PACS User Conference
For years, Washington State Assessor offices have relied on the PACS software to manage property data, streamline workflows, and ensure accurate assessments. Recognizing the power of shared experience and collective problem-solving, the annual PACS User Conference has become a vital gathering for these offices, fostering a vibrant community of collaboration and innovation.
The PACS User Conference isn't just a training event, it's a unique opportunity for Assessors, appraisers, data specialists, and IT professionals from across the state to connect, share best practices, and learn from one another. Participants actively engage in workshops, demonstrations, and roundtable discussions focused on leveraging the full potential of PACS.
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Upcoming Conference
- When: April 15 & 16, 2025
- Where: Bellingham, WA
Location
There are two conference room locations: the main conference room, located in the Civic Building, and the secondary conference room, located in the IT Computer Lab in the courthouse basement. A tour of the Whatcom County Assessor's Office will be given on the last day.
Main Conference Room
Meet here first
Whatcom County Garden Level Conference Room
322 N Commercial St
Bellingham, WA 98225
Secondary Conference Room
Whatcom County Courthouse IT Computer Lab
311 Grand St Ste B02
Bellingham, WA 98225
Assessor's Office
Optional day
Whatcom County Assessor's Office
311 Grand St Ste 106
Bellingham, WA 98225
Parking
Whatcom County Courthouse Parking
South of the courthouse
311 Grand St
Bellingham, WA 98225
See parking section for more info π
Parking
Parking is available in the lot south of the courthouse for the conference free of charge. The entrance is on Grand St and it is the first row on the right. Look for spaces marked with cones labeled PACS User Conference.
Walking directions from the parking lot to the main conference area are shown below.

Schedule
Tuesday 4/15/2025
| Start | Event | Lead By |
| 8:30 a.m. | Cofee and networking | |
| 9:00 a.m. | Introduction and goals | |
| 9:30 a.m. | Monitors | Whatcom & Clark |
| 10:30 a.m. | Break | |
| 10:45 a.m. | Roundtable discussion (PACS updates, roll closure) | Skagit |
| Noon | Lunch & networking (not provided) | |
| 1:30 p.m. | PACS (HGO, updates, Q&A) | Harris Govern |
| 3:30 p.m. | Break | |
| 4:00 p.m. | Use of online portals | Clark |
| 5:00 p.m. | End of day 1 (social to follow) | |
Wednesday 4/16/2025
| Start | Event | Lead By |
| 8:00 a.m. | Coffee and networking | |
| 8:30 a.m. | 1A: LTIF / 1B: Residential cost tables | 1A: Clark / 1B: Benton |
| 9:30 a.m. | Break | |
| 10:00 a.m. | 2A: Levies / 2B: Statistical analysis | 2A: Whatcom / 2B: Skagit |
| 11:00 a.m. | User defined tables | Jefferson |
| Noon | Lunch & networking (not provided) | |
| 1:30 p.m. | Matix | Whatcom |
| 2:30 p.m. | Break & networking | |
| 3:00 p.m. | 3A: Appraiser roundtable / 3B: Business meeting | 3A: Whatcom / 3B: County Assessors |
| 4:30 p.m. | End of day 2 & conference | |
Thursday 4/17/2025 (optional)
| Start | Event | Lead By |
| 8:30 a.m. | Coffee and networking | |
| 9:00 a.m. | Tour of Whatcom County Assessor's Office & Courthouse | Whatcom |
Tuesday Social

Join us for a Tuesday night social at Flatstick Pub from 6 pm to 9 pm! Enjoy food and mini golf, generously provided by Harris Govern. Drinks will be available for purchase separately.
Stay
Recommended Hotel
Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham 1.5 miles to main conference room
π Reserved room block with special rate See email for room block code
3 β hotel
714 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229
Other Hotels
Hotel Leo 0.5 miles to main conference room
4 β hotel
1224 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Hotel Bellwether 1.5 miles to main conference room
4 β hotel
1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham, WA 98225
GuestHouse Bellingham 1.5 miles to main conference room
2 β hotel
805 Lakeway Dr, Bellingham, WA 98229
Food
Recommended food picks by staff at the Whatcom County Assessor's Office.
- Ambo π 5-min drive Offers a vibrant and authentic taste of Ethiopia. Focuses on traditional recipes and fresh ingredients. Lunch and dinner.
- Arlis's Restaurant πΆ 7-min walk Unfussy daytime diner specializing in American breakfast staples. Lunch only.
- Aslan Depot πΆ 11-min walk The drink menu features Aslan's organic brews with food from the Brewpub up the street delivered to your table. Dinner only.
- Avenue Bread πΆ 9-min walk An eclectic cafe in downtown Bellingham that has been proudly serving up fine sandwiches, salads, grinders, and much more. Lunch only.
- Banter πΆ 3-min walk Vibrant cafe and restaurant offering globally inspired, plant forward dishes alongside specialty coffee. Lunch only.
- Bellingham Cider Company πΆ 2-min walk Local restaurant and craft cider producer. Combing the art of cider making with PNW inspired restaurant and bar. Dinner only.
- The Black Cat π 9-min drive Classic American bistro-style menu along with full bar menu. Social house atmosphere. Lunch and dinner.
- Black Sheep πΆ 6-min walk Specializing in elevated tacos with varied fillings and craft cocktails. Known for its vibrant atmosphere. Lunch and dinner.
- Busara Thai Cuisine π 10-min drive Authentic Thai cuisine prepared by experienced Thai chefs using only the freshest ingredients and served in a contemporary atmosphere. Lunch and dinner.
- Brandywine Kitchen πΆ 6-min walk Started out of love for cuisine and local agriculture. Today it is a Black-owned business, specializing in "from scratch" cuisine. Gluten free options. Lunch and dinner.
- Cafe Akroteri πΆ 9-min walk Serves authentic, traditional Greek dishes and does not skimp on garlic or quality service. Lunch and dinner.
- Caffe Adagio πΆ 7-min walk Family owned cafe featuring Italian coffee, baked goods, and sandwiches. Breakfast and lunch.
- Carnal πΆ 13-min walk Focuses on live fire cooking in the heart of downtown Bellingham. Dinner only.
- Cheba Hut πΆ 5-min walk Features over 30 signature sub sandwiches, as well as a variety of treats, salads and munchies. Lunch and dinner.
- Colophon Cafe π 9-min drive Award winning soups, fresh salads and sandwiches, savory quiches and pot pies. Healthful and delicious meals, prepared with wholesome quality ingredients. Lunch and dinner.
- El Rinconcito π 8-min drive One of the oldest and most beloved Mexican restaurants in Whatcom County. Family owned with regional tastes from Jalisco. Lunch and dinner.
- El SueΓ±ito π 4-min drive Vibrant Latin inspired craft brews that pair perfectly with famous handmade tamales. Lunch and dinner.
- Grand Avenue Ale House πΆ 3-min walk Serving classic American pub fare in downtown Bellingham. Lunch and dinner.
- Kyoto Steakhouse π 7-min drive Japanese Restaurant with fresh and bold flavors. Offers a traditional Hibachi experience or regular seating. Dinner only.
- The Loft π 4-min drive Offers fresh, locally sources seafood. With scenic views of Squalicum Harbor. Lunch and dinner.
- Lombardi's π 5-min drive Fresh regional Italian dishes. Made from scratch and imported Italian staples. Lunch and dinner.
- Mambo Italiano CafΓ© π 9-min drive In house-made, handcrafted Italian meals from scratch with only the best quality ingredients. Lunch or dinner.
- Mount Bakery Cafe Downtown πΆ 4-min walk Cozy European style cafe. Warm and inviting atmosphere with vegan friendly options. Lunch only.
- Old Town Cafe πΆ 7-min walk Old Town uses as many natural, local, and organic products as possible and makes pastries on-site. Vegetarian and gluten free options. Lunch only.
- Ramen+Bowl πΆ 11-min walk Menu features items like Tonkotsu Ramen and a variety of side dishes. Provides a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Japanese ramen shops. Dinner only.
- Redlight πΆ 3-min walk A cozy, eclectic spot known for its inventive cocktails and globally inspired small plates. Dinner only.
- Rock and Rye Oyster House π 4-min drive Offers fresh dishes and sustainable local seafood from our scratch kitchen. Environment mirrors our casual hometown. Dinner only.
- The Sandwich Odyssey πΆ 7-min walk Prepares food from scratch with fresh produce and meats roasted daily, sliced by hand and prepared on bread that is fresh baked every morning. All soups, sauces, and * salads are made in house, in small batches to ensure a high quality. Lunch only.
- Soy House πΆ 6-min walk Traditional authentic Vietnamese dishes. Dishes offer organic, natural, and local ingredients. Everything is made to order. Lunch and dinner.
- Storia Cucina πΆ 3-min walk Classic Italian done right. Everything made from scratch using quality products that are grown and raised with care by local farmers. Lunch and dinner.
- Tacos El Tule πΆ 2-min walk Well loved taco truck by County employees. Speedy service. Specializes in the tule taco. Lunch only.
- Wanida Thai πΆ 11-min walk Serves a diverse selection of Thai cuisine in a warm and inviting setting. Lunch only.
- YunGaNe πΆ 10-min walk Authentic Korean comfort dishes that taste like they are right out of a Korean family kitchen. Lunch and dinner.