A Welcoming Community for Immigrants

​​Bellingham is an inclusive community.  The City Council passed an ordinance in February 2017 reaffirming a commitment to keeping Bellingham a safe and welcoming city by focusing resources on local needs, not on enforcing federal immigration law. Maintaining trust of all residents, and avoiding discriminatory policing, is a critical element in maintaining resident cooperation in law enforcement. In 2019, the City established an Immigration Advisory Board to review existing legislation, programs, and practices and propose improvements.

Immigrant Resource Center

The City is considering a recommendation from the Immigration Advisory Board that it create an Immigrant Resource Center to provide a gathering place for immigrant communities and help immigrants access services and education. Options for the center were discussed during a series of Council meetings, linked below.

Ordinances

Resolutions

Policy Discussions and Statements

Policies of the Bellingham Police Department