In 2023 alone, fifty thousand people made the trek up Interstate 5, or simply "the five" in California speak, citing the high cost of housing, rising state taxes, and the state's political culture as the top three reasons.

Bellingham faces affordability challenges but also has an opportunity to set a new course — the upcoming Comprehensive Plan update allows for rebalancing.

As we approach the season of our darkest and most rainy days, it's important that we remember what makes a community more than a collection of strangers.

A balanced justice system includes restorative programs as well as adequate jail facilities.

Including others when developing solutions is a hallmark of leadership—it was not evident at the March 13th City Council meeting regarding new drug use sanctions.

And just how do we get out of this housing mess?

Bellingham can learn from successful programs elsewhere and would do well to abandon ineffectual approaches.