Safe streets are a public health issue, and transportation is a key social determinant of health. Transportation policy should first prioritize the most vulnerable and efficient modes—walking, rolling, biking, transit, shared rides, and single-occupancy vehicles. Applying an intersectional lens ensures policies are inclusive, affordable, and accessible, especially for disabled residents and those historically excluded from infrastructure decisions. We build a healthier, more connected community by designing for equity and safety.

Programs like GRACE and LEAD aim to address behavioral health issues and help to create housing stability challenges for some of those experiencing homelessness while reducing costs to the health care and criminal justice systems. I fully support these programs and will always be open and curious to explore additional options that help tackle our homelessness crisis.

I also believe that ongoing evaluation is a powerful tool to ensure that local programs continue to meet community needs and achieve meaningful outcomes. In Whatcom County, we’ve drawn inspiration and guidance from the work done in Snohomish and King Counties—evidence that has helped shape and support our own initiatives. We can contribute to the growing body of shared knowledge just as we’ve benefited from those efforts. By documenting our progress and lessons learned, we can support other communities in launching effective, people-centered programs. Thoughtful evaluation builds trust locally and strengthens the collective impact of communities working together toward common goals.

Housing isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it shouldn’t be. Just like we approach health differently across the stages of life, our city must ensure access to housing that meets people where they are: whether they’re just starting, raising a family, aging in place, or seeking stability after a period of transition. A thriving Bellingham means having housing options that support us at every stage of life— . If elected, I will work to implement programs that focus on:

• We need more affordable starter homes and pathways to homeownership for young people, working families, and first-time buyers;
• Revising our down payment assistance program, adjusting assistance amounts to reflect the increased cost of living;
• Incorporating the whole person, providing financial literacy supports to help people stay housed.
• Incorporating climate and environmental justice principles into our planning

Ensure transitional and supportive housing is part of the spectrum, because housing security is foundational to recovery, re-entry, and wellness.

Redefining how we define “homelessness” to be inclusive to those who at risk

Fund services that are trauma informed, measurable, and with ongoing trainings

Childcare is infrastructure. It’s essential for working families and for our local economy to thrive. I will advocate for affordable, accessible childcare options so that no family has to choose between their paycheck and their child’s wellbeing.

https://salish-current.org/2024/07/10/child-care-crisis-requires-creative-thinking-new-ideas/

Great schools start with great teachers—and great teachers need communities they can call home. I am committed to creating housing policies that support the educators who shape our future, ensuring they can live and thrive in the same neighborhoods they serve.

https://salish-current.org/2024/09/23/failing-our-students-the-consequences-of-politicizing-school-boards/

We must adopt policies that improve health, safety, and sustainability in our homes and neighborhoods. Supporting energy conservation and healthy home weatherization programs is a practical and impactful way to do this. These efforts reduce household energy costs, improve indoor air quality, and align with climate goals. Reducing our community’s reliance on methane (natural gas), one of the most potent greenhouse gases, is crucial in curbing emissions.

While visiting the Birchwood International Market, I met with community advocates from the Birchwood and Alderwood neighborhoods who are dedicated to this project. While I am not well-versed in zoning and land use codes, I recognize the pressing need for more housing in our city and growth areas. I am even more aware of the public health risks posed by environmental hazards from light and heavy industrial zones. These hazards don’t just affect the industrial lands; they extend into residential areas, schools and impact outdoor air quality.

A critical aspect of this discussion is the concept of “environmental justice.” Environmental justice ensures that no group of people, particularly marginalized communities, bears an undue share of negative environmental consequences from industrial, governmental, and commercial operations or policies.

As the county council prepares to vote [ref. “Where to, Whatcom County industrial lands,” July 22, 2024] on council member Todd Donovan’s memorandum, several questions need consideration:

• Who lives within the boundaries of Birchwood and Alderwood?
• What are the existing health risks for these communities?
• What are the long-term health effects on communities living near industrial sites or polluted areas?
• Are there resources and funding available for environmental protection and remediation in these communities?

 

We also need to ensure that these programs are implemented alongside workforce development. We must ensure that our labor force is not left behind during the transition to a greener economy. We can build a stronger, more resilient Bellingham for future generations by embracing policies prioritizing environmental and public health and workforce development.

I see unions as strong and essential advocates in this area. Any policy decisions around secure scheduling and fair work protections must be made in lockstep with local union priorities and goals. Organized labor has long led the way in fighting for fair, predictable working conditions. I’m committed to ensuring that policy efforts support—and are shaped by—the voices of workers and their unions.

 

I am committed to fully respecting and protecting tribal treaty rights, including water rights, traditional fishing practices, and preserving sacred burial grounds. These rights are legally binding agreements foundational to justice, sovereignty, and cultural survival.

As a city, there is so much more we can do to promote Tribal Sovereignty—these are important starting points, but not the end of the work. Like the treaties, real power lies in creating laws and policies that uphold and advance sovereignty in practice. My experience working at the state level to support Tribal Data Sovereignty is just one example of how we, as Democrats, can lean into this work and deepen our commitment to government-to-government relationships built on respect, accountability, and action.

The use of current tourism taxes or new short-term rental fees can be used to invest in arts, culture, and heritage programming that supports equity and diverse communities. Tacoma, Washington, provides a strong example of how municipalities can align cultural investment with economic development goals.

Investing lodging tax revenue into local arts and cultural initiatives can strengthen economic development, tourism, and equity. Programs should prioritize support for historically underfunded communities, including BIPOC-led organizations, youth arts programs, and cultural events rooted in community identity. This aligns with broader goals of cultural preservation, economic inclusion, and vibrant, welcoming neighborhoods.