Council Member Jack Weiss

Profile

Represents: 1st Ward
Term: Jan 2008 - Dec 2011

Council member Jack Weiss’ decision to run for Bellingham City Council reflects his strong interest in community service. His interest professionally and personally has centered on improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods, such as providing outdoor recreational opportunities and by creating and implementing environmentally sustainable programs. The focus of his efforts has been to be a positive force by developing, strengthening, and realizing programs that make a difference in our community.

Jack’s past pro-business, pro-environment career experiences include: Whatcom County Recycling Coordinator setting up incentives and cost-saving programs for businesses and residents such as countywide curbside recycling; Executive Director of an affordable housing non-profit business for 550 people with 25 employees; Administrator (Principal) for Whatcom Hills Waldorf School and; Project Manager for a variety of non-profit business programs.

He has been influential in setting up a number of important programs such as being the primary architect of the Greenways III levy 2005-2006. He also set up the materials re-use program that evolved into today’s successful and popular RE Store. Jack has been the President of the Birchwood Neighborhood Association, a three-term member of the Greenways Advisory Committee member and has been the Executive Director for Oeser Cedar Cleanup Coalition (a neighborhood oversight organization monitoring the clean-up of the County’s only federal Superfund toxic site).

Jack has been honored as Re Sources 2007 Environmental Hero Award as Former Executive Director and Washington State Recycler of the Year for Outstanding Contributions to Recycling and Market Development. As the lead staff member, he has also received the Washington State Best Government Program Award for Comprehensive Recycling and Waste Reduction and the National Recycling Coalition’s Most Innovative Local Market Development Award.

The focus of Jack’s work on Council will be:

Protecting our community’s health through better management of Lake Whatcom.
Providing predictable and responsible growth and zoning that stops sprawl and creates vitality in urban centers and neighborhoods while protecting aesthetics and character.
Insisting that the waterfront redevelopment Master Plan and Development Agreement with the Port reflects the deep-seated input from the community.
Providing meaningful and effective solutions to affordable housing issues in Bellingham
Working with small and medium-sized businesses to create opportunities that are both environmentally and socially sustainable as well as profitable.
Helping to create better opportunities for transparency in City government decisions and inner workings.

His list derives from hundreds of conversations with residents and business-owners in Bellingham. Jack wants to continue this discussion with you and invites your suggestions on maintaining and improving the quality of life we have in Bellingham.

Contact Information

2805 Cedarwood Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360)738-2103