Blaine Confidential

December 4, 2025 Dear Members of the Whatcom County Council and Planning Commission, I respectfully urge the Council and Planning Commission to consider the following recommendations aimed at protecting the Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas (CARAs) serving Blaine and Birch Bay, and at strengthening responsible governance and sustainable planning practices. 1.  Recommend a Moratorium on New Development Applications Affecting East Blaine and Birch Point CARAs A temporary moratorium is a prudent and necessary step.  Water Planning Matters has recommended such a pause, and strong rationale supports it.  A moratorium would allow the County to conduct a cumulative assessment of risks, ensure long-term resiliency and sustainability, and guide land-use decisions in a manner consistent with the importance of protecting these sensitive environmental areas. 2. Recommend Establishing an Advisory Committee to Develop Recommendations for Protecting Endangered Ecosystems Council leadershi...

December 4 letter to Whatcom County: With an eye toward the 2025 ten-year update to the Blaine Comprehensive Plan, the City of Blaine from 2023-25 fast-tracked amendments to the Blaine Municipal Code that illegally increased development density and reduced environmental protections in critical areas and shorelines. Three of these amendments governing redevelopment of the Central Business District were voted on by Blaine officials with  financial conflicts of interest . These amendments are featured in the proposed Blaine UGA element, despite being evidence of government misconduct. Whatcom County officials need to remove these proceeds of crime from the Blaine plan, and require Blaine to repeal these self-dealing ordinances in order to come into compliance with the   Ethics in Public Service Act   and Growth Management Act. Additionally, they should be referred to the appropriate state law enforcement agencies.