Community Development Advisory Board

Community Development Advisory Board Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 6:00 PM February 13, 2025 Mayor's Boardroom Video Recorded https://meetings.cob.org -Call to Order The Community Development Advisory Board meeting was called to order by the Chair at 6:00 PM. 1. Introductions Present: Karin Jones (Chair), Andrew Calkins, Ben Spicer, Deidra Prado, Jasmine Fast, Katherine Freimund, Matt Unger, Ryan Wood, and Shannon Laws Absent: Jace Cotton (Council Representative) City Staff: Samya Lutz and Heather Aven Guests: Addison Ausley, Northwest Youth Services (NWYS); Sydney Prusak and Elizabeth Erickson, PCDD 2. Approval of minutes from previous meeting January minutes were approved by general consensus 3. Link to Meeting Video Click here to view the meeting Public Comment Period During this time, citizens may take up to three (3) minutes to address the members about any topic not on the agenda. Citizens wishing to speak during this time will be recognized by the Chair for comment. Agenda Items . Presentation from NWYS on the Transitional Living Program p. 7 Addison Ausley presented on Whatcom Transitional Living Program. She shared who is eligible for the program and spoke to fact that there are eleven (11) units in the program throughout the County. She spoke to the items that get provided to the participants as well as some of the topics that the Care Coordinators assists with (i.e. tenant disputes, job assistance and finance consultation). . Nomination / Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for 2025 p. 8 Shannon Laws volunteered to be the Chair, and there were no other nominations or interested persons. Matt Unger volunteered to be Vice-Chair, and there were no other nominations or interested persons. VOTE: There was general consensus for Shannon Laws / Matt Unger to lead the board in 2025.  . Review 2025 CDAB Calendar p. 9 The group reviewed the annual calendar and finalized staff’s proposal. . The Bellingham Plan p. 11 Sydney Prusak and Elizabeth Erickson presented an update on the Bellingham Plan update process. They shared some information on the Growth Management Act and how it informs the work that must be done by the City when planning for the required future growth. An overview of the Housing Bills (State Legislature) that will influence the rules and regulations the City must implement. The process timeline was outlined and the different themes/chapters that will be included in the Bellingham Plan were shared. There was a brief overview of the of all the planning documents, and Elizabeth shared what will be adopted by reference versus those that will be posted for public consumption, but not part of the plan directly (i.e. Data Hub). Topics from the three chapters that relate directly to the work of the Community Development Advisory Board (Land Use, Housing, and Community Wellbeing) were reviewed. The members had the opportunity to make suggestions to staff for consideration. . Applications Review p. 12 Samya provided the members with a list of applicants, and she shared the application process. Members agreed to move forward with the process utilized last time services contracts were reviewed (4-tiered system of recommendation by CDAB). She also shared that the draft Action Plan will be published prior to the next meeting, which will include the public hearing on the 2025 Action Plan. Other Business . Staff Updates Applications have been reviewed / 3 members are being forwarded to Mayor for consideration of appointment. . Announcements / "What's the Buzz" . Future Agenda Items Adjourned at 8:20pm Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Community Development Advisory Board members.