IPRTF - Justice Project Oversight and Planning Committee - Sept. 17, 2026

The Whatcom County Justice Project Oversight and Planning Committee met on September 17, 2026, to discuss updates on the jail and behavioral care center projects, supportive housing, and planning priorities for 2027. Key procurement-related discussions included the county council's recent approval of a budget ordinance to fund the design phase of the jail project, consolidating operations budgets into a single jail fund, and plans for site preparation and groundbreaking in 2027. The committee also reviewed the behavioral care center's programming and anticipated schematic design phase later in the year, with a total capital budget of $35 million, including $14 million from grants and the remainder from a levy. Members emphasized the importance of prioritizing funding to maintain and expand supportive housing programs proven to reduce homelessness and incarceration, while acknowledging current budget constraints. The committee discussed the need for improved data collection and coordination across agencies to enhance program effectiveness. Additionally, the group toured the Lummi Nation secure withdrawal management and stabilization facility, highlighting its thoughtful design and cultural integration. The committee plans to refine their supportive housing report and present it to the broader Implementation Plan and Review Task Force (IPRTF) in the coming months, with a focus on continued oversight, public engagement, and strategic planning for 2027.