WATERFRONT ‘SHINING’ Obviously the biggest thing that I’ve worked on was getting an agreement with the Port of Bellingham on the downtown waterfront plan. That’s my shining thing that’s happened. I’d been working on this for years in the legislature, both on the cleanup money that we got and the LIFT (Local Infrastructure Finacing Tool program) money – the $25 million to match the money generated off the waterfront. We received our first check last year. I’m excited because it took me eight years to pass that bill.
CO-OP LOBBYING IN OLYMPIA Another thing that had never happened before between the County and the City: We decided to cooperate on a legislative agenda and hire the same lobbyists to represent all three of us (including the Port). We were first in the state to do this. We have enough things in common that we want to advocate for.
Gov. Jay Inslee speaking at a meeting as Port of Bellingham Executive Director Rob Fix (left) and Mayor Linville take it in.
Kelli enjoyed walking in a charity relay with her husband, Will Roehl, and between two granddaughters, Hailey (left) and Malia Linville.
BUILDING CONSENSUS My value proposition is relationships with people, because that’s how you get things done. And I don’t mean it in a back-door, smoke-filled room. I just mean the ability to talk to each other and to understand what you both need. You put your ego and your way aside, concentrate on the goal, and figure out the best way to get there. Rather than “my way, my way.” That just never works.
CARRY-OVER INSIGHTS My experience in the legislature has made me a better mayor, because I have relationships with people and understand issues outside the City. My priorities are representing what the City needs, but the understanding I have helps me, for instance, to support regional transportation needs or water issues. WHATCOMBUSINESSALLIANCE.COM | 85