How the Trump Administration's Policies regarding Mexico and Canada impact Whatcom County In a whirlwind first few months, the Trump Administration’s foreign and domestic policies have made significant impacts on social dynamics and the economy nationwide. Changes in...
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Past Programs
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Access our archives for a complete list of past programs and dates.
March 26, 2025: What Lies Ahead for US Diplomacy and Leadership in the World?
Three years ago, Putin's army invaded Ukraine starting the first land war in Europe in over 80 years. Ukraine has fought valiantly but now President Trump seems to be switching sides. He is experiencing significant push-back from our national security, intelligence...
February 26, 2025: Our Economic Future Through Ports
From Bellingham to Seattle: Airports, New Industries and Port Governance Join us to hear why the ports of Washington have such expansive responsibility for economic development, learn about the future of airports in Western Washington including Bellingham...
January 22, 2025: The Impact of Water Adjudication on us All
From cities and tribes to farms and businesses, everyone's water use in Whatcom County will be impacted What will be the wide-reaching impacts and implications for us all in Washington’s largest lawsuit ever? Whether residents and municipalities use city water, well...
November 20, 2024: The Wit and Wisdom of a Canadian Legend
Vaughn Palmer Brings us our Neighbor's View on the US Election Vaughn Palmer, one of City Club's favorite speakers, returns with observations on the 2024 presidential election. Palmer has been the Vancouver Sun’s provincial affairs political columnist, based in...
October 16, 2024: Pros, Cons and Consequences: 2024 Ballot Initiatives
Brian Heywood, founder and co-chair of “Let’s Go Washington” and a self-described new political powerbroker joins the Bellingham City Club to advocate in favor of the four initiatives (see below) on this year’s ballot. State Representative Alex Ramel, Senator Sharon...
Sept. 25, 2024: General Election Candidates Forum 2
40th Legislative District Senate: Liz Lovelett (Charles Carrell did not respond) 42nd Legislative District Position 2: Joe Timmons, Kamal Bhachu PUD Commissioner Position 1: Eddy Ury, Jeremiah Goggins Moderator: Jane Bright
Aug. 28, 2024: Election Forums – 42nd District House Position 1; PUD Position 1; State Supreme Court
General Election Candidates: 42nd Legislative District Position 1 - Alicia Rule and Raymond Pelletti Public Utility District Commission Position 2 - Atul Deshmane and Dan Johnson State Supreme Court Position 2 - Sal Mungia and Dave Larson Moderator: Jill Bernstein,...
July 24, 2024: It’s fake news! Or is it?
Disrupting mis/disinformation We swim in a sea of information — in newspapers and online newsrooms; on television, radio and podcasts; in social media and email from friends, family ... and from strangers. Not all of the information that flows our way is helpful,...
June 26, 2024: Alternatives to Incarceration in Whatcom County – Today and Tomorrow
Handout 6-26-24 There are now numerous programs in Whatcom County designed to reduce incarceration. We’ll look at what they are, how they are funded, how and how well they work and who administers them. We will also probe progress on how the initiative passed for a...
May 22, 2024: ‘Palaces for the People’: Today’s Libraries
Note: the City Club thanks the volunteers who helped record and edited this video. Carnegie's vision of libraries has expanded. Yes, still a crucial provider of books, but now also a citadel for information in every format. America's libraries are the inclusive...
April 24, 2024: Balancing Policy, Population and Preservation
Bellingham faces a critical moment as state legislation demands more housing here, yet prohibits single-family-only neighborhoods. Where will this housing be, does the City have a plan, and how will our concerns for respecting neighborhood character be honored? Don’t...











