BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Bellingham City Council gave final approval to an ordinance on April 13, 2026, allowing the City of Bellingham to temporarily close streets and alleys to disrupt entrenched criminal and drug activity in the downtown core.
The city will close a 3-block section of the alleyway between Railroad Avenue and Cornwall Avenue later in April 2026. The closure area is located between Holly Street and Chestnut Avenue.
In 2025, Bellingham Police Department recorded 342 drug-related calls and 108 incidents of violence in the alley section. The drug-related calls included 89 overdoses.
Bellingham Public Works spent $234,000 on cleaning downtown in 2025. 80% was focused on 2 alley sections. The city estimated the cost for fencing and surveillance for the closure at $10,000.
The city plans to install permanent improvements using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design standards. These enhancements will include lighting, cameras and vestibule closures.
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