What is the Implementation Plan? What does it have to do with Whatcom County Jail/BCC?

The Whatcom County Justice Project Needs Assessment Implementation Plan is a roadmap of strategies, programs, and facilities, to meet the challenges Whatcom county citizens face in the area of criminal justice and behavioral health. The Plan is a living document (to be updated over time) that establishes planning guidance for critical needs as determined by a wide array of citizens, professionals, and elected officials.

From the Whatcom County website:

Whatcom County Council approved Resolution 2023-006 on February 21, 2023, accepting the final Justice Project Needs Assessment report and confirming the next steps to develop an Implementation Plan. The County Executive led the development of an Implementation Plan that includes:

Analysis of potential facilities concepts, including location options and planning level costs,

Identification of a site and concept for the main jail and service facilities in the community,

Proposed services and systems efforts and their costs,

Identification of county departments, community leaders, and organizations to lead implementation of the recommendations, and

A funding approach, including but not limited to elements to be funded through a proposed ballot measure.

Watch a short video (12 min.) about the Justice Project Implementation Plan background and overview.

Image: Yes! Safe Jail Healthy Outcomes