History
collective power in action
2020
MAY 2020 - George Floyd is murdered.
JUNE 2020 - Communities in Whatcom County begin organizing to make racial equity impact in the community.
JULY 2020 - City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and Prosecutor Eric Richey conduct listening sessions.
OCTOBER 2020 - The Public Health Advisory Board drafts resolution affirming racism as a public health crisis.
NOVEMBER 2020 - Whatcom County / Health Board passes resolution affirming racism as a public health crisis.
2021
MARCH 2021 - Whatcom County initiates RFP for the development of a racial equity commission.
APRIL 2021 - Whatcom County Council unanimously approves contract with Chuckanut Health Foundation for the development of a Whatcom Racial Equity Commission.
MAY 2021 - Chuckanut Health Foundation conducts a qualitative study to address community concerns.
2022
MARCH 2022 - Chuckanut Health Foundation’s qualitative study concludes.
OCTOBER 2022 - WREC is established through Ordinance 2022-065.
OCTOBER 2022 - The County administration leads the “Transition Phase” including working with community members to formalize the required Appointment Committee and contract the nonprofit entity to support the WREC through an RFP process.
2023
APRIL 2023 - Whatcom County launches RFQ 2023-27 to support the launch of the WREC. Whatcom County announces the Appointment Committe which will see Commission members.
JUNE 2023 - The Appointment Committee is confirmed.
AUGUST 2023 - Whatcom County approves a Launch Contract with Chuckanut Health Foundation. The County administration concludes the “Transition Phase” including working with community members to formalize the WREC launch.
SEPTEMBER 2023 - The Appointment Committee begins convening.
2024
FEBRUARY 2024 - Applications open for WREC appointment.
APRIL 2024 - County Executive confirms commissioners. Executive Director search begins.
JUNE 2024 - First WREC meeting is held.
AUGUST 2024 - WREC Executive Director is hired.
Rally for Black Lives. June 6, 2020. Sattva Photo.
Community Visioning Summit. May 22, 2021.
Ordinance 2022-065. October 11, 2022.