Year in Review: Whatcom County Executive

In 2025, escalating tensions in U.S.-Canada relationship on the federal level have been felt across Whatcom County and especially in Point Roberts. No matter how things go in the nation’s capital, your county government will continue to work on your behalf and with our partners north of the border.

Rising costs and economic stagnation have made for difficult budget decisions this year, but the county was able to tighten our belts and keep essential services running without layoffs or deep service reductions.

We made substantial progress on the Justice Project, work that aims to reshape how we address criminal justice and behavioral health in our community. Our design-build team is on track to break ground on the new Jail and Behavioral Care Center in 2027.

Thanks to critical engagement from your community, the Port of Bellingham developed an economic development strategy for Point Roberts, and we are eager do our part to build a more resilient local economy here.

We also addressed longstanding challenges for the county by securing a new office for the Sheriff’s staff, welcoming new leaders to several departments, and providing greater transparency into our county budget.

One area that needs more attention is our cross-border relationships. I traveled to Canada many times this year, not only to visit family and friends but also to collaborate with cross-border trade groups and elected officials to strengthen our economic ties. We cannot let the tariffs and tension from Washington, DC, impact the close partnerships here in our community, and that will be a focus of mine going into next year.

I look forward to hearing from the Point Roberts community when I visit again in 2026 as we continue to strive to serve your needs in this beautiful and unique corner of Whatcom County.