## Meeting Overview On a clear evening in early May, the Bellingham Planning Commission gathered in City Council Chambers to tackle one of the final chapters of the city's comprehensive plan update — economic development. With five of seven commissioners present, the meeting marked another milestone in an exhaustive 18-month planning process that has touched every aspect of how Bellingham will grow and evolve over the next two decades. Chair Mike Estes and Commissioner Russ Whidbee were absent, leaving Vice-Chair Barbara Plaskett to guide the discussion alongside commissioners Daniel Bloemker, Jed Ballew, Jerry Richmond, and Rose Lathrop. The atmosphere was focused yet relaxed, reflecting both the importance of the work and the commission's growing familiarity with the comprehensive planning process. What made this meeting particularly significant was its focus on economic development — a topic that bridges the technical world of zoning and land use with the very human concerns of jobs, wages, and quality of life. As city planner Sydney Prusak would explain, this wasn't just about attracting businesses; it was about supporting the workers who power Bellingham's economy. ## The Economic Development Vision Sydney Prusak, a planner who admitted her enthusiasm for topics like future high-speed rail might glaze over some people's eyes, led the discussion with infectious energy. She had taken the economic development chapter presentation to multiple boards and commissions, gathering feedback from arts commissioners concerned about supporting working artists, tourism officials curious about community sentiment, and business leaders worried about infrastructure capacity. "The point of this plan is to set the stage and have a policy that Bellingham wants to be at the table when people are talking about future high speed rail, where the stops are, how it's going to be built, we want to be there," Prusak explained, addressing the skepticism that often greets long-term visioning. "People from Seattle are there, people from Portland are there, and we want to be a part of the conversation." The chapter maintains the city's existing three-pronged approach to economic development: providing leadership for a positive business environment, ensuring adequate zoned land and infrastructure for employment growth, and delivering excellent services that foster business retention and growth. But the updates reflect new realities — from the rise of remote work to the critical shortage of childcare that affects every employer in the region. Chris Behee, the Long Range Division Manager, emphasized that unlike housing or transportation, the state gives cities considerable flexibility in how they approach economic development. "The state actually gives us a lot of room with how we define economic development, how we support economic development. We just need to have a chapter," he noted. ## Regional Collaboration and the Cascadia Connection The most forward-looking aspect of the updated chapter focuses on regional collaboration, particularly Bellingham's role in what planners call the "Cascadia Corridor" — the economic region stretching from Vancouver, British Columbia, through Seattle to Portland, Oregon. This isn't just geographic positioning; it's about economic strategy. Commissioner Jed Ballew raised a practical question about the much-discussed high-speed rail: "If, say, high speed rail doesn't happen or bypasses Bellingham, is that interchangeable with an upgrade of existing Amtrak Cascades services?" Prusak's response revealed the comprehensive nature of the planning: "We have a policy related to that. So yes, we are making sure that regardless of what happens, we are going to... make sure that we have expanded transportation options. So that's our ferry system, Amtrak and then also including our airport." The regional focus extends beyond transportation. The plan calls for a future employment study — a detailed analysis of what kinds of businesses and industries Bellingham should target, what its competitive advantages are, and how to leverage partnerships with Whatcom County and the Port of Bellingham. This study represents planning to plan, as Prusak put it, acknowledging that with all the housing and land use changes required by state legislation, there wasn't capacity to complete this work during the current comprehensive plan update. "We want to make sure that this economic development piece gets its time and the attention it deserves," Prusak said. The study would examine everything from industrial land capacity to the economic impacts of tourism, providing a roadmap for the next decade of economic development efforts. ## Supporting the Workforce, Not Just Businesses Perhaps the most significant evolution in the city's economic development approach is the new emphasis on workforce support — policies that recognize economic development isn't just about attracting employers, but ensuring workers can thrive in Bellingham. Commissioner Rose Lathrop zeroed in on one of the most pressing workforce issues: "One of the things that I hear a lot from residents is the lack of childcare and the challenge to find childcare. If you have a new baby, how do you manage that?" Behee's response highlighted the interconnected nature of economic development challenges: "Everybody we've talked to about economic development, that's one of the key things that always gets brought up, whether you're talking about small employers, large employers, public private childcare is something we all have a need for at some point in our lives." The city's approach focuses on what it can control — land use regulations. "Let's make childcare so it's not a conditional use, it's just allowed outright in most all zones in the city," Behee explained. "Make it as easy as possible for operators to at least solve the land use issues." The workforce support goal also addresses the growing disconnect between wages and housing costs — a crisis that affects every sector of Bellingham's economy. The plan includes a new policy to "regularly assess the gap between wages and housing availability and incorporate that assessment into planning for housing action." Commissioner Jerry Richmond pushed on this tension: "The idea that if we bring housing costs down, then more people will want to come here just because it becomes a more affordable place... It's kind of like, what are some ideas that solve that? It's like, that's kind of the quagmire that I keep getting myself into." Behee acknowledged the complexity: "Some of those are mental puzzles we struggle with all the time too... But we clearly need more housing... We're trying to provide for the people that are already here too, that have needs that aren't being met." ## Industrial Lands and the Future of Manufacturing The discussion revealed tensions around one of Bellingham's most contentious planning issues: industrial land. The city has long treated industrially-zoned property as sacred, recognizing that once it's converted to other uses, it's nearly impossible to get back for manufacturing and industrial purposes. Commissioner Daniel Bloemker raised a fundamental question: "Is there any concern that the city kind of as it progresses, is becoming less viable for industrial uses, just based on cost of land, cost of construction and costs of wages and things like that?" Behee's response reflected the nuanced reality of modern industrial development: "Industrial use is a very big umbrella that could refer to a whole lot of different things... There just are some kind of what you'd call maybe heavier industrial uses that may not be viable in any city in an urban environment, but there could be a lot of things that could be done indoors that are lower impact from a noise or odor or whatever standpoint." The key is the upcoming industrial land study being conducted by the Port of Bellingham and Whatcom County. Unfortunately, as Prusak noted, "It's unfortunate that it will be right like when we're in the adoption phase. It's not the best timing, but we'll have more answers about the sentiment and how that's evolving when that comes out." The plan also emphasizes supporting the marine trades in the waterfront district — acknowledging that while areas like the waterfront have seen significant residential development with projects like Trackside, "at its heart, the industry there... we want to make sure that as that area develops, that we're still supporting the marine trades, which is a huge part of our identity and a part of our economy." ## The Gig Economy and Remote Work The commissioners pushed staff to think about emerging economic realities that didn't exist when the last comprehensive plan was adopted in 2016. Commissioner Richmond asked about policies to support gig work: "Gig working is a 24 hour a day thing. And a lot of people do multiple different gig works. So is there anything that we do to support that?" The answer revealed both the limitations and opportunities in municipal economic development policy. While the city doesn't have specific policies for gig workers, Behee explained how the city's land use approach can help: "Managing citywide land use to make it as beneficial as possible to a wide variety of users, including like gig workers." On remote work, Prusak noted community sentiment was "fairly neutral" based on public engagement, though she acknowledged "there are a lot of remote workers here." The plan doesn't include specific remote worker policies, but considers how land use changes — like allowing more co-working spaces or small-scale commercial services in residential neighborhoods — could support people working from home. ## Supporting Local Businesses and Nonprofits The discussion touched on the ecosystem of organizations that support Bellingham's economic development. Commissioner Plaskett, drawing on her experience attending Choose Whatcom meetings, noted: "It was a lot of nonprofits that were doing the work to support the economic development... I think it would be nice if it was really called out how we can support the nonprofit groups that are doing so much of that work." Prusak indicated this would be better addressed in the upcoming Community Wellbeing chapter, but the comment reflected a broader theme in the economic development discussion — the recognition that economic health depends on more than just business-friendly policies. The plan emphasizes supporting locally-owned businesses, connecting education to industry through partnerships with Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College, and Bellingham Technical College, and maintaining downtown as the city's economic engine. ## Arts, Tourism, and Quality of Life The economic development chapter addresses two sectors that sometimes generate mixed feelings in Bellingham: tourism and arts. On tourism, Prusak reported that community sentiment during the planning process was "pretty neutral" — neither strongly supportive nor opposed. "Tourism is our thing, so we want to make sure that we're aiding those associations, and then we're also supporting tourism related events, facilities and activities through the use of the city's lodging tax," she explained. The plan recognizes recreation as an economic development driver, specifically mentioning Galbraith Mountain, which draws mountain bikers from around the region. The Arts Commission had emphasized supporting working artists, not just art as economic development. "Making sure that artists can have a living wage and can thrive in Bellingham," Prusak noted, reflecting feedback received throughout the planning process. ## Streamlining and Implementation Challenges Commissioner Richmond raised a practical question about prioritization: "Does the city have the ability to cull items within a chapter that the public feedback seems indifferent to, such as studying how to support remote workers... So with so much in front of us, how do you streamline your efforts to spend more time on the issues that the public has given a lot of feedback?" It's a question that gets to the heart of municipal planning in an era of limited resources and unlimited needs. Prusak acknowledged the challenge while noting that some policies serve important functions even without strong public advocacy — providing regulatory frameworks or maintaining flexibility for future opportunities. Behee added that prioritization involves balancing "what's the regulatory requirement, what's the urgent community need. And make sure that we're kind of pushing those things to the front." ## Environmental Impact Statement and Next Steps Before adjourning, Behee took time to walk commissioners and the public through accessing the newly released Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) — a county-wide analysis of growth alternatives that will inform final decisions on urban growth boundaries and zoning changes. The EIS includes four growth scenarios, including a "multi-jurisdictional resolution" alternative that represents Bellingham's preferred middle path between medium and high growth options. A public hearing is scheduled for May 21st at the Whatcom County Courthouse. "Any comments that are received during this 30 day period, that's part of the final EIS, will include a comment section that shows all of the comments that were collected," Behee explained, emphasizing the importance of public input in the environmental review process. ## Community Wellbeing Preview Prusak concluded with a preview of the final chapter in the comprehensive plan update — Community Wellbeing and Civic Practices. This new chapter represents an evolution in how Bellingham thinks about municipal responsibilities, encompassing everything from public health to tribal relations to civic engagement. The proposed goals include promoting community health and wellbeing, fostering safety and belonging, celebrating arts and culture, expanding equity and inclusion in civic processes, improving community engagement, and strengthening relationships with tribal nations. Many topics that were scattered across other chapters in the 2016 plan will be consolidated here. "Community well-being is a really broad topic, and especially now that it encompasses Bellingham civic practices, it's even broader," Prusak acknowledged. The chapter will come before the commission this summer. ## Looking Ahead As the meeting concluded, there was a sense of approaching a significant milestone. The commission has now worked through most chapters of the comprehensive plan update, and the summer will bring public hearings and final recommendations to the City Council. The economic development discussion revealed both the opportunities and constraints facing Bellingham as it plans for the next twenty years. The city wants to leverage its strategic location in the Cascadia region, support a diverse economy that provides living wages, and maintain the quality of life that makes Bellingham attractive to residents and businesses alike. But it must do so while managing growth pressures, protecting industrial land for manufacturing jobs, addressing workforce challenges like childcare and housing, and balancing competing visions for the community's future. The comprehensive plan update represents an attempt to provide policy guidance for navigating these complex trade-offs. Commissioner Plaskett's observation about Choose Whatcom meetings — that nonprofits were doing much of the actual economic development work while government provided coordination and funding — perhaps captures the reality of municipal economic development in the 21st century. Cities can create conditions for economic success, but the actual work of building a thriving economy happens through partnerships, collaborations, and the efforts of countless individuals and organizations working toward shared goals. The next meeting would focus on capital facilities and urban services — the infrastructure foundation that makes all other development possible. But the economic development discussion had established important themes that would carry through the rest of the planning process: the importance of regional thinking, the need to support workers as well as businesses, and the recognition that economic health and quality of life are inextricably linked in a community like Bellingham.

### Meeting Overview The City of Bellingham Planning Commission met on May 1, 2025, to discuss the draft Economic Development chapter of the Bellingham Plan comprehensive plan update. Planning staff presented proposed goals and policies, with a focus on regional collaboration, workforce support, and maintaining adequate employment lands. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS):** A federally-required planning document updated every five years by the Port of Bellingham that drives regional economic development strategy. **Employment Lands:** Areas zoned for commercial and industrial uses where businesses can locate and create jobs, distinct from residential areas. **Urban Villages:** Mixed-use neighborhoods that serve as both residential and employment centers, with downtown being the primary example. **Cascadia Corridor:** The mega-region connecting Portland, Seattle, Vancouver BC, and potentially Bellingham through future high-speed rail. **Public-Private Partnerships:** Collaborative arrangements between government and private sector to develop projects that benefit the community. **Workforce Support:** Policies that help sustain workers, including childcare, housing affordability, and quality of life amenities. **Marine Trades:** Water-related industrial activities in the waterfront district, representing a key part of Bellingham's economic identity. **Growth Management Act:** State legislation that requires cities to plan for population and employment growth over 20-year periods. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Barbara Plaskett | Planning Commission Vice-Chair (acting chair) | | Sydney Prusak | City Planner II, Bellingham Plan team | | Chris Behee | Long Range Division Manager | | Daniel Bloemker | Planning Commissioner | | Jed Ballew | Planning Commissioner | | Jerry Richmond | Planning Commissioner | | Rose Lathrop | Planning Commissioner | ### Background Context This meeting was part of an ongoing comprehensive plan update process that has been underway for about 18 months. The Economic Development chapter represents one of the final chapters being reviewed before the plan moves to formal adoption. The update is largely driven by state housing legislation passed in 2023-2024, requiring cities to plan for more diverse housing options and employment opportunities. The city has been conducting extensive public engagement through open houses, online feedback, and presentations to various boards and commissions. This chapter focuses on how the city can support economic growth while maintaining its role as a facilitator rather than direct economic development provider. ### What Happened — The Short Version Sydney Prusak presented the draft Economic Development chapter, explaining how it was reorganized from five goals in the 2016 plan to four new goals focusing on: regional collaboration, supportive business environment, employment lands, and workforce support. She outlined feedback received from other boards and commissions, noting that tourism and remote work received relatively neutral public response. Key discussion points included the need for a future employment study, childcare as an economic development priority, support for industrial lands, and questions about how to prioritize policies based on public feedback intensity. ### What to Watch Next • Draft Environmental Impact Statement public comment period runs through May 30, with a public hearing on May 21 • Capital Facilities and Urban Services chapter discussion at the next Planning Commission meeting • Transportation and Parks chapters discussion on May 29 • Community Wellbeing and Civic Practices chapter coming later this summer • Full comprehensive plan public hearing and final recommendations expected summer 2025 ---

**Q:** What are the city's three roles in economic development? **A:** Leadership for positive environment, zoning and infrastructure for employment growth, and excellent services for business growth and retention. **Q:** Who is responsible for Bellingham's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy? **A:** The Port of Bellingham updates the CEDS every five years as required by federal law. **Q:** What was the public sentiment about tourism as economic development? **A:** Pretty neutral - no strong consensus either supporting or opposing increased tourism focus. **Q:** How many goals did the 2016 Economic Development chapter have versus the proposed 2025 version? **A:** The 2016 plan had five goals; the 2025 update proposes four reorganized goals. **Q:** What is the Cascadia Corridor? **A:** The mega-region connecting Portland, Seattle, Vancouver BC, and potentially Bellingham through future high-speed rail. **Q:** Why was "business friendly climate" changed to "supportive and inclusive business environment"? **A:** Staff received feedback that "business friendly" was politically charged, so they clarified the intent with more specific language. **Q:** What percentage of workers are estimated to work remotely? **A:** Approximately 25-30% of the workforce, based on surveys and similar jurisdictions in Western Washington. **Q:** What is the proposed timeline for conducting the regional employment study? **A:** Within the next ten years, as it wasn't feasible during this comprehensive plan update process. **Q:** Which Planning Commissioners were absent from this meeting? **A:** Mike Estes (Chair) and Russ Whidbee. **Q:** What major institutions does the city want to support for expansion? **A:** Higher education institutions, school districts, healthcare providers, the Port of Bellingham, and other major employers offering diverse living wage jobs. **Q:** What environmental constraints affect available employment lands? **A:** Wetlands and other environmental constraints encumber a lot of available land in Bellingham. **Q:** Why is childcare considered an economic development priority? **A:** It's critical for workforce participation and affects all employers, public and private, but has very thin profit margins making it challenging to operate. **Q:** What will the Community Wellbeing chapter include? **A:** Community health, safety, arts and culture, equity and inclusion in civic processes, community engagement, and relationships with tribal nations. **Q:** How does the city plan to support remote workers? **A:** Through allowing more co-working spaces and small-scale commercial services in neighborhoods where people work from home. **Q:** What is the purpose of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement? **A:** To analyze traffic, environmental, and climate impacts of different growth scenarios for comprehensive plan updates countywide. ---