CITY OF BELLINGHAM PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT NO. 2025-01
Charter Amendment for Term Limits
CITY OF BELLINGHAM PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT NO. 2025-01
A CITIZEN PETITION TO AMEND THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM TO ENACT TERM LIMITS FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
WHEREAS, term limits can help overcome the structural advantages of incumbency, fostering a more equitable opportunity for new leaders to compete in elections and reducing the barriers to entry for new candidates; and
WHEREAS, requiring an open seat at least every other election ensures regular opportunities for community members to seek office and imp the political landscape with diverse perspectives and representation; and
WHEREAS, establishing term limits provides more individuals the opportunity to serve, encouraging broader community involvement in governance and leadership; and
WHEREAS, term limits increase the potential for new ideas and innovative approaches by regularly bringing in fresh leadership, which can enhance the responsiveness and effectiveness of public service; and
WHEREAS, term limits maintain flexibility by allowing previous officeholders to seek election again after a four-year break, balancing the value of experience with the benefits of new participation; and
WHEREAS, other jurisdictions, including Whatcom County, have implemented term limits that establish clear guidelines for elected officials, providing a successful precedent that can inform the proposed charter amendment;
THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE VOTERS OF THE CITY OF BELLINGHAM:
That the Charter of the City of Bellingham be Amended to read as follows:
Sec. 1. Amending Article II Section 2 to Adopt Term Limits.
2.02 Terms Of Elected Officials
The term of the Mayor shall be 4 years. The Mayor shall serve no more than three consecutive full terms in office. Terms are considered consecutive unless they are at least four years apart.
The terms of the 6 Council Members to be elected by wards shall be 4 years. The term of the Council Member to be elected at Large shall be 2 years. Elected Council Members shall serve no more than three consecutive full terms in office, except the At-Large Councilmember, who shall serve no more than twelve consecutive years. Terms are considered consecutive unless they are at least four years apart. More than one-half term shall count as a whole term.
The terms of Council Members shall be so staggered that 3 ward Council Members and the Council Member-at-Large shall be elected at each municipal general election.
Application of Term Limits.
The term limits established in this section shall not apply to terms commenced prior to the effective date of this amendment, which shall be upon certification of its adoption.
Sec. 2. Miscellaneous Provisions.
After the effective date of this charter amendment, wherever the term "councilman" or "councilmen" appears in the existing City Charter, it shall be replaced with the updated term "councilmember."
Sec. 3. Severability.
If any section, sentence, clause, phrase, or provision of this charter amendment or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, that invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of any other provision and the remainder of this chapter, or the application of those provisions to other persons or circumstances.