Western Washington University's SBDC told the City committee it counseled 533 entrepreneurs in 2025, assisted 29 new business launches and supported nearly $50 million in five-year capital investment; it also described a microloan pilot and flood-recovery support.

City planning staff said a downtown occupancy study found a 10% overall vacancy and a 14.6% pedestrian-core vacancy; council members discussed stalled assets, prioritized permitting, vacancy registry/tax options and a proposed business advocate position to help match tenants to spaces.

The Port of Bellingham presented its 2027 631 comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) update to the City of Bellingham committee, highlighting infrastructure, workforce pipelines and steps to attract and expand local firms such as PureBlue Tech.

The committee voted to authorize the mayor to execute a WSDOT local agency agreement to advance the Pine Street Crossing project using a $950,000 grant plus local and regional funds; transcript lists total project cost with a transcription typo that requires confirmation.

The committee authorized the mayor to enter a U.S. Department of Homeland Security FIFA 2026 grant agreement to fund overtime and equipment for fan‑zone events; council members raised concerns about contract language referencing immigration enforcement, which the deputy city attorney said is currently constrained by a preliminary injunction.

Mayor Kim Lunn told the Bellingham Budget & Finance Committee the city will prepare 2027 budgets both with and without a proposed regional fire authority (RFA), set department budget deadlines for mid‑July, and aims to present a proposed budget in late September as revenues continue to lag expenses.

Susan Mark, director of the Bellingham–Whatcom County Commission on Domestic Violence, told the council the commission’s review found a high denial rate for temporary protection orders and outlined planned judicial trainings, a restorative‑justice pilot, school workshops and a federal grant supporting advocacy and court training.

Council advances two ordinances restricting excessive rental fees and enhancing tenant protections.

Council approves appointments to the Seaholm Hill Arboretum Board and Parks Advisory Board.

Council reviews public concerns on pedestrian safety and proposed roadway improvements.