Hello!

I'm Kerri Burnside, a lifelong Bellingham resident, advocate, and problem solver. I’m running for Bellingham City Council to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and livable community for everyone.

A Commitment to Bellingham

I’ve spent my life working to strengthen this community—fighting for housing security, environmental protections, and policies that uplift working families. As the President of the Silver Beach Neighborhood Association and a representative on the Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Committee, I’ve worked to ensure residents have a voice in shaping our city’s future.

My advocacy extends beyond my neighborhood. As an organizer with the Bellingham Tenants Union, I’ve fought for stronger renter protections and fair housing policies. I was recently nominated to serve as the Community Housing Advocate on the Whatcom Housing Action Community because of my dedication to addressing our local housing crisis.

Experience That Matters

I bring a wealth of experience in process improvement, policy advocacy, and community building—skills that are essential for making city government more effective and responsive.

Housing & Advocacy – I have worked tirelessly to advance tenant protections, push for affordable housing solutions, and advocate for policies that support people at risk of homelessness.

Process Improvement & Leadership – During my career at Intalco, I led process improvement initiatives across multiple locations, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and better outcomes for workers. I also served as a safety officer and was the first woman in my department, where I helped create diversity and inclusion programs.

Emergency Planning & Public Safety – As a former firefighter/EMT and safety officer, I understand the importance of emergency preparedness, first responder support, and community resilience.

Environmental Stewardship – I have long advocated for protecting Lake Whatcom and our local environment, ensuring clean water and responsible development.

Current Organizations/ Advocacy Work

Silver Beach Neighborhood Association (SBNA)- President
Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Committee (MNAC)- SBNA Representative
Bellingham Tenants Union (BTU)- Organizer
Whatcom County Housing Advisory Committee -Member, Housing Advocate
Whatcom Housing Alliance Policy Task Force- Member
Office of Healthy Housing Task Force- Member
Washington Low Income Housing Alliance (WLIHA)- Legislative District Lead
Whatcom, 40th, & 42nd (associate member) Democrats- PCO 237

More Ways to Get to Know Kerri

Get to know Kerri outside of the campaign trail in her natural habitat.

Attend a SBNA Meeting

Everyone is welcome to join us during a Silver Beach Neighborhood Association meeting. We meet the second Tuesday of the month from 6:30pm-8:00pm in the Silver Beach Elementary School Library. Come meet some neighbors (even if you are from a different neighborhood), learn about what we are doing to protect Bellingham's source of drinking water, and make some new friends. Warning- this is a community event without campaigning. :)