Justice Project (Public Health, Safety & Justice Initiative)

Proposition 4 (Passed) 

In November 2023, Whatcom County voters approved Proposition 2023-04, authorizing a sales and use tax of two-tenths of one percent (0.002 or 20 cents for every $100) for costs associated with a new County jail, behavioral health, withdrawal management services, supportive housing, public safety, and other criminal justice facilities and services.

This funding (detailed in Ordinance No. 2023-039), in addition to funds from other local, state, and federal sources, will allow for continued progress on the 15 projects outlined in the Implementation Plan and the larger goal of transforming our community’s approach to safety, health, and justice.

Implementation Plan 

The Implementation Plan adopted by Ordinance No. 2023-039 in July 2023 provides a road map for addressing issues in the criminal legal system and behavioral health services in Whatcom County and includes specific steps for providing adequate facilities, staffing, resources and services at all points of contact between the community and the criminal legal system. To accomplish these changes, the plan identifies 15 action items in the five following categories: 

  • Ensuring oversight, accountability, and transparency
  • Increasing access to behavioral health services 
  • Building the array of facilities needed to promote public health, safety, and justice
  • Expanding the capacity of programs to reduce incarceration/re-incarceration 
  • Making system changes with local, regional, state, and federal partners 

Needs Assessment 

On January 26, 2023, the Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) approved a motion recommending the final Justice Project Needs Assessment Report to the Whatcom County Council. The report makes recommendations for systems, services, and facilities related to public health, safety, and the criminal legal system in Whatcom County and was created with input from the Stakeholder Advisory Committee, the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force, subject matter experts, and the public.

Video Tour of County Jail 

In September 2022, a video tour of the county's main jail facility was created to give Stakeholder Advisory Committee Members a better understanding of the current conditions.

Background Information