A variety of viewpoints
Mayor Lund and Police Chief Mertzig responded cooperatively when asked about the status of downtown. (Remarks have been edited)
Q. When did the city hire private contractor Risk Solutions Unlimited to act as downtown security patrols in addition to regular police?
In January 2022, due to reduced police response caused by staff shortages and state legislation that changed police duties. We also saw a need for security staff who could respond and de-escalate situations that didn’t require a police response.
We first partnered with RSU in a two-year pilot program. Results were positive, showing that downtown stakeholders and others valued the additional security and connections to community services. During the pilot, two separate safety teams provided services: RSU and Streetplus Safety Ambassadors. At pilot’s end, we determined it would be more efficient to combine daytime and nighttime safety patrols under one contractor. At the beginning of 2024, RSU began patrolling downtown Bellingham seven days a week, 24 hours per day.
Q. Could Bellingham get an ordinance prohibiting panhandling?
We won’t speculate. We know, anecdotally and from our survey, community members say it’s erratic or aggressive behavior and open drug use that are most concerning, and our community wants to compassionately address people who are unhoused or experiencing behavioral health challenges, as well as those of the broader community.
We’re responding to what we’ve heard are top priorities: keeping downtown clean and welcoming, maintaining emergency medical services and police officers, creating safe and convenient ways to walk and bike downtown, and supporting organizations that provide social services downtown.
(Existing municipal code finds a person guilty of pedestrian interference if they aggressively beg, meaning with intent to intimidate another into giving them money or goods.)
Q. What are the metrics on businesses downtown?
Downtown continues to be our largest employment hub, with more than 8,800 jobs and 558 businesses. It’s also our most successful urban village in terms of retail and housing. Of the jobs, 28% are commercial, 17% food and drink, and 8% retail. Downtown is also home to more than 4,600 residents.
See our Urban Village data dashboard for current metrics, and our Downtown Forward Progress Report.
We will collect other data starting in 2025 so we can track progress. We don’t currently track commercial occupancy/vacancy rates for downtown.
Q. Can you speak to the safety and comfort of downtown?
Our police department will be bringing back a Bicycle Unit to increase police presence while offering a community-oriented policing model downtown. Reports of open drug use, property damage, disorderly conduct, and people experiencing behavioral health crisis are the primary challenges. The Bicycle Unit will expedite responses to these calls for service and connect people to resources.
In our recent survey, many people said they feel safer downtown than they did last winter, and about two-thirds said they feel positive about downtown’s future. There are so many great things happening downtown, and so many businesses and organizations making it lively and fun. We’re committed to keeping it safe and welcoming for business owners, employees, and customers.
Downtown is an engine of economic opportunity and the heart of arts, culture and entertainment for Bellingham and the county. We’re investing in this vital neighborhood because when a downtown thrives, the rest of the city benefits, too.
