Our Work

community leading systems change towards racial equity

Committees

The Whatcom Racial Equity Commission has 4 committees that work in various ways to support our mission. These are:

Policy Analysis & Development

The Policy Analysis & Development Committee serves as an advisory board to local government agencies, other organizations committed to the aims of the commission, and the county-wide community with regard to racial equity.

Community Engagement & Outreach

The Community Engagement & Outreach Committee serves as a community forum on racial equity and creates mechanisms to identify issues, concerns, needs, and resources.

Data Analysis & Justice

The Data Analysis & Justice Committee gathers and analyzes disaggregated qualitative and quantitative data to identify racial disparities and disproportionalities in the areas of concern.

Administration & Development

The Administration & Development Committee serves as the administrative arm of the WREC, ensuring infrastructure and necessary support to serve as an effective advisory board to local government agencies, other organizations committed to the aims of the commission, and the county-wide community with regard to racial equity.

Current Initiatives

Justice System

  • Incarceration Data Analysis: In partnership with Western Washington University’s Sociology Department, this project will analyze local incarceration data to highlight inequities and impact Whatcom County Justice Project.

  • Justice Project Follow-Along: A central resource for updates on the development of the Jail & Behavioral Care Center—designed to keep the public informed and engaged.

All 12 WREC Action Areas

  • The WREC Policy Agenda: A clear, actionable roadmap to guide how local systems address the key issues we've identified.

  • Whatcom County Racial Equity Matrix: A practical tool for organizations, individuals, and institutions to assess and advance racial equity in their work in Whatcom County.

  • WREC’s Learning Agenda 2025: A community forum centered around learning, reading, and reflecting together on systemic racism—turning those insights into action.

  • Convening Events: Space for racial equity champions across the county to come together, share strategies, and collaborate toward common goals.