Doug Cole introduced Mayor Fleetwood, whose term commenced in January 2020. Fleetwood is a Bellingham native, attended Sehome High School, U of W and earned a Juris Doctorate from Willamette. He served two terms each on the Whatcom County Council and Bellingham City Council.
Mayor Fleetwood commented that due to Covid, the past year’s focus was totally unexpected from what he had anticipated. There was 18% unemployment, social and economic uncertainty, change in social protocol, calls to defund the police and housing protests and camps at City Hall.
Police – There was a need to modify police response and the determination to increase more responses with those skilled in behavioral management vs. law enforcement.
Budget – The budget had been prepared in a time of economic uncertainty but the current level of income from sales and B&O tax is projected to exceeded that of 2019.
Vaccines – The Mayor mandated vaccines as a condition of employment for the COB. While he praised the 950+ employees, so far there has been only 80% compliance. The mandate takes effect on December 3.
Proposals – Due to the increased demand for public services, 23 new positions at the Fire Department will be filled. The Mayor hopes to support the expansion and enhancement of public spaces.
Homeless – Working with Base Camp, there has been an increase in shelter capacity.
Downtown – There has been consternation from merchants about dealing with mental health and drug use. Mayor Fleetwood plans to use funds from the Care Act to help address these issues. He would also like to increase the capacity of downtown with more and taller residential buildings.
American Rescue Plan – The COB has received $21 million from the plan. Funds will need to be spent by December, 2024. The Mayor says the focus will be “people first,” and deal with housing and food security, economic recovery, child care and increased “climate resiliency,” citing this year’s February freeze and June heat wave, and creating appropriate shelter for those in need during such events.
Growth – Noting that Bellingham is a “special place,” Fleetwood said it was unrealistic to think we could somehow resist growth. Since people are free to move where they choose, the goal will be to accommodate growth in a sustainable fashion. Infrastructure needs to be in place to harness the growth and synergy.
Questions: People First Initiatives – They are well intentioned but flawed. Not supported by the Mayor, City Council or any living past COB mayor.
Municipal Court – Was settled after lengthy hearings.
Do overly generous programs attract an out of area homeless population? Data does not suggest this. (But it is a popular misconception – ed.)
