Equitable Access to Housing

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Consultation has concluded

Equitable access means that everyone should be able to secure decent housing, obtain educational and economic opportunities, and benefit from public services regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, age, or where they live in Bellingham.

Of course, the data tells us that this is not the case. While many of our neighbors are struggling with the high cost of living – and of housing especially – comparing the data by demographics tell us that some groups are struggling even more than others.

What can the City do to try to address this? Take a look at some of the data we’ve compiled below and review the Assessment of Fair Housing to find out more.

What is Fair Housing? Fair Housing refers to a federal law that prohibits discrimination in the purchase, sale, rental, or financing of housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, marital status, age, or ancestry. It doesn’t deal directly with housing affordability.

Equitable access means that everyone should be able to secure decent housing, obtain educational and economic opportunities, and benefit from public services regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, age, or where they live in Bellingham.

Of course, the data tells us that this is not the case. While many of our neighbors are struggling with the high cost of living – and of housing especially – comparing the data by demographics tell us that some groups are struggling even more than others.

What can the City do to try to address this? Take a look at some of the data we’ve compiled below and review the Assessment of Fair Housing to find out more.

What is Fair Housing? Fair Housing refers to a federal law that prohibits discrimination in the purchase, sale, rental, or financing of housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, marital status, age, or ancestry. It doesn’t deal directly with housing affordability.

  • Housing Equity and Access Survey

    This survey closed on June 30, 2022. 


    This community survey is designed to assess how well the City is upholding Federal Fair Housing laws and it will help inform our Assessment of Fair Housing, which is a self-assessment required by HUD. This is also an opportunity to check in with residents of Bellingham to see how we can improve access to opportunities, including housing. We have added some slides below in case you would like a bit more explanation on some of the choices within the survey. 

    A note about surveys: Online surveys have the advantage allowing lots of people to participate and share specific feedback in a way that is quick and convenient. Of course, we realize that surveys also have many limitations; information is voluntary and may exclude some groups. We do not consider these survey results to be scientific, or to equally represent all segments of the population. This survey is just one of the ways that we’ll be gathering community feedback. If you’d like to review the complete Community Participation Plan, please visit: Community Participation Plan (cob.org)

    Consultation has concluded
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