Since we formed the Futurewise Whatcom chapter in April 2007, we have been active on several land-use planning issues in Whatcom County. Here is a chronogolical list of our advocacy statements as of April 2008.

1.    Bellingham Urban Growth Area, written and oral statements to Whatcom County Council, July and August 2007. Urged approval of zero expansion of UGA.

2.    Whatcom County Shoreline Master Program, written statement to Washington Department of Ecology, October 2007. Applauded county’s program.

3.    Environmental Impact Statement for proposed Pioneer Plaza commercial development, written statement to Ferndale Planning Department, September 2007. Identified several flaws and gaps in EIS.

4.    Bellingham Urban Growth Area, written and oral statements to Whatcom County Council, December 2007. Urged approval of zero expansion of UGA.

5.    Extension of water service by Lake Whatcom Water & Sewer District, written statement to City of Bellingham, January 2008. Agreed with service to Residential Treatment Center, opposed extension of service to proposed uphill residential development.

6.    Bellingham Urban Growth Area, written and oral statements to City of Bellingham, January 2008. Urged approval of resolution supporting county decision to limit expansion of UGA

8.    Vesting of proposed Fairhaven Highlands Development, written statement to Bellingham Planning Department, March 2008. Urged city to strictly enforce its vesting requirements for proposed developments.

9.    Extension of water service by Lake Whatcom Water & Sewer District, written statement to Whatcom County Hearing Examiner, March 2008. Agreed with service to Residential Treatment Center, opposed extension of service to proposed uphill residential development.

10.    Proposed exemptions to Critical Areas Ordinance, written and oral statements to City of Bellingham, April 2008. Opposed overly broad proposal to exempt city capital projects from its CAO.

11.    Blaine Urban Growth Area, written statement to Whatcom County Department of Planning & Development Services, April 2008. Encouraged county to revise downward the Blaine UGA.

12.  Whatcom County Transportation Impact Fees, written statement to Whatcom County Department of Planning & Development Services, June 2008. Supported county plan to implement system of impact fees, raised several issues on details of design and implementation.