WHATCOM HOUSING WEEK 2021

join US FOR Whatcom housing week 2021: A SERIES OF EVENTS THAT BUILD AWARENESS AND SUPPORT FOR INNOVATIVE HOUSING SOLUTIONS TO CREATE safe, equitable, and affordable HOMES FOR EVERYONE.

Whatcom Housing Week 2021 offers a variety of engaging and educational virtual events for housing enthusiasts and the broader community alike. In light of continual changes and updates regarding COVID-19, most of our events have switched to a virtual format. These changes are still in progress and this website will continually update with new information. In the meantime, be sure to check out last year’s Whatcom Housing Week events!

2021 Housing Week Schedule

MONDAY

All About ADUs

Monday, October 18, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Hosted by: Building Industry Association of Whatcom County

Details

ADU’s are one opportunity for homeowners to provide more affordable housing within our existing neighborhoods. Join this workshop to learn everything you need to know about building an ADU from start to finish including the design, permit process, homeowner do’s & don’ts, and the upfront costs needed to start your ADU project off right!

Event Location:
Baker Creek Place
1650 Baker Creek Place
Bellingham, WA 98226

TUESDAY

What Does it Take to Make Affordable Housing Pencil?

Tuesday, October 19, 9:00 – 10:00 am & 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Hosted by: City Of Bellingham and Building Industry Association of Whatcom County

Details

Virtual Event (9:00 – 10:00 am)

What factors determine whether or not a housing project is feasible? How are these factors addressed when building affordable housing? Why is housing getting more expensive? Come learn the basics of a pro forma and why affordable housing can be a challenge.

Event Details:
Register Here

In-person Event (12:00 -1:00 pm)

Join us for an informative luncheon covering the various market forces that are impacting the current housing market and causing the costs of homes to increase exponentially. If you have ever wondered why home costs have increased so much and what can be done about it then this will be the talk for you. Join Aly Taysi, MaryKay Robinson, and the BIAWC for a conversation about building market-rate homes in Whatcom County and what has to happen for these homes to be affordable for the average household income.

Event Location:

Baker Creek Place

1650 Baker Creek Place

Bellingham, WA 98226

WEDNESDAY

Connections: Homelessness, Stability, and Affordable Housing

Wednesday, October 20, 9:00 – 10:00 am
Hosted by: Whatcom County Health Department

Details

At this event, housing system professionals will speak about the programs and tools that are used to prevent and end homelessness in Whatcom County. They’ll explain how the housing and rental markets impact their ability to re-house individuals and families, and where we see the most pressing needs. Attendees will learn about local programs that develop affordable housing, prevent people from becoming homeless, and move people from the streets into warm homes, as well as those programs’ limitations. There will be opportunities for questions about homelessness in Whatcom County and about our community’s response.

Event Details:
TBD

WEDNESDAY

Inclusionary Zoning: Examples and Lessons Learned

Wednesday, October 20, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Hosted by: City of Bellingham

Details

The session will provide an overview of inclusionary zoning and a panel discussion on the pitfalls, lessons learned, and successes from other communities in the Puget Sound region.

Event Details:
TBD

WEDNESDAY

The Resurgence of Limited Equity Home Co-ops

Wednesday, October 20, 4:00 – 5:00 pm

Hosted by: Kulshan Community Land Trust et al.

Details

You’re invited to learn how the Whatcom region will use cooperative methods to create high-quality, owner-occupied, permanently affordable homes. Limited equity housing cooperatives remain affordable permanently for people from a wide range of incomes, both above and below the median income. Three special guests will share how the owner/shareholders of Home Co-ops design, build, occupy, and manage groups of owner-occupied homes in walkable neighborhoods.

Event Details:
Register Here!

THURSDAY

Density and Climate Change: The Next Generation

Thursday, October 21, 9:00 – 10:00 am
Hosted by: City of Bellingham

Details

This presentation will reinvigorate support of housing density from a climate impact perspective. What does recent data teach us about the value of denser housing compared to the impacts of more traditional housing models

Event Details:
Registration link coming soon!

THURSDAY

Whatcom Housing Alliance All–Member Meeting & Celebration

Thursday, October 21, 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Hosted by: Whatcom Housing Alliance

Details

Welcome all Whatcom Housing Alliance members and interested organizations. Our biannual All–Member Meetings are an opportunity for us to reconvene with our members, celebrate our successes, and provide insight on future goals.

FRIDAY

Women Build Day

Friday, October 22, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Hosted by: Habitat for Humanity

Details

Mark your calendars for Friday, October 22nd, 2021 to join Habitat for Humanity and a community of Whatcom women for a special build day during Whatcom Housing week. No experience necessary to join us; just a willingness to work hard, have a blast, and build permanent and affordable homes for local families in need.

Event Details:
Telegraph Townhomes
1050 Telegraph Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
Register Here