29,322 31,328 32,633 35,714 6,333 Data Source: US Census LEHD On The Map; Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan: Population and Employment Projections, (p. 25) Open Discussion •How can we promote more industry in the County? •Or do we really want to? •Can we focus the job growth to where the population will grow to minimize work travel time? •How does “work from home” fit into the next 20-year plan? Agricultural Needs Farms by size 1-9 acres 611 39%701 41% 10 to 49 acres 654 41%662 39% 50 to 179 acres 214 14%233 14% 180 to 499 acres 60 4%74 4% 500 to 999 acres 29 2%30 2% 1,000+ acrea 14 1%12 1% Total 1,582 1,712 2022 2017 Farms and Acreage Number of Farms Land in farms (acres) Average size of farm (acres) 1,582 102,886 65 1,712 102,523 60 2022 2017 Source: USDA NASS Site Agricultural Needs Total Revenue Market value of products sold 510,266,000 97%372,850,000 98% Government payments 3,983,000 1%1,047,000 0% Farm-related income 10,639,000 2%8,323,000 2% Total farm production expenses (407,274,000) (325,138,000) Net cash farm income 117,614,000 57,082,000 2022 2017 Source Dairy 204,503,000 40%180,488,000 48% Fruit 183,511,000 36%114,628,000 31% Cattle 28,070,000 6%25,399,000 7% Nursery 48,551,000 10%19,226,000 5% Potatoes 17,573,000 3%11,803,000 3% Other 28,058,000 5%21,306,000 6% Total 510,266,000 372,850,000 Income Sources 2022 2017 Source: USDA NASS Site Agricultural Needs Farm by Value of Sales Less than $2,500 738 47%891 52% $2,500 to $4,999 155 10%166 10% $5,000 to $9,999 160 10%146 9% $10,000 to $24,999 121 8%151 9% $25,000 to $49,999 80 5%61 4% $50,000 to $99,999 62 4%40 2% $100,000 or more 266 17%257 15% Total 1,582 1,712 2022 2017 Source: USDA NASS Site Open Discussion •Does the data change your perception of agriculture in Whatcom County? •How can we promote more profitable agriculture in our county? •What changes can the County Council implement that would promote agriculture in Whatcom County? •Some of the fastest growing cities (Lynden, Everson, Nooksack and Sumas) are surrounded by good agricultural land: •Do we allow this land to be used for development? •Is the any land that we feel must remain in agriculture? Where do we go from here? •Do we need another meeting of the elected officials? •Do we need to lobby the State for any changes in the GMA? •How can we create affordable housing with all the challenges before us? City/County Elected Officials Meeting Growth Management Coordination – 2025 Update Agenda September 11, 2024 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Ferndale City Hall Annex 5694 Second Avenue, Ferndale (virtual option also provided) 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Non-binding Multi-jurisdictional Resolutions 3. Housing: House Bill 1220 and Housing for All Planning Tool  Housing Distribution by Income Band 4. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) - Status update 5. Discussion – Elected Officials and Staff 6. Next Meeting, Wednesday December 4 or 11 7. Wrap-up and Adjourn Microsoft Teams Need help? Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 292 151 532 460 Passcode: J5xjvo Dial in by phone +1 253-220-4085,,884468527# United States, Tacoma Find a local number Phone conference ID: 884 468 527# City of Bellingham City of Blaine City of Everson City of Ferndale City of Lynden City of Nooksack City of Sumas Whatcom County City/County Elected Officials Meeting Growth Management Coordination – 2025 Update Agenda December 4, 2024 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Ferndale City Hall Annex 5694 Second Avenue, Ferndale (virtual option also provided) 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) - Status update 3. Housing: House Bill 1220 and Housing for All Planning Tool  Housing Distribution by Income Band 4. Non-binding Multi-jurisdictional Resolutions 5. Discussion – Elected Officials and Staff 6. Next Meeting, Wednesday March 5 or 12 7. Wrap-up and Adjourn Microsoft Teams Need help? Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 244 218 611 521 Passcode: JqZd8Z Dial in by phone +1 253-220-4085,,766524631# United States, Kent Find a local number Phone conference ID: 766 524 631# City of Bellingham City of Blaine City of Everson City of Ferndale City of Lynden City of Nooksack City of Sumas Whatcom County NON-BINDING MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL RESOLUTIONS WHATCOM COUNTY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PRESENTATION TO CITY/COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS DECEMBER 4, 2024 GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT •County and city comprehensive plans must be coordinated and consistent (RCW 36.70A.100). •This includes population, housing, and employment growth projections. CURRENT COMP PLAN DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION GROWTH •74.4% in the seven city UGAs; •9.5% in the two non-city UGAs (Birch Bay and Columbia Valley); and •16.1% outside of UGAs (in rural and resource lands). NON-BINDING MULTI- JURISDICTIONAL RESOLUTIONS •2016 Comp Plan Update Process •Non-binding multi-jurisdictional resolutions •Included population and employment allocations •2025 Comp Plan Update Process •Non-binding multi-jurisdictional resolutions •Will include population, housing and employment allocations LANGUAGE FROM DRAFT NON-BINDING RESOLUTION NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council [or appropriate City Council] hereby agrees to utilize the population, housing, and employment growth allocations shown on Exhibit A as the preliminary allocations for initial review of urban growth areas by the County and cities. It is acknowledged that a range of population, housing, and employment allocations will also be studied in the environmental impact statement and UGA review process and the final UGA growth allocations may be different than set forth in this Resolution. QUESTIONS? Elected Officials Meeting | December 4, 2024 2025 Comprehensive Plan HB 1220 and Housing Needs by Income Band Whatcom County Photo Credit: Rich Stratman HB 1220 amended the GMA in 2021 to require that jurisdictions “plan for and accommodate housing affordable to all economic segments of the population of the state” Commerce Housing for All Planning Tool (HAPT) generates total Countywide need by income band based on population projections. Housing targets by income band are then allocated using the HAPT to UGAs and Rural & Resource Lands based on shares of countywide growth. Jurisdictions must show land capacity to accommodate the units through zoning, and document potential barriers to production and racially disparate impacts in housing policy. Housing Allocation & HB1220 Overview 2 Income Bands 3 •County and Cities must plan for Countywide housing targets by income band generated by the HAPT. •HAPT methodology includes housing needed for a variety of reasons: •Income band allocations are not predictive forecasts, but the Legislature requires cities and counties to show capacity for these units to plan for future housing availability and affordability. •The County and Cities, with the assistance of the consultants, have been working on allocating housing units to UGAs and Rural & Resource Lands in 2024. Land Capacity 4 •Cities and County must show capacity for units that meet allocations at each income level •Capacity is correlated with zoning: •Lowest-income households (0-80% AMI) served by housing in areas zoned for medium to large scale multifamily development (including subsidized housing). •Moderate-income households (80-120% AMI) served by apartments and smaller “middle housing” types such as 2- 3-4-plexes. •Higher-income households (120% AMI+) served by single-family detached housing. •ADUs and Middle Housing can serve a range of moderate incomes. •Not all housing will build-out at these income levels, but jurisdictions must demonstrate that these housing types can be built under current or proposed zoning to meet targets. LIHTC Development Walk-Up Apartment Duplex SF Homes Adequate Provisions 5 •In addition to capacity, Commerce asks jurisdictions to analyze housing production trends to identify potential barriers to production in four categories: •Development regulations •Process obstacles •Limited land availability and environmental constraints •Funding gaps •Commerce provides matrices for this analysis: OFM Medium Allocations 6 •Net New Population, Housing, and Employment Allocations using OFM Medium Population Projections: Draft 2023-2045 Allocations: Alternative 1 (OFM / Technical Report Middle) Population Population Share Housing Units Housing Unit Share Employment Employment Share Bellingham City & UGA 24,158 42.4%15,219 48.7%15,172 62.5% Birch Bay UGA 2,313 4.1%936 3.0%124 0.5% Blaine City & UGA 2,774 4.9%1,461 4.7%701 2.9% Cherry Point UGA 0 0.0%0 0.0%493 2.0% Columbia Valley UGA 988 1.7%447 1.4%13 0.1% Everson City & UGA 933 1.6%433 1.4%203 0.8% Ferndale City & UGA 7,262 12.8%3,308 10.6%2,141 8.8% Lynden City & UGA 6,665 11.7%3,552 11.4%1,799 7.4% Nooksack City & UGA 352 0.6%190 0.6%79 0.3% Sumas City & UGA 697 1.2%476 1.5%150 0.6% Rural and Resource Lands 10,773 18.9%5,198 16.6%3,403 14.0% Total 56,915 100.0%31,220 100.0%24,279 100.0% OFM Medium Allocations by Income Band 7 •Net New Housing allocations using OFM Medium Population Projections: DRAFT HOUSING UNITS BY INCOME BAND 2023-2045: ALTERNATIVE 1 (OFM MEDIUM) 0-30%Emergency % of Total Total Non-PSH PSH >30-50%>50-80%>80-100%>100-120%>120% Housing Needs Bellingham City & UGA 48.75%15,219 4,711 1,901 3,864 760 709 1,119 2,155 253 Birch Bay UGA 3.00%936 290 117 238 47 44 69 132 16 Blaine City & UGA 4.68%1,461 452 182 371 73 68 107 207 24 Cherry Point UGA 0.00%-1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Columbia Valley UGA 1.43%447 138 56 113 22 21 33 63 7 Everson City & UGA 1.39%433 134 54 110 22 20 32 61 7 Ferndale City & UGA 10.60%3,308 1,024 413 840 165 154 243 468 55 Lynden City & UGA 11.38%3,552 1,100 444 902 177 166 261 503 59 Nooksack City & UGA 0.61%190 59 24 48 10 9 14 27 3 Sumas City & UGA 1.53%476 147 59 121 24 22 35 67 8 LAMIRDs and Rural Areas 16.65%5,198 0 0 45 855 301 305 3,692 87 Total 100.00%31,220 8,055 3,250 6,652 2,155 1,514 2,218 7,376 520 City-County Proposed Allocations 8 •Draft proposed net new population, housing, and employment allocations presented to the Whatcom County Planning Commission in November: Draft 2023-2045 Allocations: Alternative 2 (County/City Scenario) Population Population Share Housing Units Housing Unit Share Employment Employment Share Bellingham City & UGA 30,310 44.8%18,390 51.1%19,384 59.9% Birch Bay UGA 2,662 3.9%1,051 2.9%450 1.4% Blaine City & UGA 3,500 5.2%1,774 4.9%1,092 3.4% Cherry Point UGA 0 0.0%0 0.0%1,200 3.7% Columbia Valley UGA 1,137 1.7%502 1.4%350 1.1% Everson City & UGA 1,408 2.1%610 1.7%602 1.9% Ferndale City & UGA 10,961 16.2%4,659 12.9%3,337 10.3% Lynden City & UGA 6,665 9.9%3,535 9.8%1,799 5.6% Nooksack City & UGA 995 1.5%433 1.2%232 0.7% Sumas City & UGA 1,000 1.5%643 1.8%500 1.5% Rural and Resource Lands 9,000 13.3%4,416 12.3%3,403 10.5% Total 67,638 100.0%36,013 100.0%32,349 100.0% Proposed Allocations by Income Band 9 •Draft proposed net new housing allocations presented to the Whatcom County Planning Commission in November: DRAFT HOUSING UNITS BY INCOME BAND 2023-2045: ALTERNATIVE 2 (COUNTY/CITY SCENARIO) 0-30%Emergency % of Total Total Non-PSH PSH >30-50%>50-80%>80-100%>100-120%>120%Housing Needs Bellingham City & UGA 51.06%18,390 4,978 1,944 4,158 1,197 989 1,400 3,725 299 Birch Bay UGA 2.92%1,051 285 111 238 68 56 80 213 17 Blaine City & UGA 4.93%1,774 480 188 401 115 95 135 359 29 Cherry Point UGA 0.00%0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Columbia Valley UGA 1.39%502 136 53 113 33 27 38 102 8 Everson City & UGA 1.70%610 165 65 138 40 33 46 124 10 Ferndale City & UGA 12.94%4,659 1,261 492 1,053 303 250 355 944 76 Lynden City & UGA 9.82%3,535 957 374 799 230 190 269 716 58 Nooksack City & UGA 1.20%433 117 46 98 28 23 33 88 7 Sumas City & UGA 1.79%643 174 68 145 42 35 49 130 10 LAMIRDs and Rural Areas 12.26%4,416 0 0 45 855 304 307 2,905 72 Total 100.00%36,013 8,553 3,340 7,189 2,912 2,002 2,712 9,305 586 Project Contacts Matt Aamot Senior Planner Whatcom County 2025Update@co.whatcom.wa.us 360.778.5939 Andrew Oliver (Consultant) Senior Analyst Leland Consulting Group aoliver@lelandconsulting.com https://www.whatcomcounty.us/4218/2025-Comprehensive-Plan-Updates Project Website 10 EIS Update | December 4, 2024 2025 Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations Update & Urban Growth Areas Review Whatcom County Photo Credit: Rich Stratman SEPA Process Update Existing Conditions •SEPA required element for baseline evaluation •Areas of the environment included in the EIS: •Earth •Air Quality/Climate •Water Resources •Plants and Animals •Land and Shoreline Use •Plans and Policies •Population, Housing, and Employment •Environmental Justice •Cultural Resources •Transportation •Public Services and Utilities •Input from County departments on existing conditions 3 Growth/Land Use Alternatives •The No-action Alternative would assume that the existing Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and growth projections are carried forward, which represents a lower growth option (from 235,800 population in 2023 to 275,450 total County population in 2045). •Alternative 1 would use the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM) medium population projection (292,714 total County population in 2045) and allocate growth to each UGA and the area outside the UGAs based on the same percentage share of growth over the past ten years. •Alternative 2 would use a population projection (303,438 countywide) and allocations to each UGA and the area outside the UGAs developed by the cities and County. •Alternative 3 would use a higher population projection (321,702 in 2045) than the OFM medium projection, but less than the OFM high projection, and allocate growth to each UGA and the area outside the UGAs based on the same percentage share of growth over the past ten years. 4 Next Steps in the EIS Process Publication of the Draft EIS for public comment is anticipated in first quarter of 2025. Public hearing on the Draft EIS Publication of the Final EIS is anticipated in the second quarter of 2025. Complete impact analysis/comparison of the alternatives and mitigation strategy development. 5 Work to Date: •Outreach •Topic-Specific Citizen Advisory Committees •Regional Pop-Ups & Workshops •Interactive Community Survey •Land Capacity Analysis •Planning Commission & County Council Meetings •City-County Planner Group Meetings •EIS Existing Conditions Analysis •TAZ Modeling/Allocations Next Steps: •Alternatives Analysis •Publication of the Draft EIS •Open House & Public Comment Period •Planning Commission Work Sessions, Hearings, and Recommendations •Analysis of the Preferred Alternative •Publication of the Final EIS •County Council Meetings, Hearing & Adoption 6 EIS and Planning Process Questions on the Process? Project Contacts Matt Aamot Senior Planner Whatcom County 2025Update@co.whatcom.wa.us 360.778.5939 Sharese Graham (Consultant) Senior Environmental Planner SCJ Alliance Consulting Services bill.grimes@scjalliance.com 509.835.3770 https://www.whatcomcounty.us/4218/2025-Comprehensive-Plan-Updates Project Website 8