The Ferndale City Council meeting on September 29, 2025, focused on the effectiveness of the city's crime data transparency and the potential renewal of a contract with FLOC, a data analytics service.

During the meeting, resident Chris Hall raised concerns about the limitations of Ferndale's transparency dashboard, which primarily highlights misdemeanor and property crimes. He pointed out that the dashboard lacks comprehensive data on more serious offenses, such as violent crimes, making it difficult for residents to assess the overall safety of their community. Hall emphasized the need for a more robust comparison of crime statistics to ensure that the information provided is useful and reassuring for the public.

Hall urged the council to consider the implications of the FLOC contract, particularly regarding transparency and accountability. He stressed that effective data sharing is crucial for fostering community trust and enhancing public safety.

The discussion highlighted the ongoing efforts by the city to improve communication with residents about crime and safety, as well as the importance of having accurate and accessible data for informed decision-making. The council is expected to deliberate further on the FLOC contract and the enhancements needed for the transparency dashboard in upcoming meetings.