### 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 ---