On July 11, 2023, Whatcom County Council passed Ordinance No. 2023-039 adopting the Implementation Plan and authorizing the submission of a ballot measure to the voters of Whatcom County for a sales and use tax for public health, safety, and justice facilities and services.
Background
Whatcom County Council approved Resolution 2023-006 on February 21, 2023, accepting the final Justice Project Needs Assessment report and confirming the next steps to develop an Implementation Plan. The County Executive led the development of an Implementation Plan that includes:
- Analysis of potential facilities concepts, including location options and planning level costs,
- Identification of a site and concept for the main jail and service facilities in the community,
- Proposed services and systems efforts and their costs,
- Identification of county departments, community leaders, and organizations to lead implementation of the recommendations, and
- A funding approach, including but not limited to elements to be funded through a proposed ballot measure.
Watch a short video (12 min.) about the Justice Project Implementation Plan background and overview.
Development of Draft Plan
A draft Implementation Plan was developed through workshops with the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force (IPRTF), county staff, and key stakeholders. Members of the public contributed their input through focus groups, surveys, and a town hall listening session.
The first draft of the Implementation Plan was released on May 31, 2023.
Whatcom County Council discussed elements of the draft Implementation Plan during a series of reoccurring Committee of the Whole Justice Project Workshops. Materials from these workshops, including presentations and draft ordinances, are available for public review.