Justice Project:  Online Survey, Town Hall, and SAC Meetings

The Justice Project seeks public input from the region’s diverse communities on the county’s criminal legal system and the draft Needs Assessment report being developed by the Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC). Throughout the month of November, the Justice Project is focused on a variety of public outreach opportunities, including the following: 

Town Hall Listening Session - Nov. 15th, 6-8 pm
A Town Hall Listening Session will be held on Tuesday, November 15th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm to share information about the draft Needs Assessment report and hear feedback from the public. This is a hybrid meeting with both in-person and remote attendance. Attend in person in the Council Chambers at the County Courthouse, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225. For instructions on how to participate in the meeting online or by phone, visit www.whatcomcounty.us/justice. Individuals who require special assistance to participate in the meeting are asked to contact the Council Office at 360.778.5010 at least 96 hours in advance.

Community Listening Sessions
The Vida Agency (TVA), a WMBE-owned communications consulting firm, is supporting the Justice Project's ongoing effort to gain comprehensive feedback from the community on current elements of Whatcom County’s criminal legal system. Listening sessions are focused on customized outreach opportunities for Latinx and Native American community members as well as formerly incarcerated individuals and their family members. 

Online Survey, Closes Nov. 18th
Community feedback from the online survey will help guide the SAC’s recommendations in the Justice Project Needs Assessment report. 
Visit WhatcomJusticeProject.org for more information and to take the survey. 

The SAC will consider all public feedback as they continue to develop the Needs Assessment report at the following upcoming meetings:

SAC Meeting #7: Needs and Recommendations - Nov. 17th
The SAC will meet on Thursday, November 17th from 10:00 am to 12:00pm to review draft needs and recommendations for the Needs Assessment Report and consider preliminary public feedback. Additionally, the SAC will discuss the video tour of the Whatcom County main jail, which was created for SAC members to understand the current condition of the facility. Click here to view the jail tour video.

The SAC will meet on Thursday, December 15th from 10:00 am to 12:00pm to review elements of a draft needs assessment and consider preliminary public feedback.

SAC Meeting #9: Final Needs Assessment report - Jan. 19th
The SAC will meet on Thursday, January 19th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm to review the final Justice Project Needs Assessment Report, and consider recommending the report to the Whatcom County Council. If the SAC votes to recommend the Needs Assessment Report to County Council, the report will be brought forward to the County Council in February, 2023.

All SAC meetings are open to the public and recorded. Attend in person at the County Council Office, 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98225, or attend remotely via Zoom webinar online or by phone. All SAC Members will participate remotely. If you require special assistance to participate, please contact the County Council Office at least 96 hours in advance.

For more information, including meeting agendas and remote join information, please visit the SAC Meetings and Additional Information page, or call the County Council Office at 360-778-5010.