IPRTF - Justice Project Oversight and Planning (JPOP) Committee - July 16, 2026

The Whatcom County Justice Project Oversight and Planning (JPOP) Committee convened on July 16, 2026, focusing primarily on supportive housing programs and their role in preventing incarceration and aiding recovery for individuals with behavioral health issues. The meeting included a detailed quarter two progress report highlighting the planning and design of a new jail facility, with a projected groundbreaking in 2027 and completion in 2028. Key procurement-related updates included the Medicaid waiver approval allowing Medicaid funds to cover medical and behavioral health services for incarcerated individuals, improving financial sustainability. The committee also engaged with a panel of supportive housing residents who shared personal experiences and identified gaps such as difficulties accessing housing programs, landlord relations, and the need for more treatment and peer support services. Discussions emphasized the importance of a continuum of care in housing, the challenge of transitioning residents to permanent housing, and the need for landlord training. The committee plans to synthesize these insights into recommendations for future action, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for September 17, 2026.