Whatcom County Government

09/04/2026

Next Monday, Sept. 7, County offices will closed in recognition of the historic and ongoing contributions of the American labor movement.

Labor is an integral part of Whatcom's history and growth. The Labor Temple which housed 19 different trade unions in 1930, still stands as part of our community on State Street. The County is proud of the many unionized employees that support the work we do serving the community.

Most County employees are represented by the Teamsters Union, Local 231, and a complete list of collective bargaining agreements can be found here: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/176/Teamster-Master-Local-231

09/03/2026

Earlier this week, Executive Sidhu delivered a balanced and responsible budget for 2027-2028 for Council deliberations. You can read more about it here or join us for our County Government Open House Sept. 30th from 6PM-7:30PM in the County Courthouse and ask your questions in person.

’27-’28 proposal includes new revenue, spending reductions; some layoffs expected

09/02/2026

The Way Station is a collaboration between local community health center Unity Care NW, Opportunity Council, PeaceHealth, and Whatcom County.

"What makes it unique is the combination of services it offers all in one location to people experiencing homelessness. The Health & Hygiene Center offers shower, laundry, and restroom access and provides walk-in medical and mental health care, including substance use disorder counseling."

The Way Station opened in late 2024 after seven years of planning and pandemic-related delays. This one-of-a-kind facility is the result of a collaboration between local community health center Unity Care NW, nonprofit community action agency Opportunity Council, PeaceHealth, and Whatcom County.

09/02/2026

What's on the horizon for Whatcom County in 2027 and 2028? Find out at our County Government Open House September 30th from 6PM-7:30PM!

Deep dive into county budgeting, ask about that new parks trail near your house, or learn about the intricacies of our ballot processing system straight from the people who do the work.

See you there!

08/31/2026

KNKX Public Radio (NPR) takes a look at our big investment in childcare for working families in Whatcom County:
"“A central purpose for the creation of the fund was to make quality child care more affordable and more accessible, and Kids First will achieve that for more than a thousand families every year. I am very pleased to see this program move forward,” Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu said in a news release.

The program is expected to help around 1,400 children across the county access childcare in its first year."

Whatcom County is investing approximately $7 million into a new financial aid program to help low-income families access childcare.

In its first year, the program is expected to help around 1,400 children across the county access childcare.

📸 Ted S. Warren | AP

08/26/2026

UPDATE 12:30 p.m. 8/27: The Whatcom Chief has passed today's U.S. Coast Guard inspection and will resume ferry service at 1 p.m.

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UPDATE: 4:15 p.m., 8/26: The Lummi Island Ferry resumed service at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, and will continue operating until 9 p.m. The remaining scheduled runs after 9 p.m. are canceled.

There will be no ferry service on Thursday, August 27, to allow for a U.S. Coast Guard inspection.

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Whatcom Chief OUTAGE: As of 3:15 p.m., ferry service is suspended until further notice.

We will provide updates as soon as they become available.

08/26/2026

08/24/2026

Update: The Assessor's Office is open again for business!

Due to unexpected water damage and electrical issue, the Assessor's Office lobby will be closed until further notice. If you need assistance, please call us at 360-778-5050 or email [email protected]. Thank you for your patience!