Whatcom County Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force
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Whatcom County's Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force has worked since 2015 to increase resources to address underlying causes of incarceration in order to prevent incarceration outright—and lead people out of the criminal legal system and into supportive services, reducing the chances of re-incarceration. The Task Force is responsible for reviewing Whatcom County’s criminal legal and
05/07/2026
Join us this morning, Thursday, May 7, at 11 a.m. for a meeting of the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Steering Committee!
Meeting Agenda:
1. Call to Order
2. IPRTF 2026 Annual Report
3. County Council Resolution establishing a preliminary planning budget cap, affirming governing commitments, and providing recommendations to the administration from the Whatcom County Council on the capital construction of the Whatcom County Jail and Behavioral Care Center
4. Items for the next Task Force agenda
5. Other Business
6. Public Comment
You can join the meeting via Zoom or you can watch along in the County Council Office Conference Room (Suite 105) at 311 Grand Avenue in Bellingham. Please note that all committee members will be participating via Zoom.
Zoom Info:
Call-in phone number: 253-215-8782
Meeting/Webinar ID: 851 4007 3452
Password: 17783
Learn more at our website: www.whatcomcounty.us/2353
01/30/2026
On Tuesday, the Whatcom County Council affirmed the Task Force’s recommendation to construct a new out-of-custody behavioral care center on Division Street in Bellingham. A critical component of the Justice Project, the behavioral care center will provide inpatient, therapeutic, community-based care as an alternative to incarceration for individuals charged with behavioral health-driven offenses.
Stay up to date on Justice Project progress: www.whatcomcounty.us/4666
County council clears way for out-of-custody behavioral treatment center | Cascadia Daily News 32-bed behavioral health center will be on Division Street, available to wider public
12/16/2025
The Incarceration Prevention & Reduction Task Force is looking for new members! Applications are due by 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Current Task Force member, Rosa-Maria Hunter, explained why residents should consider volunteering for the advisory group.
"We often say, 'it takes a village,' and that saying holds true here. When the people of a community stay engaged and involved, the community moves forward," said Hunter. "When we don't, progress stalls."
Current Vacancies (4-year terms):
•2 Vacancies for Health & Social Services Provider, current member eligible to reapply
• 1 Vacancy for a consumer of services or family member of consumer
• 1 Vacancy for an interested citizen, current member eligible to reapply
Learn how to apply: www.whatcomcounty.us/1584
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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Telephone
Address
311 Grand Avenue , Suite 105
Bellingham, WA
98225
