🌱 How one Sehome homeowner’s lawsuit could reshape Bellingham’s Airbnb rules
Bellingham, Washington Patch AM: a 5 min readWhat's up Bellingham! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How one Sehome homeowner’s lawsuit could reshape Bellingham’s Airbnb rules
- How Bellingham’s land buys around Lake Whatcom protect your tap water
- How deep could upcoming Whatcom County service cuts go?
Today's riddle: what do you call a rabbit with fleas? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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- Wednesday: A couple of showers; cooler, with a high of 60 and low of 51 degrees.
- Thursday: A shower possible, temps: high: 61, low: 48.
- Friday: Mostly cloudy, showers around, with a high of 52 and low of 46 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Property rights, preserving housing at odds in Bellingham's short-term rental law (cascadiadaily.com) — Bellingham’s 2019 short-term rental rules are facing a constitutional challenge from a Sehome Hill homeowner and attorney who says the city’s limits violate property rights. City officials and many residents argue the regulations protect scarce housing and neighborhoods, while others say they’ve lost major income. As Bellingham prepares a broader zoning overhaul, the outcome could reshape how locals can use their homes for Airbnb-style rentals. 
2. Why Bellingham is buying up land around Lake Whatcom (cascadiadaily.com) — Bellingham is spending millions in utility-funded watershed fees to buy and manage land around Lake Whatcom, aiming to protect the city’s primary drinking water source and cut phosphorus pollution. City and county crews are restoring forestlands, limiting development, and planning for wildfire and climate risks, even as long-term monitoring shows slow progress toward water quality goals.
3. Whatcom County warns of significant service reductions ahead of budget planning process (mybellinghamnow.com) — Whatcom County leaders in Bellingham are warning residents to expect significant service reductions as they confront a projected $14 million budget shortfall by 2028. Departments have been told to plan 7–10% cuts, with potential layoffs and schedule changes on the table as the county prioritizes legally required core services over discretionary programs.
4. Port of Bellingham approves hiring of new executive director (cascadiadaily.com) — Port of Bellingham commissioners have officially promoted Tiffany DeSimone to executive director, making her the first woman to hold the role and paying her roughly the same as Bellingham’s mayor. After a competitive search, commissioners praised her leadership and say she’ll help sharpen the port’s priorities and turn their direction into action.
5. How universities are saving water (highereddive.com) — Western Washington University in Bellingham is planning new water meters, campus-wide audits, and possible reclaimed-water irrigation to cut its draw from Lake Whatcom and save on utility costs. The story compares WWU’s plans with conservation moves at universities in Utah, Texas, and Alabama. Expect more attention on how campus habits and landscaping choices affect local water use.
📸 Around Bellingham
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🗓
Upcoming Events in
Bellingham
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
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Chamber Speaker Series: Legislative Review Presented by BP →
Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce Four Points by Sheraton 714 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham
9:00 am -
Theatre Troupes (Ages 50+) →
Allied Arts of Whatcom County BSAC North, 140 E. Bellis Fair Parkway, Bellingham, WA, 98226
12:30 pm -
Graphic Novel & Manga Book Club In-Person
South Whatcom Library , South Whatcom
4:30 pm -
Leadership Whatcom Graduation 2025-26
Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce Syre Auditorium at Whatcom Community College 237 W Kellogg Rd Bellingham, WA 98226
5:30 pm -
BYJB plays 11 am at Dockside Market
The Jazz Project Bellingham, WA 98225
11:00 am -
South Whatcom Teen Corps - Puppet Show: Hansel and Gretel In-Person
South Whatcom Library South Whatcom
1:45 pm -
South Whatcom Puppet Show: Hansel and Gretel In-Person
South Whatcom Library , South Whatcom
2:00 pm -
Area Archives Work Party
Western Washington Area 72 AA Area 72 Archives Repository, 3905 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA, 98499, United States
12:00 pm
Thursday May 14
Friday May 15
Saturday May 16
Sunday May 17
📣 Bellingham Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
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South Whatcom Storytime
South Whatcom Library South Whatcom
10:30 am -
BYJB performs Mt. Baker Care 6pm
The Jazz Project Bellingham, WA 98225
6:00 pm -
Graphic Novel & Manga Book Club In-Person
South Whatcom Library , South Whatcom
4:30 pm -
Leadership Whatcom Graduation 2025-26
Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce Syre Auditorium at Whatcom Community College 237 W Kellogg Rd Bellingham, WA 98226
5:30 pm
Wednesday May 13
Thursday May 14
Friday May 15
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- FYI the bear is back on the Wahl Road.
Take down your bird feeders and secure your garbage cans! (Nextdoor E Smith Rd) - I found some Columbine growing among the boulders on the bank of the ASB trail just at sunset and captured this image.
A bit of a Mother's day bouquet to all the moms out there! (Nextdoor Sehome)
- Fred Meyer Stores, Inc. posted a job opening for Grocery Clerk in Bellingham. Apply here.
- Office Depot, Inc. posted a job opening for Retail Part Time Store Associate in Bellingham. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bellingham here.
Ok Bellingham! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Bugs Bunny ! (Thank you bruce A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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