📢 Stand Up for Fair Rent Stabilization Laws! 🏠💪

Are you tired of skyrocketing rents squeezing families out of their homes? It's time to take action! Join our rally for rent stabilization and make your voice heard.

Rent stabilization isn't just about numbers – it's about people. It's about seniors on fixed incomes forced into homelessness, working families struggling to make ends meet, and communities facing unprecedented challenges. But together, we can make a difference.

Our rally aims to bring together members of the community who are passionate about creating positive change in housing affordability. We want to emphasize that this event is intended to be a peaceful protest, where participants can express their views in a respectful and nonviolent manner. We encourage everyone to engage in constructive dialogue, respect diverse opinions, and cooperate with any instructions from event organizers. Let's unite in solidarity, demonstrate our commitment to peaceful advocacy, and work together to make our voices heard. Together, we can create a safer, more inclusive community for all.

See you there!

RSVP

What to bring:

Lots of friends, family and neighbors.

Please make and bring signs to hold in the crowd.

If you have a BTU or CFW shirt, please wear it.

Dress for the weather.

We are holding additional "Community on Tap" events during the Legislative Session. Ponderosa supports renters rights and looks forward to hosting us in their cozy space! No purchase necessary to attend.

At "Community on Tap," you'll have the chance to connect with fellow renters, learn about your rights, and engage in impactful discussions, all while enjoying the relaxed and friendly ambiance of a local brewery. This is your opportunity to share your experiences, voice your concerns, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a passion for advocating for renters' rights.


Why Attend?

• Connect with fellow renters and like-minded individuals in a welcoming setting.

• Get updated on the status of HB 2114 and SB 5961- Rent Stabilization.

• Take part in getting this crucial bill passed!

• Be a part of a powerful movement that stands up for your rights and the rights of all renters.

We can't wait to see you there! Feel free to bring a friend or two - the more, the merrier!

RSVP

Let's make a difference together, one sip at a time. See you at "Community on Tap: Empowering Renters Together!"

Sign in PRO on HB 2114 before 7am on Thursday, Jan. 11: 
https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi/Testifier/Add?chamber=House&mId=31585&aId=156252&caId=22856&tId=3 

The hearings for HB 2114 will be available to watch live on the TVW.org website. The HB 2114 hearing is scheduled at 8am on Thursday, Jan. 11.

House Bill 2114 sponsored by Rep. Emily Alvarado (D-34) and Senate Bill 5961 sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-27) are companion bills that:

- Protect manufactured homeowners and tenants by stabilizing annual rent increases to no more than 5 percent per year

- Require 6 months' notice for a rent increase of 3 percent or more

- Ensure that fees count as rent for the purposes of calculating an increase

- Limit move-in fees to the equivalent of one month’s rent or less

- Limit late fees to $10

Sign in PRO on SB 5961 before 9:30am on Friday, Jan. 12: 
https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi/Testifier/Add?chamber=Senate&mId=31515&aId=156251&caId=22791&tId=3 

The hearings for SB 5961 will be available to watch live on the TVW.org website. The SB 5961 hearing will be held at 10:30am on Friday, Jan. 12.

House Bill 2114 sponsored by Rep. Emily Alvarado (D-34) and Senate Bill 5961 sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-27) are companion bills that:

- Protect manufactured homeowners and tenants by stabilizing annual rent increases to no more than 5 percent per year

- Require 6 months' notice for a rent increase of 3 percent or more

- Ensure that fees count as rent for the purposes of calculating an increase

- Limit move-in fees to the equivalent of one month’s rent or less

- Limit late fees to $10

• Convened by Aging Well Whatcom, meets via Zoom on the fourth Thursday of the month, 11:00am-12:00noon. 

• Purpose: Sharing information & ideas to promote more shared housing options for older adults in Whatcom County.

• LINK:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81271201537

  Everyone is welcome! This is an informal group, come when you can/want to!

As we bid farewell to 2023, let's come together for a momentous occasion – a Peoples Movement Assembly on Saturday, December 16th, from 10 am to 2 pm at C2C's community gathering space, 1295 E Bakerview Rd.

Reflecting on the incredible energy and commitment you all brought to our campaign this year, it's clear that our shared vision for a vibrant and safe community is more important than ever. Now, let's take that energy and passion into shaping the future of Bellingham.

The purpose of the PMA is to decentralize decision-making, ensuring everyone has a voice in our collective journey forward. Join us for an inspiring day of sharing food, ideas, and priorities as we commit to community work in 2024.

📍 Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, December 16th

• Time: 10 am - 2 pm

• Location: C2C Community Gathering Space, 1295 E Bakerview Rd, Bellingham

• RSVP: Click Here to Reserve Your Space

Limited parking is available, so let's reduce our footprint by carpooling if possible. Your presence is invaluable, and I can't wait to see you at this important event where we'll continue organizing for the safety and well-being of every member of our community.

Together, we can make a difference!

The best resource for a tenant is another tenant who knows their rights. Come learn yours!

To help us plan for supplies, food and refreshments, we need you to RSVP

Ballot boxes close at 8:00pm!

Whatcom Ballot Box Drop Box Locations

"Community on Tap" will be held on the first Thursday of each month at Ponderosa Beer and Books throughout the winter months. Ponderosa supports renters rights and looks forward to hosting us in their cozy space! No purchase necessary to attend.

At "Community on Tap," you'll have the chance to connect with fellow renters, learn about your rights, and engage in impactful discussions, all while enjoying the relaxed and friendly ambiance of a local brewery. This is your opportunity to share your experiences, voice your concerns, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a passion for advocating for renters' rights.


Why Attend?

• Connect with fellow renters and like-minded individuals in a welcoming setting.

• Learn about the progress and challenges in advocating for renters' rights.

• Engage in enlightening conversations and discussions on crucial topics.

• Be a part of a powerful movement that stands up for your rights and the rights of all renters.

We can't wait to see you there! Feel free to bring a friend or two - the more, the merrier!

RSVP

Let's make a difference together, one sip at a time. See you at "Community on Tap: Empowering Renters Together!"

• Convened by Aging Well Whatcom, meets via Zoom on the fourth Thursday of the month, 11:00am-12:00noon. 

• Purpose: Sharing information & ideas to promote more shared housing options for older adults in Whatcom County.

• LINK:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81271201537

  Everyone is welcome! This is an informal group, come when you can/want to!

Please join us for the BTU Tenant Assembly

RSVP

At "Community on Tap," you'll have the chance to connect with fellow renters, learn about your rights, and engage in impactful discussions, all while enjoying the relaxed and friendly ambiance of a local brewery. This is your opportunity to share your experiences, voice your concerns, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a passion for advocating for renters' rights.

Each week, we'll be rotating through Bellingham's finest microbreweries, providing you with the chance to not only expand your knowledge but also your circle of friends within our tight-knit community.

Why Attend?

• Connect with fellow renters and like-minded individuals in a welcoming setting.

• Learn about the progress and challenges in advocating for renters' rights.

• Engage in enlightening conversations and discussions on crucial topics.

• Be a part of a powerful movement that stands up for your rights and the rights of all renters.

We can't wait to see you there! Feel free to bring a friend or two - the more, the merrier!

RSVP

Let's make a difference together, one sip at a time. See you at "Community on Tap: Empowering Renters Together!"

At "Community on Tap," you'll have the chance to connect with fellow renters, learn about your rights, and engage in impactful discussions, all while enjoying the relaxed and friendly ambiance of a local brewery. This is your opportunity to share your experiences, voice your concerns, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a passion for advocating for renters' rights.

Each week, we'll be rotating through Bellingham's finest microbreweries, providing you with the chance to not only expand your knowledge but also your circle of friends within our tight-knit community.

Why Attend?

• Connect with fellow renters and like-minded individuals in a welcoming setting.

• Learn about the progress and challenges in advocating for renters' rights.

• Engage in enlightening conversations and discussions on crucial topics.

• Be a part of a powerful movement that stands up for your rights and the rights of all renters.

We can't wait to see you there! Feel free to bring a friend or two - the more, the merrier!

RSVP

Let's make a difference together, one sip at a time. See you at "Community on Tap: Empowering Renters Together!"

• Convened by Aging Well Whatcom, meets via Zoom on the fourth Thursday of the month, 11:00am-12:00noon. 

• Purpose: Sharing information & ideas to promote more shared housing options for older adults in Whatcom County.

• LINK:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81271201537

  Everyone is welcome! This is an informal group, come when you can/want to!

Want to be better educated on our initiatives or interested in work to address the housing crisis or the conditions of low-wage work?

Join us this Saturday at 3-5 PM at the Bellingham Public Library!

RSVP

Get briefed and plug into:

• Bellingham Initiative #1 to raise the minimum wage

• Bellingham Initiative #2 to protect renters after extreme rent hikes

• A new campaign to raise the wage in unincorporated Whatcom County

• A new campaign to win a County "Tenant Bill of Rights"

Please RSVP and we hope to see you there!

Andrew Hansen,
Community First Whatcom

P.S. Thanks to everyone who helped us start off strong by knocking 500 doors this weekend in the Roosevelt Neighborhood! If you also want to help out with this or future campaigns, RSVP for this Saturday!

At "Community on Tap," you'll have the chance to connect with fellow renters, learn about your rights, and engage in impactful discussions, all while enjoying the relaxed and friendly ambiance of a local brewery. This is your opportunity to share your experiences, voice your concerns, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a passion for advocating for renters' rights.

Each week, we'll be rotating through Bellingham's finest microbreweries, providing you with the chance to not only expand your knowledge but also your circle of friends within our tight-knit community.

Why Attend?

• Connect with fellow renters and like-minded individuals in a welcoming setting.

• Learn about the progress and challenges in advocating for renters' rights.

• Engage in enlightening conversations and discussions on crucial topics.

• Be a part of a powerful movement that stands up for your rights and the rights of all renters.

We can't wait to see you there! Feel free to bring a friend or two - the more, the merrier!

RSVP

Let's make a difference together, one sip at a time. See you at "Community on Tap: Empowering Renters Together!"

Tell City Council that their constituents are expecting them to address the housing crisis.

Call to Action

1. Attend in person or watch from home.

   1. Speak during the public comment period. Sign up here.

   2. Wear your BTU or Community First Whatcom T-shirt.

2. Share your experience as a renter or your requests of councilmembers on Engage Bellingham by midnight.

More information below on how to watch Council Meetings and comment below:

Watch Council Meetings Live

The City Council Regular meetings are conducted in a hybrid setting: both in-person and remote access are available.

In Person:

All meetings are held in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, unless otherwise noted. The doors unlock at 6:30 PM for the 7:00 PM meeting.

Live on YouTube and Comcast:

Council meetings are streamed live via the City’s website at https://cob.org/meetings and on the City’s YouTube channel at https://cob.org/btv. Meetings are also broadcast in high definition on BTV on Comcast channel 321 and in standard definition on Comcast channel 10.

Via Telephone:

Members of the public who do not have cable or Internet access may listen to the meeting via telephone by calling (253) 215-8782 and entering Meeting ID: 839 2153 4374 and Password: 9

Provide your Input

During a Meeting:

To speak during a Public Hearing or the Public Comment Session, advance registration is encouraged. Speakers who register in advance will be called on first. Registration can be made by visiting https://cob.org/ccsignup. Speakers may participate via the following options:

•                     In person: Members of the public may come to the Council Chambers located at City Hall, 210 Lottie St., Bellingham.

•                     Remotely via Zoom: Click the following link to launch the Zoom meeting and follow staff instructions at the time of the hearing or public comment period: https://cob.org/cczoom.

•                     Remotely via phone: Call (253) 215-8782 and enter Meeting ID 839 2153 4374 and Password 9. Follow staff instructions at the time of the hearing or public comment period.

Before or After a Meeting:

Advance written Public Hearing testimony and general written Public Comment can be presented to the Council:

• By mail addressed to: City Council, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225

• Online:

  • For a public hearing: https://cob.org/publichearing

  • For general public comment: https://cob.org/ccpubliccomment

WALK-IN’s WELCOME!

Free consultation with volunteer attorneys for Landlord/Tenant Law, Family Law, and Public Benefits (SSI/SSDI) Law

At "Community on Tap," you'll have the chance to connect with fellow renters, learn about your rights, and engage in impactful discussions, all while enjoying the relaxed and friendly ambiance of a local brewery. This is your opportunity to share your experiences, voice your concerns, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a passion for advocating for renters' rights.

Each week, we'll be rotating through Bellingham's finest microbreweries, providing you with the chance to not only expand your knowledge but also your circle of friends within our tight-knit community.

Why Attend?

• Connect with fellow renters and like-minded individuals in a welcoming setting.

• Learn about the progress and challenges in advocating for renters' rights.

• Engage in enlightening conversations and discussions on crucial topics.

• Be a part of a powerful movement that stands up for your rights and the rights of all renters.

We can't wait to see you there! Feel free to bring a friend or two - the more, the merrier!

RSVP

Let's make a difference together, one sip at a time. See you at "Community on Tap: Empowering Renters Together!"

At "Community on Tap," you'll have the chance to connect with fellow renters, learn about your rights, and engage in impactful discussions, all while enjoying the relaxed and friendly ambiance of a local brewery. This is your opportunity to share your experiences, voice your concerns, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a passion for advocating for renters' rights.

Each week, we'll be rotating through Bellingham's finest microbreweries, providing you with the chance to not only expand your knowledge but also your circle of friends within our tight-knit community.

Why Attend?

• Connect with fellow renters and like-minded individuals in a welcoming setting.

• Learn about the progress and challenges in advocating for renters' rights.

• Engage in enlightening conversations and discussions on crucial topics.

• Be a part of a powerful movement that stands up for your rights and the rights of all renters.

We can't wait to see you there! Feel free to bring a friend or two - the more, the merrier!

RSVP

Let's make a difference together, one sip at a time. See you at "Community on Tap: Empowering Renters Together!"

At "Community on Tap," you'll have the chance to connect with fellow renters, learn about your rights, and engage in impactful discussions, all while enjoying the relaxed and friendly ambiance of a local brewery. This is your opportunity to share your experiences, voice your concerns, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a passion for advocating for renters' rights.

Each week, we'll be rotating through Bellingham's finest microbreweries, providing you with the chance to not only expand your knowledge but also your circle of friends within our tight-knit community.

Why Attend?

• Connect with fellow renters and like-minded individuals in a welcoming setting.

• Learn about the progress and challenges in advocating for renters' rights.

• Engage in enlightening conversations and discussions on crucial topics.

• Be a part of a powerful movement that stands up for your rights and the rights of all renters.

We can't wait to see you there! Feel free to bring a friend or two - the more, the merrier!

RSVP

Let's make a difference together, one sip at a time. See you at "Community on Tap: Empowering Renters Together!"

Tell City Council that their constituents are expecting them to address the housing crisis.

Call to Action

1. Attend in person or watch from home.

   1. Speak during the public comment period. Sign up here.

   2. Wear your BTU or Community First Whatcom T-shirt.

2. Share your experience as a renter or your requests of councilmembers on Engage Bellingham by midnight.

More information below on how to watch Council Meetings and comment below:

Watch Council Meetings Live

The City Council Regular meetings are conducted in a hybrid setting: both in-person and remote access are available.

In Person:

All meetings are held in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, unless otherwise noted. The doors unlock at 6:30 PM for the 7:00 PM meeting.

Live on YouTube and Comcast:

Council meetings are streamed live via the City’s website at https://cob.org/meetings and on the City’s YouTube channel at https://cob.org/btv. Meetings are also broadcast in high definition on BTV on Comcast channel 321 and in standard definition on Comcast channel 10.

Via Telephone:

Members of the public who do not have cable or Internet access may listen to the meeting via telephone by calling (253) 215-8782 and entering Meeting ID: 839 2153 4374 and Password: 9

Provide your Input

During a Meeting:

To speak during a Public Hearing or the Public Comment Session, advance registration is encouraged. Speakers who register in advance will be called on first. Registration can be made by visiting https://cob.org/ccsignup. Speakers may participate via the following options:

•                     In person: Members of the public may come to the Council Chambers located at City Hall, 210 Lottie St., Bellingham.

•                     Remotely via Zoom: Click the following link to launch the Zoom meeting and follow staff instructions at the time of the hearing or public comment period: https://cob.org/cczoom.

•                     Remotely via phone: Call (253) 215-8782 and enter Meeting ID 839 2153 4374 and Password 9. Follow staff instructions at the time of the hearing or public comment period.

Before or After a Meeting:

Advance written Public Hearing testimony and general written Public Comment can be presented to the Council:

• By mail addressed to: City Council, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225

• Online:

  • For a public hearing: https://cob.org/publichearing

  • For general public comment: https://cob.org/ccpubliccomment

Come join BTU for the final night of the season. Ali Holmes will be there silk-screening BTU t-shirts. Please support our up-cycling efforts by bringing a plain (no pattern or design) cotton t-shirt to have our logo added.

This is a free event, located in the old Alberson's parking lot at 1650 Birchwood Ave., Bellingham.

For more information visit their Facebook page.

At "Community on Tap," you'll have the chance to connect with fellow renters, learn about your rights, and engage in impactful discussions, all while enjoying the relaxed and friendly ambiance of a local brewery. This is your opportunity to share your experiences, voice your concerns, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a passion for advocating for renters' rights.

As our inaugural event, this is just the beginning of an exciting weekly series. Each week, we'll be rotating through Bellingham's finest microbreweries, providing you with the chance to not only expand your knowledge but also your circle of friends within our tight-knit community.

Why Attend?

• Connect with fellow renters and like-minded individuals in a welcoming setting.

• Learn about the progress and challenges in advocating for renters' rights.

• Engage in enlightening conversations and discussions on crucial topics.

• Be a part of a powerful movement that stands up for your rights and the rights of all renters.

We're excited to kick-start this incredible journey, and we can't wait to see you there! Feel free to bring a friend or two - the more, the merrier!

RSVP

Let's make a difference together, one sip at a time. See you at "Community on Tap: Empowering Renters Together!"

Tell City Council that their constituents are expecting them to address the housing crisis.

Call to Action

1. Attend in person or watch from home.

   1. Speak during the public comment period. Sign up here.

   2. Wear your BTU or Community First Whatcom T-shirt.

2. Share your experience as a renter or your requests of councilmembers on Engage Bellingham by midnight.

More information below on how to watch Council Meetings and comment below:

Watch Council Meetings Live

The City Council Regular meetings are conducted in a hybrid setting: both in-person and remote access are available.

In Person:

All meetings are held in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, unless otherwise noted. The doors unlock at 6:30 PM for the 7:00 PM meeting.

Live on YouTube and Comcast:

Council meetings are streamed live via the City’s website at https://cob.org/meetings and on the City’s YouTube channel at https://cob.org/btv. Meetings are also broadcast in high definition on BTV on Comcast channel 321 and in standard definition on Comcast channel 10.

Via Telephone:

Members of the public who do not have cable or Internet access may listen to the meeting via telephone by calling (253) 215-8782 and entering Meeting ID: 839 2153 4374 and Password: 9

Provide your Input

During a Meeting:

To speak during a Public Hearing or the Public Comment Session, advance registration is encouraged. Speakers who register in advance will be called on first. Registration can be made by visiting https://cob.org/ccsignup. Speakers may participate via the following options:

•                     In person: Members of the public may come to the Council Chambers located at City Hall, 210 Lottie St., Bellingham.

•                     Remotely via Zoom: Click the following link to launch the Zoom meeting and follow staff instructions at the time of the hearing or public comment period: https://cob.org/cczoom.

•                     Remotely via phone: Call (253) 215-8782 and enter Meeting ID 839 2153 4374 and Password 9. Follow staff instructions at the time of the hearing or public comment period.

Before or After a Meeting:

Advance written Public Hearing testimony and general written Public Comment can be presented to the Council:

• By mail addressed to: City Council, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225

• Online:

  • For a public hearing: https://cob.org/publichearing

  • For general public comment: https://cob.org/ccpubliccomment

Join us to help build power for housing justice!

The Resident Action Project (RAP) organizes with tenants in affordable housing communities, people who have experienced homelessness, and other people struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

We’re changing policy and when we come together, we can win! RAP helped win the right for low-income tenants to have a free lawyer in eviction court and helped changed the law so landlords must have a good cause to make someone move – no more 20 day notices to move without even giving a reason!

Do you live in affordable housing? Have you been impacted or have concerns about the rising rents. Have you experienced housing injustice in Washington? Or are you a nonprofit staff person who works with residents?  This one-day movement-building event is for you!

This in-person event will be:

When: Saturday August 5, 2023

Time: 10:15-1:45 pm

Location: Bellingham Central Library, 210 Central Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225

Register for this free event by July 31.  If you need accommodations register by July 21, 2023

The agenda will include: 

* Rent Stabilization Overview

*Advocacy 101 

* How to speak with elected officials

* Panel of elected Officials

* Snacks and beverages will be provided

Having a safe, stable place to come home to is the foundation for our well-being and mental health. We can make a difference by coming together as a community to take care of our homes and each other. All of us, regardless of how much money we have or what zip code we live in, deserve access to safe housing. We need to join together to rewrite the rules and create a future that works for all of us. 

If you can't fill out this form or need assistance filling it out, please contact:
Contact us at 425-414-2001 or by email at duaarahemaahw@wliha.org

FILL OUT FORM

Bellingham City Hall or Virtual, 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 US

Host Contact Info: Connect with CFW Campaigns Director, Jace Cotton, by emailing or calling him directly: jace@communityfirstwhatcom.org (360) 480-5321. He can answer any questions or provide coaching and support for public comment coaching and support! This event is accessible.

3pm-5pm 

• Public Library (210 Central Ave, Central Library-Lecture Room)

We would like to invite you to join us for an afternoon social. Whether you are a member, a supporter or you would like to see what the BTU is about, everyone is welcome.  We will be adding our logo to t-shirts that can be worn during the following Monday Public Hearing to show city council we are serious about the housing issue.

If you have plain clean cotton shirts that we can upcycle, please bring them with you. Thank you!

Vote now!

Elected officials have the power to make decisions that affect our lives in huge ways. Thanks for taking the time to vote on whether our Union should endorse any of the ten candidates who requested an endorsement from our membership.

Please begin by entering your name and unique BTU voter ID (this will allow us to make sure that you're really you!). Once that's done, you can vote on whether we should or should not endorse any of the candidates for the 2023 Primary Election.

Each section contains a link to any endorsement questionnaires received for each candidate, their campaign website, and any additional information (if candidate requested the inclusion). 

Questions that BTU members have found helpful in the past when making a decision have been:

• Does this candidate align with BTU's housing justice platform?

• Will this candidate support tenants' rights at the city/state/county level?

• Do you believe this candidate can be held accountable or is willing to be responsive to the Union?

• Are there any policies or perspectives that make you hesitate to support this candidate? If yes, does the candidate merit an endorsement at all?

KEY THINGS TO KNOW:
- Voting is open from 3pm on July 15th to midnight July 19th.
- As this is for the Primary Election, you have three options for each position:

1. Vote for one candidate.

2. Vote for multiple candidates (BTU can endorse more than one candidate per position).

3. Vote for no endorsement at all.

- BTU requires a 60% majority for any candidate endorsements. If a candidate receives 51% of votes, they will not be endorsed.