As Whatcom County's "New Jail" breaks ground in 2026, this is the moment to impact with how the building - located near a border processing facility - and the programming and systems that surround it are shaped. In continuing conversation with local community advocates, Cells Dividing utilizes research and participatory design strategies to interact with local governance, drawing on the voices of those most impacted by the carceral system. Often only represented by data sets and occasional meeting minutes in council sessions, these vital voices must be leveraged in order to interrupt carceral cycles. This is necessary for community concerns and Whatcom County's goals for justice and equanimity can be met - or even surpassed.
 
​It is well documented that the jail population in Whatcom County is exploding, and that many of the people being held are unable to afford bail or are there on minor charges that may not require any incarceration in order to be addressed. At least 44% of inmates in American jails have a mental health condition with detrimental impact to adequate and timely treatment during time served. There are more appropriate ways for Behavioral Health and recovery services to be provided and for housing and community security to be encouraged. 

Status: I am currently collaborating with organizations and people already working on the jail systems issue, and constantly continuing to build a stronger network of relationships and action. A team representing the various entities engaged with this larger social project is forthcoming, aiming to create more cooperative services across sectors in this area. I am beginning to seek funding to execute the first stage of the project outlined in the infographic below.