IPRTF - Justice Project Oversight and Planning (JPOP) Committee - May 21, 2026

The Whatcom County Justice Project Oversight and Planning (JPOP) Committee met on May 21, 2026, to discuss updates on jail programming, behavioral care center (BCC) planning, and community engagement efforts. Key procurement-related topics included a $25 million budget cap for the jail and a $20 million cap for the BCC, alongside $14 million in grants, totaling $34 million for these projects. The committee reviewed the draft IPRTF annual report and discussed the ongoing programming process, which involves space allocation and operational programming documents. The meeting also featured an extensive discussion on homelessness and supportive housing services funded through state and local taxes, highlighting the challenges of affordable and supportive housing availability, funding constraints, and community opposition to new housing projects. Panelists from local nonprofits described the types of supportive housing provided and emphasized the need for more housing stock, wraparound services, and policy changes to address barriers such as criminal history and substance use. The committee planned further community engagement and a potential field trip to behavioral health facilities to enhance understanding of local housing solutions. No specific contract awards or vendor selections were reported, but budget caps and funding allocations for capital projects were key points of discussion.