# How can Whatcom County be sure a jail and behavioral care center will be built first?

The [ordinance](https://www.whatcomcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/77111/Ordinance--2023-039-Sales-Tax-Justice-Project?bidId=) passed July 11, 2023 by the Whatcom County Council states: “The primary purpose of initial expenditures shall be to construct a jail and behavioral health facilities needed to promote public health and safety. Proceeds shall also support the expansion of incarceration reduction programs, access to behavioral health services, re-entry services, supportive housing, diversion, and accountability measures to monitor progress and inform future planning.”

*Image: Whatcom County*

![Inside of the Whatcom County Council room with a projector screen in background and Whatcom Council members sitting in the foreground.](https://www.yeswhatcomjail.com/assets/inside-of-the-whatcom-county-council-room-wit-95663f5e3ce7d3d6.jpg)

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