This Month's Latest Tech News in Bellingham, WA - Saturday May 31st 2025 Edition

Bellingham is emerging as a Pacific Northwest leader in tech transparency and responsible AI innovation, especially as Washington's AI Task Force places transparency and accountability at the top of its 2025 legislative agenda.

Their report asserts,

“Transparent AI systems, which are understandable and accessible to users, developers, and regulators, are a cornerstone of trustworthy AI.”

These recommendations seek to close loopholes in AI regulation and align with national trends, such as the strengths and setbacks seen in California's recent AI laws, detailed in the AI Legislative Update on California AI Laws.

Bellingham's forward-thinking public sector and tech community are also fostering innovations like AI-powered civic tools, showcased in the collaboration between Abstract and Trellis to distill complex government data for citizens and policymakers (Abstract's AI Transparency Partnership Announcement).

As advocacy for open-source, auditable algorithms grows nationwide, local efforts echo the call of the Open-Source AI Foundation to view public-facing AI as a “public good” and ensure systems are open to scrutiny (Push for Transparency in Government AI Contracts).

Together, these advances are positioning Bellingham - and Washington state - as trailblazers in equitably navigating the risks and rewards of AI technology.

Bellingham's tech transparency efforts received a major boost this month as Morgan Foster teamed up with Noosphere to launch BoardLink, an AI-powered platform aimed at transforming public access to school board data.

BoardLink leverages Noosphere's expertise in digital news delivery, which centers independent reporting and user trust, to create a centralized repository where community members can find, compare, and analyze school board decisions in real time.

As highlighted in coverage of Noosphere's innovative approaches to digital news, this model resonates with younger and more skeptical audiences seeking both transparency and direct access to credible information.

The arrival of BoardLink marks a timely response to the national trend of declining public trust in institutions - a concern echoed in Pew's polling data and discussed by digital media experts:

“Gen Z has a huge distrust of institutions of any kind, and we're starting to see millennials and even Gen Xers share in that distrust of media. But where they are placing their trust is with people who they have some sort of affinity with,”

writes Liz Kelly Nelson.

With AI now automating everything from workflow to content analysis, the platform dovetails with the rapid adoption of such tools throughout 2025 as described in the AI Toolkit Landscape report.

BoardLink's open-data ethos and focus on accessibility set a new bar for civic engagement in Bellingham, moving the city forward as a regional model for digital public participation.

For more on Noosphere's recent tech and education initiatives, including projects fostering STEM skills among youth, visit Noosphere's project news hub.

Eastern Washington is poised to become a hub for artificial intelligence mega-projects as the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) actively solicits input and industry interest for building AI infrastructure, including data centers, on 16 federal sites - with Richland's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) identified as a leading candidate.

This initiative, aligned with a 2025 executive order to strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and national security, would see construction begin by late 2025 and operations start in 2027, potentially co-locating advanced power sources such as small modular reactors (SMRs) to provide reliable energy for these facilities.

According to Energy Secretary Chris Wright,

“The global race for AI dominance is the next Manhattan Project, and with President Trump's leadership and the innovation of our national labs, the United States can and will win.”

Regional interest is high; Energy Northwest and Amazon are exploring SMR development near Richland, while the area's dry, stable climate, skilled technical workforce, and low construction costs provide a competitive advantage for large-scale technology investments.

However, challenges remain, with reports noting rapid consumption of local power capacity, which may necessitate new strategies for grid modernization and energy innovation.

For an in-depth look at the DOE's site shortlist and infrastructure plans, review the official DOE Request for Information on Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure on Federal DOE Lands.

Explore how PNNL aims to “power the AI revolution” and its vision for the Tri-Cities in Tri-Cities Business News feature on PNNL AI Data Centers.

For more about how these federal plans connect with regional economic development and the national AI agenda, see Heatmap's deep dive on DOE's AI data center strategy.

This past month, several Seattle crosswalks - including locations in South Lake Union and the University District - were hacked to play AI-generated messages mimicking Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, lampooning local debates over taxing the wealthy and referencing figures such as Luigi Mangione and contemporary housing affordability issues.

The spoofed audio, played at a minimum of six major intersections, replaced vital accessibility instructions critical for pedestrians with visual impairments, raising concerns over both security and public safety.

As NPR reports on the hacking incidents, security researcher David Kohlbrenner explained,

“They're not very secured. That's on purpose. They're usable by people out in the field... if you don't change the initial password, then you would just be able to walk up, connect to the device and then upload a sound file that you would like.”

This trend was mirrored in Silicon Valley, where crosswalks broadcasted satirical AI voices of Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, spotlighting how easily infrastructure with default Bluetooth or phone app controls can be compromised.

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) rapidly reverted signals to their safe, intended function and began collaborating with vendors to fortify defenses, emphasizing that audio instructions are “critical for people who are blind or have limited vision” and condemning the disregard for accessibility in pursuit of political statements (FOX 13 Seattle details SDOT's response).

In the wake of national attention, these hacks highlight tensions at the intersection of AI accessibility, cybersecurity, and economic policy, while underscoring an urgent call for better safeguards as AI-enabled pranks grow more sophisticated (The Seattle Times offers further incident context).

This month's Microsoft Build 2025 conference in Seattle became a flashpoint for debate about the role of artificial intelligence in global conflict, as repeated protests by employees and activists called attention to the company's technology contracts with Israel's military.

Demonstrators - both outside the convention center and on stage during keynotes by CEO Satya Nadella and CoreAI head Jay Parikh - raised questions about the use of Microsoft's Azure and AI services for military applications in Gaza, chanting and demanding that Microsoft sever ties with the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

As one protester, a Palestinian tech worker, interrupted Parikh's keynote, he pleaded,

“Jay! My people are suffering! Cut ties! No Azure for apartheid! Free, free Palestine!”

The coordinated wave of dissent, organized by the employee group “No Azure for Apartheid,” also included mass internal emails and support from former Google activists.

Microsoft responded by stating, after an internal review and external audit, that there was no evidence its Azure or AI technologies were used to harm civilians in Gaza, describing its deals with Israel as standard commercial relationships.

Meanwhile, employees reported that Microsoft quietly implemented email filters blocking words like “Palestine,” “Gaza,” and “genocide,” stoking further concerns about transparency and internal dissent as revealed in the New York Post's report on Microsoft email restrictions.

The protests at Build followed earlier disruptions at company events and reflect a rising trend of tech worker activism around the ethics of AI in armed conflict.

For a detailed timeline of protest actions and Microsoft's responses - including employee calls to action and management's official statements - see The Verge's comprehensive coverage of the Build conference disruptions.

Amazon has partnered with Energy Northwest to launch a groundbreaking nuclear energy initiative in the Tri-Cities, aiming to fuel the region's AI growth and address escalating electricity demands with an initial $334 million investment in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

The project, set near the Columbia Generating Station, will begin with four Xe-100 SMRs developed by X-energy, collectively generating approximately 320 MW - enough to power more than 770,000 homes - with a future expansion option to reach 960 MW. This collaboration is rooted in Energy Northwest's extensive experience and leverages the region's robust nuclear workforce, while also fostering partnerships with local unions and educational institutions to bolster trained talent.

The feasibility phase is already underway, with construction expected to support up to 1,000 jobs and over 100 permanent roles from the early 2030s onward. The initiative is a major step toward Amazon's Climate Pledge commitment to net-zero carbon by 2040, representing a scalable and carbon-free energy solution that will help sustain both the company's operations and regional growth.

As Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon Web Services, states:

“Nuclear is a safe source of carbon-free energy that can help power our operations and meet the growing demands of our customers, while helping us progress toward our Climate Pledge commitment to be net-zero carbon across our operations by 2040.”

The project's technical and economic impact is further summarized in the table below:

Aspect	Details
Number of Reactors	4 initially, option for 8 more
Power Capacity (initial)	~320 megawatts
Potential Total Capacity	Up to 960 megawatts
Jobs Supported	1,000 construction / 100+ permanent
Location	Near Columbia Generating Station, Hanford
Reactor Design	Xe-100 by X-energy
Amazon's Commitment	Initial feasibility funding and power purchase rights
Climate Pledge Goal	Net-zero carbon by 2040

For further reading, visit Amazon's official announcement on Amazon's nuclear energy agreements, the detailed local business report on delivering nuclear power to the region, and the public partnership news release from Energy Northwest.

Atlas Agro's landmark expansion in Richland is solidifying the Tri-Cities as Washington's next high-tech powerhouse, with a planned $1.3–$1.5 billion Pacific Green Fertilizer (PGF) plant set to become the world's first at-scale, low-carbon nitrogen fertilizer facility.

Bolstered by an $80 million USDA grant and federal hydrogen hub funding, the PGF project is a cornerstone for regional clean energy, expected to deliver a 99% reduction in emissions, create 200 jobs, and annually produce 700,000 tons of green fertilizer according to Atlas Agro's official project overview.

Atlas Agro's ambitions extend to data center development adjacent to its new plant, seizing on the region's cost-competitive construction environment, skilled labor, and access to forthcoming advanced nuclear and renewable energy as highlighted by the Department of Energy's Richland site initiative.

These investments align with a surge of major high-tech infrastructure across the Tri-Cities, including Amazon- and Energy Northwest-backed small modular reactor projects and multibillion-dollar data center campuses nearby.

As Karl Dye, President and CEO of the Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC), noted, “Economic development in the Tri-Cities is expected to continue, with energy ventures and agriculture strong.”

This grant represents a significant step forward in our efforts to decarbonize agriculture.” - Petter Østbø, Atlas Agro CEO

The region's transformation is underscored by collaborative public–private investment, federal support, and the unique convergence of agriculture, energy, and AI technology.

For a detailed breakdown of key upcoming projects, see the table below:

Project	Investment	Status	Jobs	Launch Year
Atlas Agro Pacific Green Fertilizer	$1.3–$1.5B	FEED completed, FID 2025	200	2027
Data Center (Richland/Walla Walla)	$4.8B (Walla Walla)	Proposed	1,000 (est., Walla Walla)	TBD
Advanced Nuclear Fuel Project	$4.5B	Land sale pending	1,000	TBD

For further insights on economic trends and energy partnerships defining the Tri-Cities' rapid growth, visit the latest Tri-Cities economic outlook.

This month, Bellingham is witnessing the rapid growth of social impact applications spearheaded by Noosphere Analytics, in sync with wider trends in health AI and funding transparency.

AI-powered solutions are now helping nonprofits overcome critical funding shortfalls: a recent survey found that 73% of nonprofits reported increased program demand in the past year, while 81% saw operating costs rise by an average of 15%.

As nonprofits face higher demand with fewer resources, technology like AI-driven donor analysis, grant writing, and automated bookkeeping is essential for sustainability and transparency, as detailed in this analysis of AI in nonprofit operational strategy.

Concurrently, innovations like BU's BEACON platform demonstrate how AI - combined with expert human review - delivers real-time global infectious disease surveillance, filling a critical public health need.

As Nahid Bhadelia describes:

"Clinicians don't have real-time information... We live in an age of epidemics... This work is needed not just for public health experts, but also for communities and clinicians."

These advances reflect broader market momentum; the global AI in healthcare sector was valued at $26.57 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at an explosive 38.62% CAGR through 2030, according to this comprehensive AI healthcare market report.

Meanwhile, open-source public health initiatives showcased at the AI in Public Health Research Symposium illustrate how Bellingham and like-minded communities are leading the charge for equitable, transparent technology in health and funding.

Survey Metric	Value
Nonprofits reporting increased demand	73%
Nonprofits reporting higher costs	81%
AI in Healthcare Market 2024	$26.57B
Projected CAGR (2025–2030)	38.62%

Artificial intelligence is transforming legislative research and local advocacy by both automating information retrieval and prompting urgent regulatory action across the United States.

In 2025 alone, 48 states and Puerto Rico introduced AI-focused legislation, with 26 states enacting over 75 new laws aimed at balancing innovation and public safety - ranging from content ownership and provenance rules in Arkansas to transparency mandates and labor protections in New York (see the detailed state-by-state AI legislative summary).

Yet, this diversity creates a patchwork regulatory environment: a recent proposal in Congress seeks a 10-year federal moratorium on new state-level AI laws, a move endorsed by major tech firms but opposed by state leaders and advocates who argue it risks leaving consumers unprotected while a national framework is debated (read more about the proposed federal AI moratorium).

Meanwhile, pioneering states like California are already implementing transparency initiatives and risk assessments, though recent reports found significant underreporting of high-risk AI use by government agencies, raising questions about public accountability.

As Samantha Gordon of TechEquity noted,

“If you asked an everyday Californian if losing their unemployment benefits at Christmas time when they have no job caused a real risk to their livelihood, I bet they'd say yes.”

The ongoing debate on state versus federal oversight and the drive for responsible AI governance highlight the importance of legislative advocacy and data-driven public engagement to ensure that automated systems are used transparently and equitably.

For a comprehensive analysis of evolving state AI laws and their impact on advocacy, consult the latest legal overview of state AI regulations.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is moving swiftly to position the nation at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) by transforming its federal lands into AI infrastructure hubs, a move some are calling the “Manhattan Project 2.0.” At least 16 DOE sites - including Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Eastern Washington - are under review for rapid data center and power plant development, leveraging existing energy grids and enabling fast-track permitting for new generation sources such as nuclear to support AI-driven growth.

This initiative is part of a broader private-public surge anchored by projects like OpenAI's “Stargate,” which aims to invest up to $500 billion and create hundreds of thousands of jobs, further energizing local economies and bolstering national security as America races to secure AI leadership.

In Washington State, Governor Bob Ferguson has ordered an in-depth analysis of data centers' impact on energy consumption, tax revenue, and job creation - a critical step given that new AI workloads could soon consume a significant share of the state's green power and escalate economic stakes.

As Secretary of Energy Chris Wright states,

“The global race for AI dominance is the next Manhattan project, and with President Trump's leadership and the innovation of our National Labs, the United States can and will win.”

For more on Washington's executive response and sustainability goals, visit Governor Ferguson's data center study announcement.

Automated public data platforms are rapidly transforming civic engagement by improving government transparency and making information access seamless for all citizens.

In Palm Beach, a newly rolled out public meetings portal lets residents easily explore official agendas, submit comments, and even register to speak virtually, while an AI-powered chatbot ensures 24/7 access to municipal details - innovations designed to foster “a more inclusive and connected community” according to Polimorphic CEO Parth Shah.

“Implementing AI features like the chatbot makes public information more accessible to everyone and contributes to a more inclusive and connected community.”

Meanwhile, platforms like InfoTrack Intelligence are setting a new standard nationwide, enabling lightning-fast court document e-filing with greater than 99% accuracy, dramatically reducing errors and the burden on legal professionals.

These advancements parallel federal and state momentum: experts recently testified before Congress that AI adoption can help agencies efficiently meet mounting Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and reduce procedural bottlenecks, enabling the public to obtain records and participate more readily in the democratic process.

For a deeper look at how Palm Beach is using digital tools and artificial intelligence to boost municipal transparency, visit the Palm Beach Daily News overview of the updated public meetings platform and AI chatbot; for details on InfoTrack's AI-driven court filing revolution, see the LawNext breakdown of InfoTrack's AI-powered e-filing platform; and to understand how AI can bolster public transparency at the government level, read the expert testimony recap from StateScoop on AI and FOIA public records.

Bellingham's leadership in tech transparency and AI innovation is resonating far beyond city limits, defining what it means to build an equitable digital society.

From pioneering local solutions like BoardLink - an AI-powered platform making public records and school board decisions accessible for advocacy and equity efforts - to proactively shaping statewide policy, the city showcases how technology can serve the public good.

The Washington State AI Task Force, comprising experts and community voices, has placed transparency and accountability at the center of 2025 legislative priorities, affirming that “transparent AI systems, which are understandable and accessible to users, developers, and regulators, are a cornerstone of trustworthy AI.” These efforts align with ongoing judicial advocacy for fairness, as Washington's Chief Justice Debra Stephens reminds us:

“Just because something is normal doesn't mean it was ever neutral... The burden of doing things the way we've always done them doesn't fall equally across communities.”

Yet, Bellingham's progress is set against the backdrop of a fragmented national AI regulatory landscape, with states like Colorado and California passing leading transparency laws while federal proposals could supersede local protections (patchwork of AI regulation in the United States).

As these challenges evolve, Bellingham's tech community remains committed to a digital future that is not just innovative, but equitable and accountable; learn more about the city's impact and upcoming policies in the Washington State AI Task Force's transparency and accountability recommendations for 2025 and see how local innovators are transforming civic data access with systems like BoardLink in Cascadia Daily News' coverage of Noosphere and Morgan Foster's AI project.