About Us

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Contact, steering committee, our role and history

WHO WE ARE

Futurewise Whatcom

is the local chapter of statewide land-use advocacy organization, Futurewise, and works to promote healthy communities and cities while protecting working farms, working forests, and shorelines today and for future generations.

CONTACT US

Chapter Director

Email us
p: 360-543-0056
o: 1155 N. State Street #310, Bellingham
m: PO Box 1517 Bellingham, WA 98227

Local Steering Committee

Jean Melious (President)
Ramona Abbott (Vice-President)
Todd Donovan (Secretary)
Kane Hall (Treasurer)
Vanessa Blackburn
Jim Hansen
Wendy Harris
Dan McShane


Futurewise Whatcom Receives Major Grant!

Futurewise was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from the Whatcom Community Foundation to enable the Urban Livability program work of their Whatcom County Chapter in 2011. The support is from the Foundation's 'Well Whatcom Fund' for healthy community environments in the priority areas of Built Environment and Policy Work.
Futurewise Whatcom's Urban Livability program will use the grant to participate in the City of Bellingham's 10 year City Center Master Plan Update and Whatcom County Health Department's Complete Streets policy initiative, both to create more compact, livable, and vital urban areas that are accessible by bike, foot and transit.
Whatcom Community Foundation is a nonprofit, publicly-supported philanthropic institution whose mission is enhancing philanthropy to strengthen Whatcom County by linking people who care with causes that matter.

BACKGROUND & HISTORY

Washington State adopted its Growth Management Act (GMA) in 1990 to manage statewide development pressures in response to rapid growth.  The state Legislature had found that “uncoordinated and unplanned growth, together with a lack of common goals… pose a threat to the environment, sustainable economic development, and the health, safety, and high quality of life enjoyed by residents of this state.”

Unlike similar acts in Oregon and Florida, Washington’s GMA presumes that county comprehensive land use plans are valid upon adoption by the county government.  Private persons or organizations are charged with the task of examining plans and appealing to the State if they appear to violate the Act.  Futurewise acts on behalf of the citizens of Washington State to ensure land use policy is in compliance with the values of the Growth Management Act (GMA).

In Whatcom County, a small group of citizens began meeting in February 2007 to discuss ways to improve local land use planning efforts. Early organizers included Rick Dubrow, Robyn du Pre, Lincoln and Patti Rutter, Tris Shirley, Lynnea Flarry, Eric Hirst, and Dan Warner. This diverse group was made up of long-time residents and newcomers to Whatcom County, former leaders of Pro-Whatcom, and a board member of Futurewise. They decided to approach Futurewise about affiliation as a chapter – a new concept for the state organization headquartered in Seattle – and following a meeting with the Executive Director and Field Director of Futurewise in April 2007, officially formed a local chapter called Futurewise

Futurewise Whatcom remains the only chapter where Futurewise has launched a local agenda supported by local fundraising!



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Breaking News
A Once In a Lifetime Moment -- Futurewise is working on your SMP

Many communities across the state and in the Puget Sound region in particular are updating their shoreline management policies for the first time in over 30 years. It is a once in a lifetime moment for getting it right on our shorelines after decades of failed policies. Our active participation has “changed the conversation,” so that jurisdictions are beginning to grasp what is required and the best ways to address different issues.

May 22, 2012
Futurewise Fought Hard on Your Behalf During 2012 Legislative Session

To say that this year’s legislative session was a tough one is a huge understatement. In the end, we helped secure a few minor victories and successfully defeated more than 60 bills aimed at weakening our bedrock environmental laws.

May 20, 2012
Job Announcement: Whatcom Chapter Director

This high-energy job supports our advocacy and organizing efforts to protect Whatcom County's natural environment by working with local members and activists.

May 02, 2012
We need a champion for Sustainable Communities!

Just as our state legislative session has come to a close, things are heating up in DC. Tomorrow is a big day in the US Senate -- and our own Senator Murray is in the perfect place to be our champion.

Apr 16, 2012
Become an urban & environment advocate! Futurewise is accepting applications for AdvocacyCorps.

AdvocacyCorps is an intensive ten-week summer bootcamp for aspiring urban & environment advocates. Twelve outstanding young leaders between the ages of 19 and 26 will dedicate their summer to leadership development and political organizing to make a difference for Washington State’s communities and environment.

Apr 03, 2012
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