Vote NO to these four initiatives.

WBA’s Board of Directors is recommending a no-vote on all four initiatives because of the enormous negative impact for City of Bellingham businesses, especially small businesses, employees and our entire community.

WBA has started working with a coalition of business associations including the AGC, Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, WA Hospitality Association, WA Retail Association, Small Grocers Association and other business associations specifically opposing Initiative #4. 

The four initiatives appearing on the November ballot:

#1 Renter Protections - Severe restrictions to manage operating costs for landlords will result in increased housing costs for our workforce and potential reduction of available rentals.

#2 No Invasive Police Technology - Reducing the ability of Bellingham Police to protect the community is detrimental to the safety of our workers and property owners.

#3 Protect the Right to Organize - Concerns recipients using City funds to discourage unionization efforts along with a host of new regulations related to collective bargaining.

#4 Worker's Rights: Fair Treatment of Hourly-Wage Employees and Gig Workers - Will implement predictive scheduling for construction, and other industries, which are detrimental to work schedule flexibility for projects and workers. Also implements hazard pay of $4/hr for any State of Emergency declared, which includes Bellingham. This will also include any firm residing outside of Bellingham for the hours worked within Bellingham city limits.