Whatcom County Sheriffs Office reaches tentative agreement to relocate
Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office has reached a tentative agreement to relocate its headquarters to a site in Bellingham's Cordata neighborhood. The property, formerly owned by Ryzex, will incur an annual rent of slightly over $500,000. This move addresses long-standing concerns regarding the substandard workspace currently located in the basement of the county jail. County Executive Satpal Sidhu emphasized the need for a more suitable environment, following a request from the County Council earlier this year. The county council will vote on the relocation at its meeting on November 5, with potential relocation as early as summer 2026.
The new location is expected to better serve the unique operational needs of the Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, the county retains the option to purchase the property in the future. Improving the work environment for law enforcement personnel is crucial for effective service delivery.