> **Supporting Resources**
Local Document File 
Approved Resolution county website
Here is a preliminary diagram of the system.
Here is a link to a network diagram of the resolution.
Here is a link to Kerry Turner CV
Click on the blue hyperlinks and you may find supporting material. This is a work in progress. :>)
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# PROPOSED BY: GALLOWAY, FRAZEY
INTRODUCTION DATE: April 26, 2022
RESOLUTION NO.
# ESTABLISHING PRIORITIES FOR WHATCOM COUNTY’S 2025 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
WHEREAS, the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) requires Whatcom County to develop a Comprehensive Plan for managing Population growth and Development, which was adopted in May of 1997; and
WHEREAS, on August 9, 2016, Whatcom County adopted Ordinance 2016-034 updating the Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the GMA requires Whatcom County to review Urban Growth Areas (UGAs) under RCW 36.70A.130(3) to be able to accommodate population and employment growth projected for the 20-Year Planning Period; and
WHEREAS, the GMA requires Whatcom County to periodically review and revise its Comprehensive Plan and development regulations under RCW 36.70A.130(1) ; and
WHEREAS, the GMA requires Whatcom County to review, and if needed, revise its Comprehensive Plan and development regulations on or before June 30, 2025, and every ten years thereafter; and
WHEREAS, the current Comprehensive Plan contains chapters on many Intersectional Issues impacted by Climate Change, Equity, and Economic Security including Land Use, Housing, Capital Facilities, Utilities, Transportation, Economics, Resource Lands, Recreation, and Environment; and
WHEREAS, on November 9, 2021, the Whatcom County Council passed Resolution 2021-049, adopting the 2021 Whatcom County Climate Action Plan, which develops goals, strategies, and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build climate resilience related to buildings, energy, industry, transportation, waste, land use, water, fisheries, agriculture, forestry and ecosystems; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County has experienced increasingly severe and frequent Effects of Climate Change including Wildfires, Smoke, Heat Dome, Drought, and Floods; and
WHEREAS, recent scientific reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change point out that **time is running short** for communities everywhere to mitigate and adapt to the worst effects of climate change; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan needs to more **clearly integrate climate change, equity, and economic security** throughout; and
WHEREAS, over the last several years, the Washington State Legislature considered several bills that address GMA (Growth Management Act ) and comprehensive planning including, but not limited to, HB 1099(2021-22) and HB 1117(2021-22) ; and
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WHEREAS, legislation failing to pass during previous legislative sessions does not preclude Whatcom County from **proactively and voluntarily incorporating these policy frameworks** into the updated Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, in addition to climate change, Whatcom County has experienced significant Socio-economic Impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, as early as 2019, the lack of Affordable Housing is recognized as an impediment to Economic Growth within Whatcom County by many in the community including the Business and Commerce Advisory Committee; and
WHEREAS, housing affordability continues to decline under unprecedented levels of National Inflation; and
WHEREAS, historic growth trends may not accurately **Predict Future Needs** and new methodologies may need to be introduced; and
WHEREAS, Cities within Whatcom County have expressed concern that the traditional use of Urban Growth Areas (UGAs), and their associated UGA Restrictions, may incentivize Development within Unincorporated Whatcom County rather than targeted growth areas; and
WHEREAS, preservation of the Whatcom County’s Farmlands and Agricultural Industries is a common goal; and
WHEREAS, Public Input is a critical component to identifying Priorities of the Comprehensive Plan
WHEREAS, The Whatcom County Council believes the updated Comprehensive Plan should reflect our Shared Values and address the current and future needs of Whatcom County; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council acknowledges that Whatcom County is a Diverse Landscape, Home to a broad spectrum of Cultures, and serving a wide variety of Industries, and therefore recognizes that the Solutions to the priorities identified here may take various forms throughout the County; and
WHEREAS, The Whatcom County Council looks forward to working collaboratively with the County Executive, County Staff, relevant Whatcom County Boards, Commissions, and Advisory Committees, Seven Cities, Native Nations, and other Stakeholders to adopt an updated Comprehensive Plan;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Whatcom County Council that the following Priorities be considered for incorporation into the updated Comprehensive Plan due on or before June 30, 2025:
1.Equity, Environmental Justice, and Economic Security should be Guiding Principles throughout all chapters of the Comprehensive Plan and associated planning and regulatory documents.
2.Engage government-to-government with Lummi Nation and Nooksack Indian Tribe in the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, and work to ensure Tribal Treaty Rights and Sovereignty are considered and upheld in all aspects.
3.Incorporate Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation, Resilience, and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission Reduction throughout the Comprehensive Plan.
4.Incorporate the objective of Sustainable Aquatic and Marine Environments for salmon and other species Promote the Protection, Restoration, and Recovery of Fish and Wildlife and Healthy Habitats throughout the Comprehensive Plan.
5.Collaboratively work towards Economic Security and Affordable Housing without sacrificing Environmental Health and Public Safety.
6.Support a thriving Local Agriculture and Local Food System economy and Food Security, considering the Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture as well as Equity and Housing needs of Farmworkers.
7.Build resilience to climate change in forests that enables both a thriving Timber Economy and healthy Sustainable Forest Ecosystems for wildlife, carbon sequestration and storage, and recreation.
8.More thoroughly consider impacts of climate change, equity, and economic security in relation to Natural Hazards Mitigation and Emergency Response.
9.More thoroughly consider how Growth Patterns may have been altered from historic patterns in light of socioeconomic changes, climate change, and housing affordability challenges and what impact this should have on future planning.
10.Analyze the use of, and restrictions to, municipal Urban Growth Areas (UGAs) within the County to avoid unintended Incentives to Build Putside of UGAs.
11.Maximize the environmental benefits of Wetland Mitigation and consider opportunities to increase development yield in urban areas by establishing Off-site Wetland Mitigations with rigorous monitoring and adaptive management requirements in areas outside of cities.
12.Consider Equitable Contribution from development within Unincorporated Whatcom County toward Public and Park Infrastructure with the implementation of an Impact Fee Program.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Whatcom County Council that the attached Exhibit A be considered as possible implementation Strategies and Actions that could help accomplish the priorities listed in this resolution.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, by that the Whatcom County Council recognizes the importance of coordinating and collaborating that in order to achieve the aforementioned priorities, significant Coordination and Collaboration must occur throughout the planning process with the following Governments and Stakeholders:
●Whatcom County Departments including the Planning & Development Services, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Health Department, Finance Department, and the Emergency Management Division of the Sheriff’s Office.
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●Whatcom County Boards, Commissions, and Advisory Committees including, but not limited to, the Planning Commission, Climate Impact Advisory Committee, Flood Advisory Committee, Marine Resources Committee, Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Racial Equity Commission, Forest Advisory Committee, Agricultural Advisory Committee, Food System Committee, Child and Family Wellbeing Taskforce, Business and Commerce Advisory Committee, Housing Advisory Committee, and WRIA 1 Planning Unit.
●Native Nations including Lummi Nation and the Nooksack Indian Tribe.
●The seven Incorporated Cities of Whatcom County: Bellingham, Blaine, Ferndale, Lynden, Sumas, Everson, and Nooksack.
●The Port of Bellingham.
●The Public Utility District No. 1 of Whatcom County.
●Whatcom Conservation District.
●State Agencies including the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Ecology, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Commerce.
●Whatcom County Residents, Business Owners, Farmers, Farmworkers, Community Interest Groups, and Nonprofits. APPROVED this day of , 20__. WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON Dana Brown-Davis, Clerk of the Council Todd Donovan, Council Chair APPROVED AS TO FORM: Karen Frakes, Civil Deputy Prosecutor
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# EXHIBIT A: SUGGESTED IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
1.Equity, environmental justice, and economic security should be Guiding Principles throughout all chapters of the Comprehensive Plan and associated planning and regulatory documents. Strengthen the “Diverse Cultural Composition” section of the Land Use chapter to include both equity and sovereignty. Incorporate relevant components from SB 5141(2021-22) the Healthy Environment for all (HEAL) Act and the Washington Environmental Health Disparities Map . Incorporate the Whatcom County “Healthy Planning” approach established by resolution 2015-038.Consult with the Whatcom County Health Department, Racial Equity Commission, Child and Family-Wellbeing Taskforce, and organizations representing farm workers, farmers, low-income families and children, and other groups disproportionately impacted by climate change, environmental injustices, and economic insecurity. Prioritize actions in Overburdened Communities that equitably enhance climate resilience and avoid or substantially reduce the adverse impacts of climate change in people, property, and ecological systems using best available Science and climate projections. Consider impacts to Economic Security and incorporate into relevant chapters.
2.Engage government-to-government with Lummi Nation and Nooksack Indian Tribe in the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, and work to ensure tribal treaty rights and sovereignty are considered and upheld in all aspects. Follow the framework established in HB 1717(2021-22) , concerning tribal participation in planning under the growth management act.
3.Incorporate climate change mitigation, adaptation, resilience, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction throughout the Comprehensive Plan.
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Mitigate and adapt to climate change, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and build climate resilience by Implementing the Recommendations of the Whatcom County Climate Action Plan.
Change the title of the Environment chapter to “Environment and Climate Resilience.”
Add goals of climate change mitigation and adaptation, and include measures to Mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on people, property, infrastructure, and ecological systems.
Add language to encourage a Natural Climate Solutions approach to climate mitigation and resilience.
Use the best available science associated with climate change and biodiversity. Transportation Chapter Incorporate measures aimed at reducing transportation related emissions, including adding a goal to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by enhancing Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure, encouraging the use of Public Transportation, and improving coordination between development and transportation systems. Implement the recommendations of the Whatcom County Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, the Regional Trails Plan, and Route Map proposed by the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Accelerate the transition to a Low-or Zero-Emission Transportation System (bicycles, cars, trucks, buses, and ferry) and associated infrastructure. Develop a plan to transition the County Fleet, including passenger vehicles, ferry, and other equipment, to electric, hydrogen, biofuels or other low-or zero-emission technologies.
Identify areas throughout the County, including the small cities, which may be feasible locations for transit-oriented development.
# Capital Facilities Chapter
Consider climate change impacts to Critical Infrastructure and Whatcom County facilities.
Evaluate the climate vulnerability and risk of existing infrastructure in Whatcom County.
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Increase energy efficiency and install Electric Heat Pumps in County buildings. Increase Renewable Energy Generation and Storage. Facilitate the construction of publicly accessible Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure at county facilities such as county buildings, parks, and other community spaces like schools, libraries, and senior centers.
Ease existing barriers by updating relevant Development Regulations and Land Use and Building Codes such as updating parking requirements to require or incentivize parking spots to be EV-ready on all new industrial, commercial, and residential multi-family construction. Design and build new county facilities in a sustainable way including Net Zero Energy Use, increasing energy resilience, utilizing local, sustainably sourced building materials, enhancing Microgrid Capabilities, and developing at locations that increase accessibility to public and alternative transportation modes. Conduct an Economic Analysis for current county infrastructure, buildings, and transportation that factors in Externalities of Climate Change to inform replacement prioritization and timeline.
Utilities Chapter Work with public and private utilities to further Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, increase renewable energy resources, and modernize the energy grid to build community and climate resilience. Support the evaluation of Whatcom Public Utilities District #1 to expand renewable energy production, water, and broadband throughout the County.
Support Universal Broadband Access as a foundation for Energy Transition and Digital Equity.
●Establish a goal to achieve Symmetrical Gigabit Broadband Throughout the County.
●Support efforts to establish and increase Municipal/public Broadband.
●Incorporate a “Dig Once” Policy for all new road construction projects, utility installations, and in planning for new residential, commercial, and industrial development. Enhance goals to reduce fossil fuel consumption and increase access to renewable energy resources.
●Review, and consider repealing, the moratorium and other restrictions on New Wind Energy Systems, and updating any relevant Wind Energy Code.
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●Evaluate potential for Geothermal Energy and Hydrogen Energy in Whatcom County.
●Assess opportunities to modernize the Energy Grid and other technologies and infrastructure necessary to deploy renewable energy and increase efficiency and Energy Security.
●Work with privately or investor-owned Utilities to support their transition to more renewable energy.
●Incentivize a methodical transition away from natural gas and other [[Fossil Fuels] while supporting a transition to electrification or other Zero-Emission alternatives. Set goals to further improve Water Quality and Quantity.
●Fully implement the outcomes of the Nooksack Adjudication and/or “Solutions Table” Process to ensure legal use of water that supports salmon recovery, agriculture, and drinking water for all residents.
●Update policies and take action to further Protect Lake Whatcom Watershed.
●Explore Water Infrastructure and Technology Solutions that can help store, conserve, improve efficiency, and alleviate the high demand during times of limited supply.
●Incorporate recommendations and priorities from the Whatcom County Drought Contingency Plan.
●Ensure the Coordinated Water System Plan is consistent with the comprehensive plan and development regulations, confirming current water supply and water systems can support future growth. Quantify and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Waste Management and Septic Systems in the county.
•Implement the strategies in the Comprehensive Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Plan.
•Promote and incentivize the Recycling of Building Materials.
4. Promote the protection, restoration, and recovery of Fish and Wildlife and healthy habitats
Incorporate the objective of [Sustainable Aquatic and Marine Environments]] for salmon and other species throughout the Comprehensive Plan
Add a Salmon Recovery goal. Implement the actions outlined in the Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) 1 Salmon Recovery Program and Salmonid Recovery Plan.
Incorporate recommendations and priorities from the WRIA 1 Watershed Management Plan .
Identify and update regulations that Protect Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity, protect, preserve, and restore Healthy Habitat and Biodiversity, and Protect Fish and Wildlife Populations from Human Activities and Structures.