Our Justice System Committee (JSC) has diligently followed the Whatcom County Justice Project and its Implementation Plan, which was enacted after the 2023 jail sales tax ordinance passed. While the new jail design moves forward, we have noted a distinct lack of movement on most other critical Plan goals.
To press for accountability and transparency, the JSC submitted these five pressing questions to the County on November 13, 2025, demanding they be answered at the November 20 Justice Project Engagement Workshop.
- Which elected officials are “in charge” of the Justice Project and what are their specific lines of accountability regarding budgeting, planning and evaluation?
- Village Reach recommended immediately hiring a permanent project manager to coordinate the collection of justice system data and creation of a public-facing data dashboard. What is the status of hiring this full-time staff person?
- Who’s responsible for making the final decision about the jail size?
- What immediate and long-term enhancements are planned for the funding and implementation of jail-alternative programs serving residents, and how are they projected to impact the need for confinement beds?
- Will the County keep the behavioral health facility separate from the jail?