We are extremely pleased to announce that Alex J. Hamilton has joined CSD Attorneys at Law as an associate attorney. Alex's practice focuses on land use, environmental law, municipal law, ports, and water law. He is experienced in counseling policymakers through complex, cross-jurisdictional legal issues.
Governments in Washington have the power to join together to conduct joint activities through interlocal agreements authorized in Chapter 39.34 RCW.
This month’s column discusses effective strategies for conducting commission meetings—a continuation of the theme from the last few columns, which have focused on topics of interest to newly elected commissioners.
This month’s column revisits a reoccurring conversation regarding a port commission’s delegation of authority resolution. Several newly elected commissioners recently began their terms, and many ports are in the process of reviewing, updating, and reauthorizing their delegation of powers resolutions (as was recommended in last month’s column).
On November 4, 2025, an ordinance passed by the Bellingham City Council was codified in the Bellingham Municipal Code (“BMC”) as BMC 6.20.
January is the month to put resolutions into action and boost any neglected goals from the previous year to the top of your agency’s queue. This month’s column is an legal checklist of items that your port should review annually.
Do you own buildings that are 20,000 square feet or larger? If so, between June 2026 and June 2028, you will likely have to comply with Building Performance Standards (“BPS”) in the Clean Building Act, Chapter 19.27A RCW, adopted by the legislature in 2019 and amended in 2022 and 2023.
Aaron focuses on Employment and Labor Law, Fire and EMS, Condominium and Homeowners’ Associations, and Litigation. He joined CSD Attorneys at Law P.S. in 2021, after practicing for three years as a litigator for agricultural companies, small businesses, and individuals in Central Washington.
The National Retail Federation forecasted that over one trillion dollars will be spent holiday shopping this season. Given the significant personal procurement occurring, it’s fitting that this month’s column discusses port procurement (which is not just limited to the holiday season).
Earlier this month ports around the state elected new commissioners. Congratulations to all newly elected commissioners.
