Justice Project (Public Health, Safety & Justice Initiative)

Implementation Plan

The development of a Justice Project Implementation Plan is currently underway. The Implementation Plan will identify next steps in addressing the recommendations of the Justice Project Needs Assessment Report. The goal of the plan is to provide adequate facilities, staffing, resources and services at all points of contact between the community and the criminal legal system and to deliver on the Needs Assessment's vision, values, and goals for the criminal legal system in Whatcom County.

Click here to view the draft Implementation Plan, and submit your feedback by June 11th.

Needs Assessment Report

On January 26, 2023, the Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) approved a motion recommending the final Justice Project Needs Assessment Report to the Whatcom County Council. The report makes recommendations for systems, services, and facilities related to public health, safety, and the criminal legal system in Whatcom County and was created with input from the SAC, the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force (IPRTF), subject matter experts, and the public.

Video Tour of County Jail

In September 2022, a video tour of the county's main jail facility was created to give Stakeholder Advisory Committee Members a better understanding of the current conditions.

Town Hall Listening Session

On May 24th, the community gathered together to share feedback on elements of the draft Justice Project Implementation Plan during a Town Hall Listening Session hosted jointly by the Justice Project and Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force. Community members offered input on proposed projects for systems, services, and facilities related to public health and safety in Whatcom County.

To watch video of the event or view presentation materials, visit the Town Hall Listening Session page.

To learn more about the project and get involved, see the public participation page.