Michael Alvarez Shepard
Democratic · WA · Port of Bellingham Commissioner, District 1
Michael Alvarez Shepard is the Port of Bellingham's District 1 Commissioner and a professor in the Anthropology Department at Western Washington University. He has previously worked for Northwest Indian College and Whatcom Community College and holds a Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia.
Where Michael Alvarez Shepard stands, based on their records
Supports
Civil Rights (1 record), Public Infrastructure (2 records)
Mixed record
Government Spending Reduction (1 support · 2 oppose)
Campaign finance information not available
Track record
Track record — Government Spending Reduction
Government Spending Reduction · 1 support · 2 oppose
Voted to authorize a $162,838 personal services agreement with Mead & Hunt for planning activities at the Bellingham International Airport Industrial Park, adopted 3-0 on June 9, 2026.
June 9, 2026Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: portofbellingham.com · researched July 30, 2026
Voted to adopt Port of Bellingham Resolution No. 1423 setting the 2026 tax levy and Resolution No. 1424 adopting the 2026 budget and detailed tax levy, both carried 3-0 on November 18, 2025 after a public hearing on the preliminary strategic budget; the Commission noted the package funded its top three project priorities without raising taxes.
November 18, 2025Supports Government Spending Reduction
Source: portofbellingham.com · researched July 30, 2026
Voted to authorize the purchase and sale agreement for property at 6211 Northwest Drive in Ferndale for an agriculture research station, adopted 3-0 on April 15, 2025.
April 15, 2025Opposes Government Spending Reduction
Source: portofbellingham.com · researched July 30, 2026
Track record — Civil Rights
Civil Rights · 1 support
Presiding as Port Commission President, voted for Port of Bellingham Resolution No. 1432, which restricted the use of Port property for civil immigration enforcement purposes and activities; the resolution carried 2-1 on June 9, 2026 with Commissioner Briscoe opposed.
June 9, 2026Supports Civil Rights
Source: portofbellingham.com · researched July 30, 2026
Track record — Public Infrastructure
Public Infrastructure · 2 support
Voted to authorize a $162,838 personal services agreement with Mead & Hunt for planning activities at the Bellingham International Airport Industrial Park, adopted 3-0 on June 9, 2026.
June 9, 2026Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: portofbellingham.com · researched July 30, 2026
Voted to authorize the purchase and sale agreement for property at 6211 Northwest Drive in Ferndale for an agriculture research station, adopted 3-0 on April 15, 2025.
April 15, 2025Supports Public Infrastructure
Source: portofbellingham.com · researched July 30, 2026
Track record — General
General · 4 records
Has served as the Port of Bellingham District 1 Commissioner representing South Whatcom County while working as a professor in the Anthropology Department at Western Washington University, after earlier work for Northwest Indian College and Whatcom Community College; he holds two degrees from Western Washington University and a Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia, and has served as a board member of the Kulshan Community Land Trust and the Lummi Marine Trades Education Program.
July 29, 2026
Source: portofbellingham.com · researched July 30, 2026
The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO endorsed Michael Alvarez Shepard, jointly with Eamonn Collins, for State Senator in the 42nd Legislative District, as approved by delegates at its 2026 Constitutional Convention meeting on July 23, 2026.
July 23, 2026
Source: wslc.org · researched July 30, 2026
Was appointed Secretary of the Port of Bellingham Board of Commissioners for 2022 and the Port's primary representative to Western Crossing by 3-0 votes on December 7, 2021, at the same meeting where the Commission approved publication of the Draft 2021 Port districting plan built on 2020 Census data.
December 7, 2021
Source: portofbellingham.com · researched July 30, 2026
Moved that the Executive Director draft a Port of Bellingham letter to the Governor urging a fairer approach to reopening the state during the COVID-19 pandemic; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Briscoe and adopted 3-0 on February 2, 2021.
February 2, 2021
Source: portofbellingham.com · researched July 30, 2026
Race Michael Alvarez Shepard is in:
- Legislative District 42 - State Senator (4-year term) · November 3, 2026 · Legislative (Senate) District 42; Washington
Past race Michael Alvarez Shepard ran in:
- Legislative District 42 - State Senator · August 4, 2026 · Legislative (Senate) District 42; Washington
Profile last researched September 9, 2026.