Bellingham mayor on her first 15 months Time and trust is precious and finite

Mayor Kim Lund of Bellingham is entering her second year of office, reflecting on her journey which she describes as a "period of discovery. " Her primary goal is to guide Bellingham's transformation from a small to a mid-sized city, navigating challenges such as homelessness, housing affordability, and budget constraints. Lund emphasizes the importance of time and trust in her leadership, actively engaging with city staff through strategic meetings to foster collaboration. She has taken decisive actions, including increasing police presence downtown in response to safety concerns, which aligns with her campaign promise to act decisively. Despite facing managerial challenges, including the dismissal of department heads, she remains committed to finding high-quality candidates to meet the city's needs.

Lund’s leadership style reflects her background as a political outsider with experience in corporate and nonprofit sectors. Supporters, like Andrew Reding, commend her efforts to reform the city's political culture. As Bellingham evolves, Lund is determined to maintain its essential values while embracing necessary changes for the future.