Housing affordability is a complex problem that’s too big for one city to solve all by itself.
Much of what makes Bellingham too expensive for many would-be homeowners is market driven. According to Redfin, the top three cities from which residents are searching for Bellingham homes are Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
People selling homes in these cities would find Bellingham prices to be a relative bargain, and their purchasing power drives up market rates. Rising rents also contribute to Bellingham’s housing crisis.
City officials in Bellingham have shown a willingness to try to solve the affordability problem, to the extent it is in their control. They spend roughly $10 million annually on local housing programs, with about $4 million covered by property tax levies.
Now, the Bellingham City Council seeks public input on what else should be done about affordability.
The council is hosting a hybrid town hall meeting on affordable housing at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 14 at City Hall, 210 Lottie St. Interested community members may attend in person or over Zoom via cob.org/cctownhall. The meeting will start with a brief presentation, followed by a comment period with each speaker allotted up to two minutes.
The public is also welcome to provide written comments online at engagebellingham.org.
