As we reflect on the year 2024, it is clear that our city has made significant strides across a variety of departments, demonstrating commitment to growth, efficiency and community engagement. This year, the City of Blaine has experienced many milestones, each contributing to the continued success and development of our community.
The City Clerk’s Office had a year of achievements, beginning with the successful recruitment and hiring of key personnel. Notably, we welcomed a new finance director and police chief to our team. Additionally, the clerk’s office processed a record number of public record requests, reviewing approximately 50,000 emails to maintain transparency and public trust.
This past year also marked a significant milestone for our electrical division, which is now fully staffed for the first time in several years. A fully staffed electrical utility is vital for the ongoing maintenance of our power grid and ensures the reliable delivery of electricity to Blaine residents. In addition, phase one of the city’s policy manual overhaul was completed, with phase two expected by mid-2025.
The finance and IT departments saw a year of significant change and progress. In July, we welcomed Jennifer Spidle, CPA, as the new finance director. One of the major initiatives of 2024 was the successful implementation of phase one of the city-wide transition to a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. This transition, which will consolidate three software programs into one, promises to significantly streamline financial processes by spring 2025.
The city also completed the 2022-23 financial audit with a clean audit opinion and we updated our purchasing policy based on auditor recommendations. The city’s outdated phone system is being replaced with a modern voice over IP system, set to go live in January 2025. The Finance Department, in collaboration with other city departments, successfully created and presented the 2025 budget, which was adopted by Blaine City Council in November 2024.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Finance Department is focused on the full implementation of the ERP system, further policy and procedure reviews, the completion of the utility program assistance audit, a comprehensive review of our utility rate structure, and the development of a new inventory system.
The past year was a year of transition and growth for the Blaine Police Department. Chief Funk took the helm in April, and several officers were promoted, including Brent Greene to lieutenant and Keith Olson to sergeant. Two new officers graduated from the academy and are now patrolling the community. The department also bid farewell to lieutenant Michael Munden, who retired after 25 years of service, including 12 years as a K9 officer.
Community engagement remained a top priority for the police department. Officers participated in various events, from school activities to local celebrations, and were actively involved in the Ragnar race and the Fourth of July festivities. A highlight of the year was a generous donation from an individual who purchased automated external defibrillators for every officer, a gift valued at approximately $28,000.
Several officers earned certifications in crisis intervention, leadership, evidence handling and wellness programs. Officer Jeremiah Leland took significant steps in supporting the department’s officer wellness program, which received national attention due to his grant work. Our officers were recognized for their bravery and service with several awards, including Chief’s Commendations and Life Saving Medals.
Looking forward, the police department is working on improving efficiencies, exploring the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs accreditation process, and seeking alternative funding sources to enhance equipment and training. In 2025, we will continue to focus on training and leadership development while seeking new ways to improve the safety and effectiveness of our police operations.
The Community Development Services (CDS) Department welcomed new staff members, including Clay Salzman as building official and Mike Beck as senior planner. The department was busy facilitating major commercial construction projects such as Family Care Network, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and Chain Lakes Express Car Wash, as well as overseeing the completion of 49 new homes. Residential development continued at a strong pace from 2023, helping to meet the growing demand for housing.
The CDS Department also achieved important long-range planning goals. It successfully concluded the Downtown Ad-hoc Advisory Committee and worked with city council to adopt a new parking relief program and reduced building height restrictions for downtown.
Work on the city’s comprehensive plan update also began, with the adoption of a public participation plan and recommendations for preliminary growth numbers submitted to Whatcom County.
In addition, the CDS team collaborated with the Blaine Chamber of Commerce to run another successful year of Blaine by the Sea. Two new major events, the Bellingham Scottish Gathering and the Spring Block Party, were facilitated. The Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee funded the creation of a new mural at G Street Plaza, enhancing the city’s public spaces.
Lastly, Blaine Public Works Department achieved several key milestones in 2024, with a focus on infrastructure projects and community development.
The Downtown Revitalization project made great strides, which will improve Peace Portal Drive and the Martin Street parklet. These upgrades include sidewalk repairs, tree replacement and general aesthetic improvements. The project will move forward with bidding in early 2025, with construction set to begin later in the year.
The channelization of Boblett Street near its intersection with SR-543 has been a major undertaking, aimed at improving traffic flow and safety. The channelization project will widen the roadway, replace sidewalks, improve storm drainage and install pedestrian safety features. Additionally, the city is upgrading electrical Circuit 17 and Circuit 11, enhancing the availability, reliability and safety of the city’s power grid.
The public works team also played a pivotal role in supporting residential development, particularly in the East Maple Ridge subdivision, ensuring that infrastructure improvements are aligned with the city’s growth and development goals.
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