[1]
Code reviser's note: Ordinance 2018-030 adds these provisions as Chapter 2.126. The chapter has been editorially renumbered to prevent duplication of numbering.
The Whatcom County business and commerce advisory committee is hereby established.
(Ord. 2018-030 Exh. A; Ord. 2019-031 Exh. A; Ord. 2023-034 Exh. A)
The committee will advise the Whatcom County council on issues, including regulations and policies that could impact local businesses, industry, or economic development.
(Ord. 2018-030 Exh. A; Ord. 2019-031 Exh. A; Ord. 2023-034 Exh. A)
The committee will report directly to the county council as necessary to carry out the following functions:
A. 
Review and provide recommendations on comprehensive plans, regulations, economic development efforts and on proposals which directly impact business and economic conditions in Whatcom County; and
B. 
Assist the county and provide recommendations on efforts to improve business conditions, environment and infrastructure; and
C. 
Assist and develop recommendations for comprehensive economic development efforts of associate development organizations (ADO) and other issues impacting business in Whatcom County; and
D. 
Develop recommendations and strategies for ensuring the county applies a client-focused approach to supporting businesses with regulations, permitting, and planning.
(Ord. 2018-030 Exh. A; Ord. 2019-031 Exh. A; Ord. 2023-034 Exh. A)
A. 
The committee shall be composed of 23 members serving four-year terms.
B. 
The following designated officials shall be nonvoting members:
1. 
One member of the Whatcom County council;
2. 
County executive or designee;
3. 
City of Bellingham mayor or designee;
4. 
Port of Bellingham executive director or designee; and
5. 
One representative from the small cities, designated by the Small Cities Caucus.
C. 
The county council shall appoint one member representing for-profit entities in each of the following industries:
1. 
Internet technology;
2. 
Manufacturing;
3. 
Food processing;
4. 
Recreation;
5. 
Retail;
6. 
Marine trades;
7. 
Commercial real estate;
8. 
Agriculture;
9. 
Energy industry;
10. 
Health care;
11. 
Construction; and
12. 
Childcare.
D. 
The county council shall also appoint:
1. 
Three voting members representing for-profit business entities in any industry, including those listed in subsection C of this section; and
2. 
Two nonvoting members representing the county's institutions of higher education (Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College, the Northwest Indian College, and Bellingham Technical College) and one nonvoting member representing public K-12 education.
E. 
No two appointed members may represent or be employed by the same company or organization.
F. 
The term of office for appointed members shall be four years; provided, that the terms of those first appointed shall be staggered so that five will be appointed for two years and six will be appointed for four years.
(Ord. 2018-030 Exh. A; Ord. 2019-031 Exh. A; Ord. 2023-034 Exh. A)
A. 
Meetings of the committee shall be open and accessible to the public and shall be subject to the Open Public Meetings Act.
B. 
The committee shall determine its own meeting schedule but shall meet at least four times per year and attempt to complete its work as expeditiously as possible.
C. 
At every meeting, the committee will schedule an open session to take public comment on local business issues. Written records of meetings, resolutions, findings, and recommendations shall be kept and such records shall be public. The county council and county executive shall receive meeting minutes on a regular basis.
D. 
The committee shall adopt its own rules and procedures for the conduct of business.
E. 
The committee shall elect a chairperson from among its members who shall preside at its meetings.
F. 
The committee shall comply with Whatcom County Charter Section 4.20, Qualifications, and with Chapter 2.03 WCC, Boards and Commissions.
(Ord. 2018-030 Exh. A; Ord. 2019-031 Exh. A; Ord. 2023-034 Exh. A)
The Port of Bellingham office of director of economic development shall provide staffing for the committee.
(Ord. 2018-030 Exh. A; Ord. 2019-031 Exh. A; Ord. 2023-034 Exh. A)