Barry Buchanan is currently serving his third term on the Whatcom County Council. He was elected to serve the at-large (A) position beginning in January 2018. Councilmember Buchanan's term ends January 2026.  
 
In 2023, Councilmember Buchanan is the County Council Chair and chair of the Criminal Justice and Safety Committee. In addition, he represents the County Council on several community boards and committees, including the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee, Incarceration Prevention & Reduction Task Force, Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters (LEOFF) Board, North Sound Behavioral Health Executive Committee, and Stakeholder Advisory Committee for the Justice Project.