The Proposed New Jail and Diversion Programs – Where We Stand Now
In November 2023, voters passed for the largest public works project in the history of Whatcom County: construction of a new jail supported by strong behavioral health and diversion programs. Since then, recent cuts to state and federal funding, inflation, tariffs, and declining sales tax revenue have added new challenges to both jail construction and expanding diversion programs.
Our May program will detail the successes and challenges to implementing these critical improvements as Whatcom County pursues justice. Panelists will analyze the treatment and diversion programs in use today, those that are being designed for a future facility and provide an update to the jail planning process.
Panelists include Starck Follis, the Director of the Public Defender’s Office, County Councilperson Barry Buchanan and Kayla Schott-Bresler, Whatcom County Deputy Executive. Join us for this important discussion.