I’m Paul Schissler and I’m running for Bellingham City Council At-Large. I’ve had a long career aligned with my values: increasing access to affordable homes, supporting inclusion in our town, and strengthening community ties. Bellingham was a wonderful place for my wife and me to raise two children, thanks to the support of many neighbors and friends and our strong public schools. I’m grateful and ready to help make Bellingham better than ever.

I’ve spent my career focused on issues that are now more urgent than ever: affordable homes, land use policy, and economic development strategies.  I’ve had the honor of working for the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and Opportunity Council, and my company was hired to help a long list of cities, counties, and nonprofits in our region. One of the things I am most proud of is launching the Kulshan Community Land Trust and serving as its first executive director for ten years.

I have a track record of identifying innovative ideas and turning them into successful initiatives. I’m a co-founder of nonprofits that are still going strong: RE Sources, Fairhaven Neighbors, Kulshan Community Land Trust, the Northwest Community Land Trust Coalition, and the Whatcom Housing Alliance. I’ve led a community development consulting company, Paul Schissler Associates, since 1994, and I launched Madrona Community Development spc in 2019, “to promote public learning about, and technical assistance for, the development of healthy and affordable homes, facilities, and communities.”

On the city council, I will bring my knowledge, problem solving skills, and a bit of wisdom on issues the City can address. With the right leadership, there’s much to be optimistic about as we face our challenges. Home affordability is a crisis across the region, but in Bellingham it’s one we can overcome. Let’s do this. I hope to earn your support this year. I ask for your vote.