Vote Paul Schissler for Bellingham City Council

Bellingham is a wonderful place, and I want our city to have enough homes people can afford so the community grows in a healthy way. I’ve dedicated myself to public interest projects throughout my career because I believe, “We all do better when we all do better!” I will bring the knowledge and insights I’ve gained to our City Council.

Why I’m running

I’m a problem solver and I know how to make things happen. I bring a deep understanding of local issues, including home affordability, economic development, and land use policy. These are all linked to issues bigger than Bellingham, like climate crisis, racial justice, and healthy ecosystems. 

I have a track record of identifying innovative ideas and turning them into successful initiatives, like Kulshan Community Land Trust and the Bellingham Home Fund. While Bellingham boasts tremendous strengths, there is a crisis of affordability and related issues. If elected, I’ll bring new ideas to address our biggest challenges.

Accomplishments

  • Led Paul Schissler Associates, public interest consultancy, since 1994, still going strong
  • Co-founder of Kulshan Community Land Trust in 1999, first executive director for ten years
  • Co-founder of the Bellingham Home Fund in 2011, led two successful ballot measures
  • Co-founder of RE Sources (started as Bellingham Community Recycling) in 1984
  • Director of Unity Care Northwest when it was Interfaith Family Health Center 1990-1994
  • Planner for Swinomish Indian Tribal Community government,1984-1990
  • Co-founder of Fairhaven Neighbors and its first board president in 1988
  • 2017 Housing Hero, the inaugural award from the Whatcom Housing Alliance

Rep. Alex Ramel (D), 40th LD

I don’t know anyone who has spent more time and energy working to build our community than Paul Schissler. He’s a deep thinker and a hard worker. Bellingham has already benefited so much from his perspective and vision, I’m excited to see what he can do on the city council.